NFL free agency update: Browns sign EJ Gaines
The Cleveland Browns are continuing to reshape their roster under general manager John Dorsey, signing cornerback EJ Gaines.
After winning exactly one game over the past two seasons, the Browns aren’t waiting around to have another dreadful year. After trading for Damarious Randall, Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry in the days before free agency began, Cleveland has been active in the free agency foray.
This week, Dorsey was able to snag EJ Gaines off the market, giving the Browns another quality option in the secondary. With the additions of Gaines and Randall, Cleveland is taking positive steps in pass defense, one of the many areas the team was woeful in a season ago.
CB EJ Gaines headed to the Browns, source says. Reunited with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who coached him with the Rams.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 23, 2018
Cleveland has a long way to go before getting back to respectability, but the process has begun. If the Browns can nail the first and fourth-overall picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the excitement in Cleveland will be palpable — and justified — for the first time in a long while.
Contract details
The Browns were able to get Gaines for a song, signing the youngster to a one-year deal worth $4 million. It’s hard to argue with that price, especially considering Cleveland’s cap situation.
National reaction
#Browns are signing cornerback EJ Gaines, following his visit with the team. Gaines was @PFF’s 13th highest rated cornerback last season at a grade of 86.6 (high quality). First reported by @MikeGarafolo
— Kyle Kelly (@ByKyleKelly) March 23, 2018
It is official...the @browns have signed CB EJ Gaines.....SOLID addition to the secondary by John Dorsey ....played with DC Gregg Williams with the Rams
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) March 23, 2018
Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time
Grade
Frankly, this is a good deal for both sides. The market sagged on Gaines, and doing a one-year deal gives him the chance to reset his value going into the 2019 offseason. Meanwhile, Cleveland gets depth at corner and if Gaines is great, it can hopefully keep him around.
Grade: A-