Looking ForWard To It - Browns Sign Hard Hitting Safety

The Browns and safety T.J. Ward (Oregon) have agreed to a 4 year deal. As expected, Ward is the second to last rookie to sign his deal, leaving only 1st round pick, CB Joe Haden (Florida) as the lone rookie holdout. We expect Haden to be signed, sealed and delivered by the time veterans report on Friday.

Of all the new additions to the Brown's roster this spring, Ward is the one I am most excited to see in action. Ward is a physical safety and will look to set the tone in the secondary for years to come.

Hardestly a Hold Out - Rookie RB Agrees to Deal

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, promising first year RB Montario Hardesty (Tennessee) has agreed in principal to a deal that will allow him join fellow rookies 4 days before veterans report. Hardesty was impressive in minicamp and OTAs and with Jerome Harrison's early holdout protesting his 2nd round tender offer, Hardesty spent much of the practice sessions lining up with the first team offense. Hardesty is a quick, powerful back with above average hands and apparently a killer spin move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usCCVRtUHw8.

We expect Hardesty and Harrison to split carries this season and should make for one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL. Welcome to Cleveland, officially, Montario!

The assassin is a'signed!

5th round pick Larry Asante has signed a 4 year contract worth $1.96, per Adam Caplan's tweet. The hard hitting Nebraska safety looks to bring a physical element to the Browns secondary this year. From all accounts, Assante has been well prepared coming out of Nebraska and looks a bit ahead of the curve from the mental aspect.

Two WRs sign with the Browns

Recently Carlton Mitchell signed his rookie contract with the Browns. He joins fellow 6th round pick Clifton Geathers as the only rookies signed so far. I expect the other mid round picks to start signing soon. He signed a 4 year deal with terms not yet disclsoed.

In addition, the Browns have signed veteran WR Bobby Engram, who has a history with Mike Holmgren in Seattle, to a contract.