The Cleveland Browns’ defense has been dealt an unexpected setback as former 4-star recruit and rising defensive back Malik Thompson has announced he is stepping away from football, citing personal reasons.
Thompson, a standout at LSU known for his speed and instincts in the secondary, had recently joined the Browns as an undrafted free agent. He was considered a sleeper pick to make the 53-man roster and contribute on special teams and in nickel packages.
The announcement comes just weeks before the start of training camp, leaving the Browns with a gap in their young defensive core. Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the situation briefly: “Malik is a talented player with a bright future. We respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best.”
With Thompson’s departure, the Browns may look to free agency or give more reps to younger prospects to fill the void as they prepare for a pivotal 2025 campaign.
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