At least the secondary can remain solid next season.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Cleveland Browns have re-signed cornerback Dimitri Patterson to a three-year deal worth $16 million, including $6 million guaranteed. After working on a one-year contract last year, the new deal gives Cleveland the flexibility to utilize Patterson as a starter in the future if they need to.
Right now, Cleveland's cornerback position includes starters Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown, with Patterson and Buster Skrine as the reserves. Since the unit thrived during the 2011 campaign, it's not a surprise that the front office wanted to keep the unit in tact. Patterson, who has ties to Dick Jauron from his days in Philadelphia, finished last season with 28 tackles and 12 pass breakups. Don't let those low numbers fool you -- Patterson was on the field often and assisted in preventing many third-down conversions.
The next question is this: will the front office be able to retain safety Mike Adams, who had scheduled a meeting with Denver?