Center Ethan Pocic got his wish and returned to the Browns. He wanted to keep playing on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
“I’m excited to get to work and just continue to try to grow as a player,” Pocic said in the news release announcing his three-year deal worth $18 million. “It’s fun to play in that room and be coached by great coaches and play with great players around you. It’s just fun to go to work with them.”
Pocic signed a one-year, $1.187 million contract with the Browns last offseason. He was scheduled to be a free agent again this week but agreed to the new deal Monday.
He excelled last year after stepping in for Nick Harris, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason opener. He started 13 games — missing four with a knee injury — and helped the Browns rush for 2,490 yards, third in team history.
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“I am really excited about Ethan being back as he played at a high level for us last season,” Stefanski said in the news release. “He’s a great fit in our building and someone that has a lot of experience in this league. He’s a big, physical presence up front and we are happy to have him back.”
Pocic was a second-round pick of Seattle in 2017 and has appeared in 70 career games with 59 starts.
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SAYING GOODBYE
Defensive tackle Taven Bryan agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Colts, ESPN reported.
Bryan spent 2022 with the Browns after signing a one-year, $4 million deal as a free agent. He started all 16 games he played, totaling 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, three sacks, six quarterback hits and a pass defensed.
The Browns defense ranked 25th against the run, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson agreed to a four-year, $57 million deal Monday to replace Bryan.
** Backup offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt agreed to a deal with the Cardinals, the team announced. He spent two years in Cleveland and started six games last year.
** The Browns announced they terminated the contract of safety John Johnson III with a post-June 1 designation. Berry confirmed at the combine the move was coming, and it saves $9.75 million in salary cap space.
Johnson signed a three-year, $33.75 million contract in 2021 and started 32 games with 96 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
STICKING AROUND
The team also made official a one-year deal to keep cornerback A.J. Green. The agreement had been reported Sunday night.
Green joined the Browns as an undrafted rookie in 2020. He’s appeared in 31 games with two starts, compiling 26 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defensed. He also has 11 tackles on special teams.
He played in all 17 games last year with 13 tackles and an interception and can play outside and in the slot.
“A.J. has grown up in our system and has gotten better every year since he first joined the team as an undrafted free agent,” Stefanski said. “He’s been ready every time he has been called upon and his versatility is something that we value.”
“Steady Climbing!” Green tweeted.
