NFL free agency update: Browns sign Carlos Hyde
The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of a total overhaul, and general manager John Dorsey made a splash move by signing Carlos Hyde.
Before free agency began, the Cleveland Browns went great guns in the trade market. In a span of 24 hours, the Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor, Jarvis Landry and Damarious Randall while trading Danny Shelton the New England Patriots.
While free agency hasn’t brought that level of frenzy to the banks of Lake Erie, the Browns did come to terms with running back Carlos Hyde on a three-year deal. Cleveland is essentially replacing Isaiah Crowell, who went to the New York Jets on Tuesday evening.
Hyde, 27, has rushed for over 900 yards in each of the past two seasons, but is yet to reach the 1,000-yard mark in any of his campaigns. Until last year, Hyde’s biggest issue had been health, keeping him from playing a full season.
Contract Details
The #Browns are expected to sign former #49ers RB Carlos Hyde, source said. He’s getting a three-year deal worth more than $15M, including $6M in year 1.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
This is a solid deal for Hyde, who many believed was the top back on the market. Compared to Jerick McKinnon, who signed for $7.5 million per year, it’s an outright steal.
National reaction
We have 2 months until draft time… but at the very least, the Carlos Hyde signing means the #Browns won’t have to reach for a RB. But if they think Saquon Barkley is the top overall player... https://t.co/IuEFyjX4aO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Browns additions so far.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2018
On offense: QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Carlos Hyde, WR Jarvis Landry, TE Darren Fells, OT Chris Hubbard.
On defense: CB Terrance Mitchell, S Damarious Randall, DE Chris Smith.
Plus, they still have picks No. 1 and No. 4 in the NFL draft.
Next: Best NFL player from each state
Grade
It’s tough to give a higher grade than B+, simply because Hyde is a solid player, but he’s yet to show he’s great. The Browns are getting an upgrade over Crowell and perhaps opening up other possibilities at the No. 1 overall pick aside from Saquon Barkley, but this signing isn’t going to change the complexion of 2018.
Still, Hyde is a good player, and Cleveland can use plenty of those. Nice job.
Grade: B+