Browns sign DT Justin Zimmer (12.3.19)
Immediate Release
Dec. 3, 2019
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have signed DT Justin Zimmer to the active roster from the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. To make room on the roster, the team waived DE Chris Smith. Additionally, the team released S A.J. Howard from the practice squad and signed DE Trevon Young to the practice squad.
Zimmer (6-3, 300) is a second-year player out of Ferris State and was a member of the Falcons’ practice squad during the first 13 weeks of the 2019 season. He was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and has been with the Falcons since 2018. Zimmer spent part of 2017 with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League after being waived by the New Orleans Saints during final roster cuts. He’s a native of Greenville, Mich. and will wear No. 99.
Young (6-4, 258) is officially in his first NFL season out of Louisville and was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round (205th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He appeared in two games as a rookie last season, posting one fumble recovery. He hails from Des Moines, Iowa.
Smith originally signed with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent in 2018, playing in 25 games with two starts. He accrued 22 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble since that time. Smith saw action in nine games this season.
Howard signed to the Browns’ practice squad on Nov. 20 after spending time on the practice squads of the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles earlier this season.
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