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Thursday, February 21, 2008
Browns, Lewis happy together
The Cleveland Browns confirmed it this afternoon. They have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with RB Jamal Lewis through the 2010 season.
“I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL,” said Lewis. “I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I’m excited to be a part of it for another three years.
“I said all year long that I wanted to get a long-term deal done to stay in Cleveland and it looks like with this new contract I will be able to finish my career as a Brown.”
Lewis, 28, had 298 carries for 1,304 yards (4.4 avg.) and nine rushing touchdowns last season and added 30 receptions for 248 yards (8.3 avg.) and two receiving touchdowns. His 1,304 yards rushing ranked seventh best in franchise history and his 298 attempts ranked third in team annals.
“The Browns are pleased that Jamal has decided to continue his career here in Cleveland,” said GM Phil Savage, who is hanging out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
“He brings a maturity, toughness and football temperament to the team that is critical to our success on top of the physical abilities that he possesses. Plus, he’ll have the opportunity to go over 10,000-plus career yards in 2008, which will put him in elite company.”
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Three-year deal for Lewis
According to reports, the Browns have reached agreement with running back Jamal Lewis on a three-year contract.
Just in the nick of time, it seems, as Lewis was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next week.
To get the deal done, the Associated Press says the Browns have “relented” and added a third year to their initial two-year offer.
Lewis, who will be 29 in August, did have some leverage after reviving his career by rushing for 1,304 yards last season and scoring nine touchdowns.
He was working on a one-year deal signed after seven seasons in Baltimore.
Lewis was just the Browns’ second 1,000-yard rusher since 1985 and his rushing yards were the most in one season by any Cleveland running back in franchise history not named Jim Brown.
Yes, the investment seems worthwhile, especially when you consider there isn’t a backup running back of any stature waiting in the wings. And Lewis, one could argue, was as valuable as any member of the Browns’ resurgent offense last season.
Now the Browns will turn their attention to getting a deal done with quarterback Derek Anderson, who can become a restricted free agent next week.
GM Phil Savage, appearing on a Cleveland radio station Thursday morning from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, seemed optimistic about reaching agreement with Anderson soon.
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Savage: Lewis deal about done
General Manager Phil Savage said on WTAM-AM radio in Cleveland this morning that a contract with Browns running back Jamal Lewis is close to getting done.
Savage is in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, along with head coach Romeo Crennel.
Savage said the Lewis deal could be done within the next 24 hours. It is believed to be a two-year deal with an option for a third. Not clear if that would be a club or player option.
Lewis, who revived his career by rushing for 1,304 yards last season, his first with the Browns, can become a free agent next week if he doesn’t sign. Getting him back in the fold has been an offseason priority, along with signing quarterback Derek Anderson.
Savage told the radio station he expects to meet today in Indianapolis with Anderson’s people and remains optimistic a deal will be struck before free agency starts.
Anderson, coming off a year in which he threw 29 touchdown passes in his first season as a starter, can be a restricted free agent if nothing gets done.
