Sports

The Cleveland Browns Are Close To Doing Something Right

Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Brest Reporter
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The Cleveland Browns as a franchise make a dumpster fire look good.

They became the second team in history to finish a season winless in 2017. The last time Cleveland won a game was Dec. 24, 2016.

The Browns last made the playoffs in 2002.

But today might mark another step toward relevancy for the Browns.

Cleveland are close to agreeing to a long-term extension with wide receiver Jarvis Landry in the ballpark of five years and $75 million, according to ESPN.

According to Josina Anderson, the deal will pay Landry approximately $15 million a year.

The Browns acquired Landry from the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason, but he only had one year left on his contract. Cleveland gave up a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round pick in exchange for the slot receiver.

In four seasons in Miami, Landry accumulated 400 receptions for 4,038 yards and 22 touchdowns. Those 400 catches are more than any other player has had in their first four seasons in the league.

Landry is known as one of the best slot receivers in the NFL, and he finally gives the Browns a legitimate long-term skill player.

Cleveland also traded for Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor this spring. Taylor is expected to fill in as a temporary stopgap at the quarterback position.

Taylor and Landry could become a legitimate duo this season.

The Browns have a litany of draft picks in this month’s NFL Draft — including the first and fourth overall selections. They are expected to use the top pick in the draft to take their next franchise quarterback.

The Cleveland Browns have been a franchise mired by mistake after mistake, but they could have just taken another step into the direction of relevancy.