The Cleveland Browns have made a strategic move to bolster their receiving corps, officially signing former Oregon Ducks and UCLA Bruins standout Chase Cota. Known for his resilience as an NFL journeyman on various practice squads, Cota’s arrival signals the Browns’ commitment to fostering competitive depth as they approach the pivotal 2025 season.
Cota’s professional journey began after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, leading him through a series of practice squad stints with prominent teams. He has spent time honing his skills with the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans in 2023, and most recently, the New York Giants in 2024, gaining valuable experience across multiple NFL environments.
Now, Cota eyes a permanent role on the Cleveland Browns roster, joining familiar faces from his collegiate past. He will reunite with former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel and his cousin, safety Brady Breeze, creating a unique dynamic within the Browns’ training camp as they vie for a spot.
Before his time with the Oregon Ducks, Cota established himself as a reliable receiver during his tenure with the UCLA Bruins from 2018 to 2021. Across 53 games, he demonstrated consistent performance, accumulating 883 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 67 receptions, showcasing his potential early in his college career.
His final collegiate season saw him return closer to home, playing for the Oregon Ducks in 2022. In just ten games, Cota made a significant impact, recording 497 receiving yards and a career-high three touchdowns on 36 receptions, earning an All-Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention for his contributions.
The Cleveland Browns’ training camp is already a hotbed of competition, particularly at the quarterback position with Dillion Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett battling for supremacy. Cota finds himself in a demanding environment, needing to outshine fellow receivers Kaden Davis, Gage Larvadian, Luke Floriea, Kisean Johnson, and Winston Wright to secure his spot on the 53-man roster.
As the Browns’ training camp progresses, with sessions well underway since July 22, the team is also gearing up for its preseason schedule. Key matchups include an away game against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, followed by a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles on August 16, concluding with a home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23.
Beyond Cota, many former Oregon Ducks are actively preparing for the upcoming 2025 NFL campaign, contributing to a substantial presence of 52 former Ducks in the league. Notable performances include Los Angeles Chargers’ Nikko Reed, who impressed in the Hall of Fame Game with two solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception, alongside fellow Ducks Jamaree Caldwell and Troy Dye.
While some Ducks thrive, others face challenges, such as the San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan James, who is dealing with a knee issue, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, recovering from a minor hip injury. These situations highlight the rigorous demands of the NFL and the constant battle for health and performance among professional athletes, including those with ties to the distinguished Oregon Ducks football program.
