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July 23, 2013The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with offensive lineman John Greco, the team announced late Tuesday.
“One of our goals,” said CEO Joe Banner, “is whenever possible to develop and keep our own players. We’re glad in this case that it worked out, and was mutually beneficial.”
“John is a solid, all-around teammate, on and off the field,” said Head Coach Rob Chudzinski. “He was given an opportunity to play last year and really showed well. He’s respected in the locker room for his approach, consistency and team-first attitude.”
Greco, a 6-4, 315-pound veteran in his sixth NFL season out of Toledo, is now signed through the 2017 season. He has seen action in 55 career contests with 14 starts. In 2012, he appeared in 14 games, including a career-high 10 starts, all at left guard. Last season, the Youngstown, Ohio, native was a part of an offensive line that helped pave the way for Trent Richardson, who rushed for a 950 yards, and protected for Brandon Weeden, who threw for 3,385 yards, both franchise records among rookies.
Originally selected by St. Louis in the third round (65th overall) of the 2008 draft, Greco was traded to Cleveland prior to the start of the 2011 season. This past June, Greco was rumored to be one of the two starting guards for the Browns. It is believed that this contract will cement his place next to center Alex Mack.
The team also announced the signing of free agent wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt. Roosevelt, in his third NFL season, has appeared in 16 games, all with the Buffalo Bills. He has 25 career receptions for 396 yards and one touchdown.
[Related: Browns News and Notes: Norv Turner Speaks]
13 Comments
YEAH COUSIN JOHNNY!
Great signing, haven’t seen the numbers and yes I’m very biased(I’ve only met him twice, but family is family), but it seems like this was a really great fit for both sides. Love to see us locking up our young and consistent OL. Good day for Browns fans! Next up, Alex Mack!
should have been first up, but as long as they sign him.
also, very glad to sign the guy who stepped up for us at OG last year. hopefully, he continues that success and have to love that he’s a local guy.
Solid move. If you have a decent, youngish lineman, secure him before someone else does.
Did have to shift my brain to football mode, where “5 year deal” only denotes the number of years the team controls the player, not whether the player has 5 years of money coming.
Well, I guess they liked what they saw in Greco last year… so now it’s Pinkston vs. Lavauo for the RG spot, and the winner joins this line for the next 4-5 years. That’s pretty awesome. How many teams know they’ll have a line together for that long?
My bet is Pinkston. From everything I hear, he graded out well when he started, and Lavauo did not. Shawn is going into a contract year though. This may be a make or break year for his career
don’t discount Chris Faulk (long-term). he was graded out as a 3rd round guy most places (and looked great at LSU), but dropped to UDFA because he’s hurt and the Browns have already placed him on the PUP. but, long-term, he could be interesting.
but, short-term, I’m hoping Pinkston is 100% and, if he is, then he shouldn’t have an issue staking his claim.
I think if Pinkston makes the cut he goes back to LG with the versatile Greco at RG. Pinkston is more protected at LG because of Joe Thomas, and Greco will be a good influence next to Schwartz. Lauvao hasn’t really panned out but some team looking for OG help will inquire about him.
Getting this guy from St. Louis for a late-round draft pick was one of the best moves made under the Holmgren/Shurmur regime; although Heckert made good picks (and some questionable ones like Marecic, Weeden in Rd 1, Gordon in supplemental draft (2nd rd pick) as he has issues to sort out as well).
I don’t have analytics, but from what i saw i like Pinkston.
if they take Luavo, I am dropping my prediction back to 9-7. with Pinkston it’s 10-6!
in OTA’s, Greco was the starting RG. Lauvao the starting LG and Pinkston the backup LG.
So, the battle is likely for the LG slot and may depend alot on 2 things:
(1) How healthy / recovered is Pinkston?
(2) How much better did Lauvao get while Pinkston was recovering?
What’s most interesting about that is that seemingly is set up for Pinkston. after all, when Greco and Lavauo started last year Greco was at the left guard spot and Shawn on the right. Pinkston meanwhile started at left.
yes, agreed. and, I expect training camp to open with Lauvao in the starting spot. a nod to his efforts in the role last year and the coaches will force/allow Pinkston to overtake him during preseason.
Yup. Thereby both showcasing Lavauo and helping him be ready in case he’s needed.