Billy Winn said he won't sleep tonight. Tossing and turning has actually become a nightly ritual the last few days for the Cleveland Browns defensive lineman.
In a final effort to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster, Winn played with his heart on his sleeve Thursday night in Chicago against the Bears, registering two tackles and blowing up a few other plays in the backfield.
Will it be enough?
"There's only a few spots left on this team," Winn said in the locker room after the 24-0 preseason loss to the Bears, "and I want one of them."
When the Browns added a bevy of defensive linemen via the draft and free agency back in the spring, Winn's antennas were raised. He knew he would be fighting for his job in the preseason. He knew this day was coming down the pike.
Some speculated his days would be numbered after an ankle/knee injury pushed him to the sideline at the beginning of training camp. But two veterans, Phil Taylor and Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, were waived on Tuesday, signaling Cleveland's coaching staff is giving Winn more than a fighting chance to hold onto his role.
Winn has been incessantly analyzing, and sometimes scrutinizing, his every move from practice and the preseason when watching the film on his iPad late at night.
"There's more pressure this year because our level of competition has gone up so high," Winn said. "The guys that we've brought in are playing lights out. It's going to be hard for these coaches and the guys upstairs to decipher who they want to have on this squad."
A Las Vegas native and Boise State alum, Winn had never been to Ohio before the Browns selected him in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. Over the years, he's been a pleasant surprise for the franchise.
Winn's been counted on the last three years as rotational energy player and spot starter. He can pressure the passer and level running backs.
And during the time he's become a lovable fixture in the Cleveland community, often mingling with Browns fans at restaurants and Indians and Cavs games.
"This is where I want to play," Winn said. "These are the fans I want to be around. For Cleveland to take a chance like they did on me in the sixth round -- hopefully they're going to get four years from me."
Winn will know his fate by Saturday. The Browns cuts are due to the NFL league office by 4 p.m.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown throws a pass to running back Isaiah Crowell as the Browns quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell watches before an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
WR Terrelle Pryor catches a pass in pregame warmups
OL Joe Thomas smiles in pregame warmups before the Browns face the Bears
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor taking pregame reps
Every player has their own form of pregame prep
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine talks to Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) before an NFL preseason football game
Chicago Bears' Terrance Mitchell (20) is tackled by Cleveland Browns' Vince Mayle (85) on a kick off return during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) hands off the ball to running back Terrance West (28) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Willie Young (97) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Lenz is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Brock Vereen (45) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Browns wide receiver Vince Mayle looks to make a play on special teams
Chicago Bears plays against Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Lenz makes a catch against Chicago Bears defense during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) battles for extra yards
Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (36) is tackled by Cleveland Browns strong safety Ibraheim Campbell, defensive back Joe Rankin and defensive end Billy Winn (90)
Cleveland Browns running back Shaun Draughn (20) runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Mason Foster (53)
Browns wide receiever Vince Mayle makes a sliding reception
Offensive coordinator John DeFillippo relaying the play to QB Thad Lewis
Fans cheer on the Browns at Soldier Field
Fans cheer on the Browns at Soldier Field
Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor looks to pick up a block down-field
DL John Hughes stands on the sidelines
OL Cameron Erving standing on the sidelines
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine talks to Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
