Cleveland Browns: 5 best additions based on instant impact
By Randy Gurzi
5. E.J. Gaines, Cornerback
E.J. Gaines was already mentioned above and his signing was a really smart move. It allows them to put a trusted veteran on one side while still getting Denzel Ward into the action as a rookie. Gaines comes in as a highly respected player, but also one who knows the system.
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He and current Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams were on the same team early on in Gaines’ career with the St. Louis Rams.
Gaines was a rookie under Williams’ tutelage in 2014 and had 70 tackles with two interceptions and 15 pass break ups.
He has struggled some with injuries however, which could be why the talented corner was able to be signed for just $4 million while other corners with his skill set have earned significantly more. On the flip side, the Browns did only lock him up for one season.
It’s a double-edged sword that they had to work with. Gaines came in cheaper than his market suggests, which protects them should he continue with the injury troubles that cost him 26 games since his rookie season. It could also mean they risk losing him as he can drive up his price in the offseason by playing 16 games.
That’s not what we are looking at here though. For 2018, this was one of the better moves and is key to the Browns secondary being much better this season than last.