:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68931926/usa_today_14749236.0.jpg)
The Cleveland Browns secured some offensive line depth on Monday as the club reportedly re-signed offensive lineman Blake Hance.
The deal, which the Browns have yet to confirm, is a two-year contract, according to Greg Auman at The Athletic:
NFL free agency: Offensive lineman Blake Hance, who was signed off Jaguars' practice squad and made his NFL debut with the Browns in the playoffs, re-signed on a two-year deal with Cleveland. Stepped in and played 33 snaps vs. Chiefs, 14 vs. Steelers.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 8, 2021
It has been quite a few months for Hance, who only joined the Browns in Week 17 of the 2020 season as the club was dealing with injuries and COVID-related issues on the offensive line.
Browns fans quickly learned how Hance was in the playoffs, however, as he was pressed into action during the Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. When left guard Michael Dunn - who was filling in for starter Joel Bitonio - had to leave the game with an injury, Hance slid into the position and held his own through the final 14 offensive plays by the Browns as they took down the Steelers.
Because the Browns were only able to practice once in the week leading up to the playoff game, Hance met quarterback Baker Mayfield for the first time in the Heinz Field locker room, as Mayfield shared following the win:
Baker Mayfield introduced himself to Blake Hance in the locker room before the game.
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) January 11, 2021
A few hours later, Hance had to block for Mayfield in a #Browns playoff game. pic.twitter.com/qw7bYsemK5
Hance was back at it the following week, playing 33 snaps as the Browns fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in a divisional round playoff game.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019 by the Buffalo Bills, Hance spent training camp that year with the Washington Redskins before being released. He spent the 2019 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, and most of the 2020 season the practice squad of the New York Jets.
Now it appears that Hance has finally found himself a home with the Browns. (And he might even earn himself a photo in a Cleveland uniform in the photo database.)