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Ranking the Cleveland Browns top 5 free agent signings since 1999

By Eddie McDonald

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 8: Phil Dawson #4 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his first half field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 8: Phil Dawson #4 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his first half field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

2. Jamal Lewis – Runningback

Running backs are a dime a dozen, especially free agent running backs. A lot of times we have seen stud backs hot the open market after their rookie contracts run out and find new teams. We have also seen backs sign massive extensions, only to fade out with donning the same threads.

In 2007, Jamal Lewis left the Ravens after six seasons and signed with the Browns. He had rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of the six seasons in Baltimore, including a 2,000-yard campaign in 2003, earning him a trip to the Pro Bowl and becoming a First-Team All-Pro.

In his debut season with a team he used to terrorize on Sunday afternoons, Lewis picked up right where he left off. He finished the campaign with 1,304 yards, nine touchdowns, 30 receptions, 248 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. The Browns went 10-6 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

The next year in Cleveland, he rushed for over 1,000 yards yet again, but the signs were on the wall for his decline. In the final season of his career in 2009, Lewis rushed for only 500 yards and no touchdowns in a limited nine games due to injury.

Lewis proved that the risk for a free agent running back was worth the reward in this instance.

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