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Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2008 > February > 21 > Entry
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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