Browns ensure Jakeem Grant will stay for 2023 season

Jakeem Grant never got to make his debut with the Cleveland Browns due to an Achilles injury but will be there in 2023 after restructuring his contract on Saturday

When the Cleveland Browns landed Jakeem Grant in the offseason, it led to a lot of excitement. The Pro Bowl return man was supposed to change their fortunes on special teams. They also had some plays dialed up for him on offense that got some cheers during training camp.

Unfortunately, the thrill was short-lived as Grant suffered an Achilles injury in August. His season was over before he ever played as much as a preseason game.

Entering the offseason, it seemed as though he might not ever make that debut due to a cap hit of $3.5 million. That's not a crippling hit but with a team needing to save money, it was a bit much. But then on Saturday, it was announced the Browns and Grant agreed to restructure his contract, saving them roughly $1.765 million in 2023.

Grant has played six seasons in the NFL and has 1,228 yards and four touchdowns as a punt returner as well as 2,699 yards and two touchdowns on kick returns. He averages 10.3 return yards on punts and 24.5 on kickoffs.

With Grant out, the Browns used Donovan Peoples-Jones on punts and he was succesful with 223 yards and a touchdown. Jerome Ford was their primary kick returner and he also did well with 723 yards and an average of 24.1 yards per return.

However, DPJ is a full-time starter and Ford is expected to have a larger role in the offense with Kareem Hunt likely on the way out. Keeping Grant not only gives them a specialist who has a ton of experience but also allows DPJ and Hunt to focus on offense.