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The Cleveland Browns signed free agent cornerback EJ Gaines, making him the fourth new defensive back to join the team this offseason.
Gaines’ contract is a one-year deal, worth $4 million, but he can earn another $1 million in incentives, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Browns signed free agent CB EJ Gaines to a 1-year deal worth $4M, source said. He can earn up to $5M with incentives.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2018
With the signing, the Browns’ secondary will look drastically different in 2018. Gaines joins Damarious Randall, T.J. Carrie, and Terrence Mitchell as the latest additions to a group that struggled last season in its first season under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
The 26-year-old should seamlessly transition throughout the offseason from free agent to an active role as he previously played for Williams in 2016 for the Los Angeles Rams.
And he’s probably going to be on the field a good amount this season, too. Considering Carrie is being paid starter money, Mitchell will be making reserve money, and Randall will likely be moving to free safety in Cleveland, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Gaines push Jamar Taylor for his starting spot, and possibly also his roster spot.
New general manager John Dorsey has made revamping the team’s secondary a priority, and that means there are going to be casualties in the months ahead.