Report: Browns extend DE John Hughes
By Paul Noel
The Cleveland Browns who have remained relatively quiet through the first couple of days of the NFL Free agency have reached a deal on a contract extension with defensive lineman John Hughes. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the deal is a 4 years, worth $14.4 Milllion. This contract will keep Hughes under contract with Browns for next 5 years and tacks on the new money to final year of his rookie deal.
#Browns & DE John Hughes reached a deal on a contract extension, source said. It’s a 4-year deal worth $14.4M in new money, pending physical
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2015
#Browns DE John Hughes made 7 starts over 3 years. But he’s an ascending player who Cleveland values
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2015
Extension for #Browns DL John Hughes includes $3.56 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. Maxes out at $15 million over 4.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 13, 2015
John Hughes is under contract with #Browns for next 5 yrs. Extension tacks on 4 years, $14.4M in new money to final year of his rookie deal.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) March 13, 2015
Hughes (26) is a young defensive player for the Browns who was drafted in the third round (87th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hughes saw limited playing time for the Browns during the 2014 season, just five games, with three starts before an MCL injury ended his season. Since being drafted in 2012 by the Browns Hughes has recorded just 44 tackles and four sacks in 36 career games, and has played behind Billy Winn on the depth chart.
Hughes was also the best run defender the Browns had last year:
Hughes was by FAR the best run defender on the Browns last year before being lost for the season.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) March 13, 2015
And, according to PFF their best defensive lineman when he was on the field:
Hughes was the only #Browns DL with a positive grade in 2014. Also had a high grade in 2013. Smart to lock him up him now. Great move.
— Brendan Leister (@BrendanLeister) March 13, 2015
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
This contract is a good sign for the Browns faithful that they see something in Hughes and they are going to build this defensive with young talent already on the roster. This should also be a welcoming sign for Billy Winn who was drafted in the same class as Hughes, and has often played in front of him on defense.
With Hughes, Winn, Desmond Bryant and Armonty Bryant, the Browns have some solid players on defense. They need more strength and stoutness, specifically at the nose tackle position. Signing a player like B.J. Raji or Kenrick Ellis might help but they would still need to draft a starter they could build around long term. Danny Shelton is one option but would cost the Browns the #12 pick if he falls that far. This year’s draft has some other options available that could play the role as well. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the team double up on big guys who can anchor against the run given that the team was ranked dead last in 2014
Do you agree with the contract extension for DE John Hughes?