Browns RFA’s Sign Deals
As reported earlier today, LB D’Qwell Jackson signed his one year-tender, as did the remaining four, including RB Jerome Harrison, FB Lawrence Vickers, LB Matt Roth, and S Abe Elam.
Had the five RFA’s not signed their respective deals by 11:59 pm Tuesday, they would have lost out on over $1 million each. All but Roth will make $1.759 million next year; Roth, coming off his fifth season in the NFL, signed his deal worth $1.809 million.
Since the end of last season, the Browns have upgraded the positions which the former RFA’s play. Harrison, Vickers, and Roth played extremely well down the stretch, and the training camp battles will be interesting to say the least. Elam may have lost his starting gig with the additions of rookies TJ Ward and Larry Asante, who impressed the coaches in recent practices. Jackson, who missed 10 games last season, is the player most likely to lose his starting role, especially with the addition of Scott Fujita. Also not helping Jackson’s cause is his lack of big plays and knack for making tackles 5-8 yards down field.