The Browns made their second splash on Opening Day of NFL Free Agency, adding former Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant. The team signed him to a 5-year, $34 million contract with $15 million guaranteed.
Browns adding Desmond Bryant wp.me/p14QSB-7CoB
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 13, 2013
Cleveland gave former Raiders DT Desmond Bryant a five-year, $34 million deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013
Bryant, 27, attended Harvard and is in his fifth NFL season. Missing just one game in those first four years, he has started 18 games the last two years (8 in 2012). Last season, he recorded 36 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He was also tied for 7th among defensive tackles with 12 quarterback hits.
It was mentioned by several sources that there were multiple suitors for Bryant, and he was one of the hotter names under the radar in free agency.
Desmond Bryant was our 6th graded DT last season. Had 4th best Pass Rushing Productivity score
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 13, 2013
This acquisition gives the Browns incredible depth on the defensive line with their corresponding move to defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense. Bryant joins starter quality defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor along with Billy Winn, John Hughes, and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, who all made an impact in their rookie season. Here’s one national writer’s takes on how all that could shake out.
So #Browns new front 7: DEs Bryant & Rubin. NT Taylor. OLBs Sheard & Kruger. ILBs D’Qwell & JMJ. Horton calling shots. Looks good on paper.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 13, 2013
Bryant is the second free agent addition of the day, following the acquisition of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger.
There’s also the matter of Bryant’s mugshot from a recent arrest, which can be found here.
Related: Banner Report: Defensive Line
