Takitaki announce resignation from Browns following wrong…..
Takitaki announce resignation from Browns following wrong…..
Takitaki, who suffered a season-ending knee injury while playing a key role for Cleveland in 2022, agreed to re-sign with the Browns on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
Takitaki will receive a one-year, $2.5 million contract, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity since teams are not permitted to disclose signings until the official start of the league year on Wednesday.
Takitaki’s return was the sole move the Browns made on the second day of free agency. On Monday, the team addressed some defensive problems following a 7-10 season that included a series of injuries throughout the team’s linebackers.
Takitaki underwent surgery and the Browns are expecting him to be healthy and back in time for the start of next season. The well-liked Takitaki also emerged as a needed leader for Cleveland’s defense.
“Tak is one of my favorites,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said following Takitakis’ injury. “Plays very, very physically. Loves this game. Plays hard. A great teammate.”
After playing at BYU, Takitaki was drafted by the Browns in the third round in 2019. He’s started 29 games and made 203 tackles. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder returned an interception for a touchdown in 2020.
Cleveland has prioritized its defense so far in free agency by reaching agreements with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (four years, $57 million) and Ogbo Okoronkwo (three years, $19 million), according to the person with direct knowledge of the team’s plans.
The Browns are also re-signing center Ethan Polic (three years, $18 million), who moved into the starting lineup when Nick Harris sustained a season-ending injury in August and anchored Cleveland’s offensive line.
The Browns are also in the market for a wide receiver and safety.Before free agency opened, the Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract to clear $36 million under the salary cap.
