Cleveland Browns Staying Busy in Free Agency Despite Lack of Big Deals
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Cleveland Browns have remained relatively quiet in free agency thus far. All signs have pointed to the fact that Tom Heckert would take a more conservative approach to free agency this season, and it’s certainly played out that way so far.
But that doesn’t mean the Browns haven’t been busy. Here are the roster moves the Browns made on Thursday:
- Tight end Alex Smith and offensive lineman Oniel Cousins were both officially re-signed
- Cornerback Dimitri Patterson was re-signed to a three-year deal worth $16 million
- Defensive lineman Brian Schaefering signed his tender as an exclusive rights player
- Free agent defensive lineman Juqua Parker was signed to a one-year deal that could reach a maximum of $3 million
The Browns also lost a few free agents on Thursday, as safety Mike Adams (Denver Broncos) and offensive lineman Artis Hicks (Dolphins) signed with new teams.
These aren’t flashy moves by any means, but they are vitally important to the rebuilding of a decimated roster. Depth doesn’t come from gigantic moves; it’s the smaller, (far) less newsworthy signings that will pay dividends down the road.
The Cleveland Browns are on the right track. Patience is the name of the game right now.