Browns signing Anthony Walker, Jakeem Grant, releasing Austin Hooper

Whereas awaiting phrase from Deshaun Watson, the Browns addressed wants by agreeing Wednesday to phrases on contracts with free agent linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and Professional Bowl returner Jakeem Grant, an individual conversant in the offers instructed The Related Press.

Cleveland additionally plans to launch tight finish Austin Hooper, mentioned the one that spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of groups can’t make free company signings or different strikes till the brand new NFL league yr begins at 4 p.m.

Walker will signal a one-year contract to return for a second season with Cleveland, his agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed to AP.

Grant, chosen as a Professional Bowler with the Chicago Bears final season, is getting a three-year deal price as much as $13.8 million.

And, Hooper, who has not lived as much as the four-year, $42 million contract he signed as a free agent two years in the past, is being designated as a post-June 1 launch, which can permit the Browns to unfold out his useless wage cap hit over two years, the individual mentioned.

Hooper twice made the Professional Bowl in 4 seasons for Atlanta. Since coming to Cleveland, he’s caught 84 passes for 780 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The Browns just lately positioned a franchise tag on tight finish David Njoku and now have Harrison Bryant beneath contract. Coach Kevin Stefanski favors multiple-tight finish formations, so it is seemingly the Browns will both signal or draft one other participant on the place.

On Tuesday, a contingent from Cleveland flew to Houston and visited Watson to make a recruiting pitch to the three-time Professional Bowl quarterback to presumably be a part of the Browns.

Watson did not play final season due to lawsuits from 22 ladies who’ve accused him of sexual assault or harassment, and he nonetheless faces civil lawsuits after a grand jury declined to indict him final week.

Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract and must conform to any deal earlier than the Texans can commerce him.

Watson has additionally met with Carolina and New Orleans, and is reportedly assembly with Atlanta earlier than making a call. The Texans are in search of a bevy of draft picks, together with three first-rounders, for one of many NFL’s elite QBs.

The Browns’ courtship with Watson has soured the workforce’s relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield. He posted a letter late Tuesday evening expressing that he does not know the place he’ll play subsequent and thanked Cleveland followers for his or her assist.

The No. 1 total choose in 2018, Mayfield has had a turbulent 4 seasons with Cleveland. He took the Browns to the playoffs in 2020, however struggled final season after injuring his left shoulder in Week 2.

Nonetheless, Browns common supervisor Andrew Berry and Stefanski have mentioned this offseason they anticipate Mayfield to “bounce again” in 2022.

Nevertheless, it seems Mayfield’s days in Cleveland are over.

Walker offered management on a revamped Browns protection final season after signing as a free agent. He had 113 tackles in 13 video games.

The 5-foot-7 Grant averaged 11.9 yards on 26 punt returns — one a 97-yard landing — in 2021. He averaged 23.4 yards on 23 kickoff returns.

The Browns’ return sport hasn’t produced a lot the previous two seasons and wanted an improve.

Grant might additionally see time at large receiver. The Browns want extra depth on the place after releasing Jarvis Landry earlier this week. They agreed Saturday to a commerce with Dallas for Amari Cooper, who would be the workforce’s No. 1 receiver.

The Browns additionally launched middle JC Tretter, the NFL Gamers Affiliation president, to clear $8.2 million in wage cap house.