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[DAY 3 FREE AGENCY LIVE BLOG FOR FRIDAY]
We are on to Day 2 of free agency for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL. We should have some more contract-related news today, and who knows — maybe the Browns will even pull off a couple more trades or signings!
This thread will act as a “live blog” of sorts, with brief but important updates about the latest rumors, signings, or trades involving Cleveland or other NFL teams. You should also use the comments section as your free agency open thread! (Newest updates will be at the top of the live blog below)
2020 Browns Free Agency Live Blog - Day 2
6:56 PM: The signings just keep on coming for Cleveland. This time, they are signing WR JoJo Natson to a 1-year, $1 million deal. He has some experience in the return game.
The #Browns are signing WR and returner JoJo Natson to a 1-year, $1M deal, source said. He spent the last two years with the #Rams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
5:50 PM: According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Browns are adding yet another player on a one-year deal. This time it is cornerback Kevin Johnson, formerly of the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans:
Former Bills’ and Texans’ CB Kevin Johnson is signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal that could go up to $6 million on incentives with the Cleveland Browns, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
1:18 PM: According to Jake Trotter of ESPN, the Browns aren’t done with free agency moves and are still seeking another safety, pass rusher, and/or nickelback. These moves would seem to be more of players in the short term. Remember, they’ve already reportedly signed six players.
Cleveland still not done defensively in free agency. Looking for another safety and then potentially another pass rusher and a DB who can play the nickel.
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 19, 2020
1:05 PM: Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, here are the contract details for TE Austin Hooper. His cap hit in 2020 is low — $4 million — which frees up a little more space this year to sign players on one-year deals.
Austin Hooper (Browns) four years, $42 million, $23M gtd, $10M signing bonus; salaries $1.5M (gtd), $4.5M (gtd for inj at signing, fully gtd if on roster 3rd day for 2021), $9.5M, $9.5M
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 18, 2020
1:00 PM: Cleveland has bulked up their defensive line with some depth, signing DT Andrew Billings to a 1-year deal worth $3.5 million, fully guaranteed.
Billings is an absolute house on the interior. World-class powerlifter with elite play strength. Has improved use of hands, leverage, & processing the last couple years as well. Adequate rusher but a good overall starter due to his ability vs. the run. https://t.co/dCDtoDvbsG
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) March 19, 2020
12:22 PM: The Browns have reportedly signed defensive tackle Andrew Billings, who spent the past three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals:
The #Browns have signed DT Andrew Billings, per agent @_SportsTrust. The former Bengal stays in state.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
11:25 AM: The wife of former Browns linebacker Joe Schobert, Megan, was always active on social media and appreciative of the city of Cleveland and its fans. She posted a nice goodbye message:
4 years ago I moved to Cleveland fresh out of college. I was just a girl following the love of my life in pursuit of his dream. I didn’t know a single person in a 2 hour radius and my boyfriend was gone working 14+… https://t.co/CriTxcepsT
— Megan Schobert (@meganschobert) March 18, 2020
9:20 AM: Good morning, Browns fans! If you missed our Day 1 action, you can check that out here. We are on to Day 2 of free agency now, and although Cleveland has already signed five players, they are looking for more. Jake Trotter of ESPN thinks they should keep their eye on Andrew Sendejo, a veteran backup strong safety who played for both Philadelphia and Minnesota last year.
Even after signing Karl Joseph, Browns will be looking to add another safety in FA. Keep an eye on Andrew Sendejo, who played for Philly and Minnesota last year, giving him connections to both the new front office (Berry) and coaching staff (Stefanski/Jeff Howard).
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 19, 2020