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The Indianapolis Colts are collecting a group of Browns castaways.
Former Cleveland wide receiver Josh Cribbs signed with the Colts on Tuesday, as first reported by Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio.
The Indianapolis Colts have signed Joshua Cribbs. He worked out for the team last Tuesday.
— Zac Jackson (@FSOhioZJackson) November 18, 2014
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Cribbs and the Colts signed a two-year deal.
Former #Browns return man great Josh Cribbs signed a two-year deal with the Colts, per agent J.R. Rickert.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 18, 2014
As noted by Marc Sessler at NFL.com, Cribbs joins other former Browns Trent Richardson, D'Qwell Jackson, and ex-head coach Rob Chudzinski.
Cribbs has not played in an NFL game since December 1, 2013 when he suited up for the Jets. The former Cleveland fan favorite played in six games for the Jets last year after he was released by the Raiders.
Since his release from the Jets, Cribbs has served as an NFL analyst for WKYC-TV.
Most Browns fans distinctly remember Cribbs' time in Cleveland from 2005-12. The 31 year old returned 11 kicks (eight kickoffs, three punts) for touchdowns as a Brown. The Kent State product provided an exciting spark in an otherwise uneventful period of Browns history in which the team accrued an overall record of 43-85.
The Colts could certainly use Cribbs' services, as return man Griff Whalen has produced lackluster results in recent weeks. Indianapolis will also welcome the depth Cribbs will bring at wideout.
The Colts also placed Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve today, leaving the team with just two running backs – Richardson and Daniel "Boom" Herron. Could Cribbs see a few plays as a running back? As a Brown, Cribbs rushed for 754 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Before the Browns' 24-3 win over the Bengals on November 6, a member of the media asked Browns general manager Ray Farmer why the team hadn't considered bringing back Cribbs. After all, the Browns then ranked dead last in the NFL in punt returns, averaging 3.2 yards on 16 returns.
"I can tell you I have heard the name," Farmer said, according to WKYC. "I don't think that I'm in that boat at this point in time ... I would say the question becomes, 'Who do I want to let go to sign Josh Cribbs. It's a balancing act. Do you sign someone and let go of another guy to play a role, or do you keep the guys that you have to play multiple roles?"
Should Cribbs remain with the Colts, he will have a chance to prove his value to Farmer. The Browns host the Colts on December 7, setting the stage for Cribbs' homecoming.