 On March 11, 2014, it was announced that Austin had been designated as a post-June 1 release, ending his tenure as a Dallas Cowboy.Needing to improve their depth at wide receiver after Josh Gordon's suspension, the Cleveland Browns signed him as a free agent on May 15, 2014.He asked for and received permission from former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar to wear number 19, since the number had not been officially retired.