Jamal Lewis signs with Cleveland; Does Not Immediately Become Jim Brown
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by user Tylersalt
As reported by TWWL , former Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis got tired of waiting for a renegotiation with the 'birds and signed a one-year, $3.5m contract with the Cleveland Browns, which could be worth up to $5m with incentives.
Since Lewis' 2000+yd season a few years ago, he has not performed well or consistently at all. The Ravens have wondered about his speed, his health, and even his psychological makeup following a stint in prison, and have said that they are interested in trading for Buffalo Bills RB Willis McGahee. Lewis may not be the the dominant rusher he was a few years ago, but he could certainly help the Browns offense.
However, the more interesting angle is the impact that this signing has on Cleveland's draft strategy. The Browns hold the 3rd overall pick in next month's draft, and most projections have them taking one of really the only two "impact" backs in this year's draft class, Adrian Peterson from the University of Oklahoma. Could this signing of Lewis mean that they might be pursuing a trade? Are they still going to go after Peterson, and allow Lewis to take the majority of snaps in 2007-08? Are they concerned about lingering effects from Peterson's injury? Could they be going after Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn instead? Speculation abounds.
