Phil Dawson Had Reportedly Been Interested in a Return to Cleveland

Earlier this month, I fantasized a bit about K Phil Dawson re-uniting with the Cleveland Browns. It would have been a very tough decision for the Browns to make, given K Travis Coons' success as a first-year player. However, I wondered if somewhere deep in analytical studies if the notion that the ability to make long field goals and be better on kickoffs is the difference between winning and losing a handful of games. After a couple days in to free agency, though, the 49ers re-signed Dawson, and that was that.

Several weeks later, though, Tom Reed of the Plain Dealer unleashed this nugget: Dawson was interested in returning to the Browns this offseason.

Hearing K Phil Dawson, 41, had interest in returning to #Browns in free agency. Obviously, no deal was struck. He re-upped w/ Niners.

— Tom Reed (@treed1919) March 28, 2016

It is unclear whether Dawson ever formally approached the Browns to gauge their interest, or if an offer was ever made. Dawson only struck a 1-year deal with the 49ers, though, so maybe there is hope for 2017. Dawson also announced today that he will wear No. 4 again this year:

I wore #4 as a Texas Longhorn. I wore #4 as a Cleveland Brown. I am happy to announce, I will wear #4 in 2016 in SF!

— Phil Dawson (@phil_dawson_4) March 28, 2016