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The Cleveland Browns announced their first signing of the Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine era, agreeing to terms with defensive back Royce Adams. Not only does Adams have previous ties to Pettine, he has an allegiance to the Browns, having been born in South Euclid and attended St. Edward High School and Glenville High School.
A Dream come true to have the opportunity to play for my home town! Truly a blessing...
— Royce Adams (@RAdams_11) February 12, 2014
Adams (6-0, 190 lbs) played his collegiate career at Purdue, where he was a cornerback for his first three years before converting over to wide receiver as a senior. He went undrafted in 2010, but signed on as a defensive back with the Pittsburgh Power for the 2011 Arena Football League season.
In 2012, the Jets, with Pettine as the team's defensive coordinator, signed Adams. He suffered a knee injury during the offseason, though, and was placed on injured reserve before he could really participate in camp. Adams returned to the Jets during training camp in 2013 (without Pettine), but did not make the final roster. Adams finished the preseason with 6 tackles and 3 passes defended. What's funny is that Adams, despite his limited experience, would be the second-oldest defensive back (25 years old) on the roster after T.J. Ward.