CLEVELAND -- The Browns tweaked their roster Monday, waiving running back Armond Smith and signing former Toledo running back Adonis Thomas after his impressive tryout in rookie camp.

They also signed former Idaho linebacker JoJo Dickson to replace former Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat, who was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent but decided not to pursue a pro career.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that Sweat, now on the Browns reserve/retired list, opted to go to law school and has been accepted at five schools.

Thomas (5-9, 185) made Smith expendable with his impressive three days in Berea, where he worked behind No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson.

"It was just a weekend tryout, and he impressed us enough where we signed him to our 90-man roster," Browns coach Pat Shurmur said at a Hall of Fame luncheon Monday. "So he'll be coming to training camp with us. He did a terrific job and we feel like he's got a chance to contribute."

Thomas, who missed about a month last season after breaking his arm, rebounded with four straight 100-yard games and finished the 2011 season with 1,071 yards. He was a four-year letterman at Toledo and totaled 2,551 career rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry in each of his final two seasons, a figure which led the Mid-American Conference each year.

Smith (5-9, 194) made the roster last season after being signed as undrafted free agent out of Union College. He played in three games in a reserve role, rushing for 2 yards on three carries. He spent the final 11 games of the season on the practice squad.

Dickson (6-1, 245) was signed by Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in July, but was waived before the season. He was re-signed by Jacksonville on April 16 and was waived on April 27. A four-year letterman at the University of Idaho (2007-10), he recorded 182 career tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 41 contests.

A native of Hawaii, Dickson is primarily an inside 'backer, but can play outside too.

QB notes: Shurmur said after the Hall of Fame luncheon that rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, whom the Browns have said they expect to start right away, has made strides.

"There's no question I think he's headed in the right direction," Shurmur said. "He showed us in the first minicamp that he can throw the ball in this league, and now we'll get a chance to see him interact with the team, the full squad, and see how he does."

Shurmur declined to say if Weeden will take the first snaps in full-squad organized team activities next week.

"I'll hold onto that till we talk about that (as a staff)," Shurmur said. "But he's going be able to compete with those guys to be the starter. We'll just see how it works."

Shurmur told the audience that he still believes Colt McCoy is a viable NFL quarterback.

"Colt McCoy is a gritty guy," he said. "I think Colt McCoy is a fine football player and can play quarterback in this league. They're both guys that I want on this team and I want to see them compete. The best one will play when we play Philadelphia in September."

He said it's conceivable that Seneca Wallace will stick around too.

"I think there's a case to be made that Seneca, Colt and Brandon are all (here) together," Shurmur said. "We'll see. I think that's yet to be determined. We're going to watch them all compete and interact, and we'll see what happens."

Taylor surgery: Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor will undergo surgery to repair his torn left pectoral muscle on Wednesday, Shurmur said. Taylor will miss months, and likely, the entire 2012 season. In his absence, the Browns are hoping third-round pick John Hughes will step up.

"He's going to have to get in there and compete with the other defensive tackles to win that spot," he said. "If he ends up being the guy, he's obviously not as big as Phil. But I really believe he can create pass rush inside and play well against the run."