Getty The Browns signed safety Andrew Sendejo.
The Cleveland Browns added yet another piece to the defense on Friday, signing veteran safety Andrew Sendejo on Friday.
The deal for Sendejo is for one year — like many of the Browns other deals this offseason — for $2.25 million.
#Browns are signing S Andrew Sendejo, source says. It’s a one-year, $2.25 million deal.
Sendejo spent the majority of his career in Minnesota, where current Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski came up. ESPN’s Jake Trotter predicted the signing days in advance.
“Even after signing Karl Joseph, Browns will be looking to add another safety in free agency,” Trotter reported. “Keep an eye on Andrew Sendejo, who played for Philly and Minnesota last year, giving him connections to both the new front office (Berry) and coaching staff (Stefanski/Jeff Howard).”
Even after signing Karl Joseph, Browns will be looking to add another safety in FA. Keep an eye on Andrew Sendejo, who played for Philly and Minnesota last year, giving him connections to both the new front office (Berry) and coaching staff (Stefanski/Jeff Howard).
Sendejo started 40 games for the Vikings from 2014-17. He signed a one-year deal with the Eagles last season, but was let go after nine games. He returned to the Vikings, playing in six games and recording a pair of interceptions. In all, Sendejo has appeared in 99 games, making 60 starts, with nine interceptions, one sack and 258 tackles.
He’s also improved his coverage the last few years, as Pro Football Focus noted.
What makes Sendejo an interesting free agent acquisition for the Browns is his ability to play nickel corner, which he did last season for the first time. He also isn’t a big investment.
Browns Add to Secondary With Kevin Johnson, Karl Joseph
GettyKarl Joseph signed with the Browns on Wednesday.
The Browns had a big hole to fill at safety after multiple roster moves thinned out the depth chart. The team released veteran Morgan Burnett earlier this week and backups Juston Burris and Eric Murray have signed with other teams. Unrestricted free agent Damarious Randall is not expected to be back in Cleveland either.
The Browns added former first-round picks in safety Karl Joseph and corner Kevin Johnson to bolster the secondary.
In 41 career starts, Joseph has 236 total tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defended. His coverage skills could use work, but Joseph is a solid in the box safety that isn’t scared to make a tackle.
Johnson, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2015 draft, spent the first four seasons of his career with the Texans before signing with the Buffalo Bills last season. With the Browns already having corners Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams on the roster, it’s likely that Johnson would compete for a nickel role.
Browns Build Out Roster With Free Agents
GettyNew Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin.
General manager and executive vice president Andrew Berry said the Browns said they were going to be aggressive in free agency and have lived up to that statement.
Here’s a summary of the Browns’ signings so far, other than Sendejo, Joseph and Johnson:
- TE Austin Hooper (4-year)
- OL Jack Conklin (3-year)
- QB Case Keenum (3-year)
- LB B.J. Goodson (1-year)
- DL Andrew Billings (1-year)
- K/PR JoJo Natson (1-year)
The Browns have opted for some short deals on the defensive side of the ball with multiple cornerstone players, like Myles Garrett, coming up on contract extensions.
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