Cleveland Browns place second-round tender on Isaiah Crowell
The Cleveland Browns have placed a second-round tender on running back Isaiah Crowell for the 2017 NFL season.
Hue Jackson’s offensive mind had the Cleveland Browns running the ball surprisingly well to begin the 2016 NFL season. Isaiah Crowell was putting up numbers with the best in the league, even ranking in the top-five for a good amount of the first half of the season.
However, injuries to the offensive line and quarterbacks unquestionably affected the running game along with Jackson’s non-committal approach to it.
Even with the lack of focus on the run game, the front office was undoubtedly impressed with Crow’s effort during the 2016 season. A long-term contract was reportedly being worked on several months ago but talks fell through.
Now, during the week of the 2017 NFL Combine, the Browns have placed their second-round tender on Crowell with hopes of signing him to an extended contract. The tender is worth approximately $2.81 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
#Browns placed a 2nd round tender on RB Isaiah Crowell worth $2.81M. The two sides are working on a long-term deal & hope that replaces this
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2017
Cleveland finally found a bit of consistent success in the rushing game for the first time since Peyton Hillis was bulldozing his way through defenders. Crowell, who is a restricted free agent, now affords the Browns the opportunity to gain a second-round pick if the team neglects to match an offer sheet given by another team to the 2014 undrafted free agent. Although the front office, as well as Hue Jackson, has made it clear they are planning on keeping Crowell around for the long haul.
He averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2016 and 952 yards rushing which is quite impressive considering the Browns needed to throw the ball to avoid being blown out early and frequently.
Several mock drafts have the Browns pegged to select a running back at No. 12, leading fans to believe that Crowell could be on his way out of Cleveland. Florida State’s Dalvin Cook and LSU’s Leonard Fournette are options, but the Browns have more significant holes to fill.
Next: The pros and cons of Crowell
Expect the Browns and their starting running back to complete a long-term deal before the 2017 NFL season begins.