Daily Dawg Tags: Browns to sign running back Carlos Hyde

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly reached a deal with free agent running back Carlos Hyde, whose production mirrors that of the player he is replacing.

One running back leaves, another arrives.

A day after learning that running back Isaiah Crowell intends to sign with the New York Jets, news broke Wednesday morning that the Cleveland Browns have agreed on a three-year deal with running back Carlos Hyde.

The news was first reported by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

Hyde spent his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, making 36 starts, and rushing for 2,729 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding 109 receptions for 634 yards and three touchdowns.

His best season was in 2016 when he posted career highs by rushing for 988 yards and averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Interestingly enough, Hyde and Crowell have put up almost identical numbers since entering the league in 2014 as they both have averaged 4.2 yards per carry and have rushed for 21 touchdowns each. Crowell is a tick better in the passing game as he averages eight yards per catch versus 5.8 for Hyde.

However, Hyde played at Ohio State so that obviously makes him the superior player (damn those statistics!) and we’ve been assured that his production suffered in San Francisco because he played behind a poor offensive line.

If that is true, then the potential is there for Hyde to up his game and at least match his output from 2016. If not, then at least the Browns did not take a step back at the position as all Hyde needs to do is hit his career averages and he will put up the same numbers as Crowell.

The new league year begins today at 4 p.m., at which time the trades the Browns made over the weekend and the reported signings will be come official. In addition to Hyde, the Browns reportedly have deals in place with defensive end Chris Smith, and offensive tackles Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson.

Today may also be the day when the Browns learn whether or not left tackle Joe Thomas will return to the team for another year or retire.

Should be a busy, fun and, at times, nerve-racking day.

Cleveland Browns news:

Browns will reportedly sign defensive end Chris Smith

Cleveland Browns fans who were waiting impatiently for the team to “do something” in free agency finally got their wish on Tuesday. The club has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $14-million contract with defensive lineman Chris Smith.

Did the Browns miss out on anything by not signing Allen Robinson?

The Cleveland Browns missed out on wide receiver Allen Robinson, who will reportedly sign with the Chicago Bears. Did John Dorsey and company make a mistake?

Browns lose Isaiah Crowell to the New York Jets (New York Daily News)

"Finally, the Jets are starting to allocate some of their league-high cap space. Former Browns running back Isaiah Crowell intends to sign a three-year contract with the Jets when free agency begins Wednesday at 4 p.m., according to a source."

Browns signing offensive tackle Donald Stephenson (cleveland.com)

"The Browns are adding some offensive tackle depth in the form of former Broncos lineman Donald Stephenson, a source confirmed for cleveland.com. NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo first reported that Stephenson is heading to Cleveland on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million."

NFL news:

Kirk Cousins expected to sign with Minnesota Vikings (ESPN)

"Former Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins plans to sign a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The landmark deal will make Cousins the highest-paid quarterback in the league."

Case Keenum expected to sign with Denver Broncos (NFL.com)

"Broncos executive John Elway isn’t waiting around to make the first move in this offseason’s game of quarterback musical chairs. Case Keenum is expected to signwith the Denver Broncos when the free-agency period officially opens Wednesday, a source tells NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. ESPN first reported the news."

Malcolm Butler signing with Tennessee Titans (tennessean.com)

"Jon Robinson keeps collecting players with Super Bowl rings. The Titans’ general manager and former Patriots personnel man is signing former Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler to a five-year, $61.25 million contract with $30 million guaranteed, an NFL source told The Tennessean on Tuesday, bolstering a Tennessee secondary that was overhauled last offseason. The deal includes a $10 million signing bonus."