Browns extend DL John Hughes contract

The Cleveland Browns may not have been as active as many would like acquiring free agents from other teams, but they did make a move today to ensure they retain one of their own. The Browns and John Hughes have reportedly agreed upon a four year deal worth up to 15 million dollars.

Extension for #Browns DL John Hughes includes $3.56 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. Maxes out at $15 million over 4.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 13, 2015

The Columbus, Ohio native and University of Cincinnati alum was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft by GM Tom Heckert when he traded down to pick 87. Since his arrival, Hughes has been one of the few defenders on the Browns who has been credited with being stout against the run. Pro Football Focus even tabbed him as a secret superstar against the run last offseason.

Unfortunately, he injured his MCL in the game against Oakland and did not return to the field until the last week of the season against Baltimore. However, he did have a big game against the Ravens (credited with 7 tackles and was disruptive throughout the contest) and that was apparently enough to convince Ray Farmer to ensure that he remained on the team for future seasons.

WFNY’s own Joe Gilbert predicted that John Hughes would be one of the starting defensive ends for the 2015 Cleveland Browns in his year end position review. This contract appears to confirm his thoughts.

John Hughes, even in his limited action, was probably the most consistent defensive lineman the Browns have at the position. The defensive end was only able to play in five total games this season, posting 14 solo tackles, 17 combined tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit, and four quarterback hurries. He was a solid performer in both pass rushing and run defense. He is a versatile lineman who can play pretty much anywhere on the line because of his good size and length. He uses his size and length to ride blocks and then get off of them to make a play. Hughes was the only defensive lineman for the Browns who received a cumulative positive grade by ProFootballFocus.com (+5.2).

I believe Hughes is a starting caliber defensive end for the Browns, given more snaps and his ability to stay healthy. If he can stay healthy, he can be a good starter for the Browns or at the very least a consistent contributor in a rotation.

2014 Grade: B

2015 Outlook: Starting defensive end; Consistent contributor

John Hughes has already granted his first post-signing interview to ClevelandBrowns.com writer Andrew Gribble, and revealed that he is a lifelong Browns fan who is wants to prove himself on the field.

“I feel like not just me, but the team has a lot to prove,” Hughes said. “I feel like we have a lot to do.”

Hughes, who starred at the University of Cincinnati, has played in 36 games with seven starts during his NFL career. He has 99 career tackles, four sacks, five passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

Hughes is one of the Browns’ most active members in the community and has been a leader with the team’s First and Ten movement.

“Being Ohio-raised my entire life, being a Browns fan growing up and being able to live my dream out means everything,” Hughes said.