Alabama high school alumnus loses NFL roster spot to college teammate

The Cleveland Browns reshuffled their roster on Tuesday, a move that directly impacted a Montgomery high school standout. In a series of roster transactions, the team signed three new players while parting ways with three others, including defensive tackle Bernard Gooden.

A Roster Swap

The Browns announced the signing of wide receiver Aaron Anderson, linebacker Reid Carrico, and outside linebacker Markees Watts. To clear space for these additions, the team waived Gooden, a Park Crossing High School alumnus who had initially signed with the organization on April 26 following the NFL Draft. Tight end Caden Prieskorn and wide receiver Isaiah Wooden were also released.

Connection to Alabama and LSU

The transaction creates an interesting footnote for Gooden, who was college teammates at LSU with the newly signed Anderson. Anderson, who spent his collegiate career in his home state at LSU after a brief stint at Alabama, secured his spot after participating in the team's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

During his 2022 season at Alabama, Anderson appeared in a single game against Austin Peay. He later emerged as a key weapon for LSU, recording 61 catches for 884 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. His 2025 production saw a dip to 33 receptions for 398 yards as he dealt with an injury late in the season. Despite a participation in the Panini Senior Bowl, Anderson went undrafted this spring.

Gooden's path to the NFL included two seasons at Wake Forest, two at South Florida, and a final campaign at LSU in 2025.

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