Ex-Minnesota safety inks free-agent deal
Sendejo, a 10-year vet, is fourth DB signed to one-year contract.
The Browns watched most of their safety room walk out the door this offseason and now others are walking back in.
On Friday, they signed former Vikings and Eagles safety Andrew Sendejo to the one-year, $2.25 million free agent contract agreed upon last week.
The 10-year veteran has spent the bulk of his career with the Vikings, but also played for the Eagles last season. He’s the second safety added by the Browns on a one-year deal in free agency, joining former Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph, who hasn’t officially signed yet.
Sendejo joins a safety room that currently includes second-year pros Sheldrick Redwine and J.T. Hassell.
Three former Vikings assistants now with the Browns have worked with Sendejo, who played in Minnesota from 2011-18 and again in 2019 — defensive coordinator Joe Woods, defensive backs coach Jeff Howard and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
Sendejo, 32, has started 61 of his 110 career games, notching 416 tackles, nine interceptions, 21 passes defensed, two sacks, one forced fumble and three recoveries. He was voted Vikings special teams player of the year in 2014.
He’s one of four defensive backs the Browns have added on oneyear contracts since last week. The others are cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and Donovan Olumba. The one-year deals enable the Browns to collect some compensatory picks in 2022 if they lose some of these players in free agency.
Ex-Browns QB says Keenum could start
The Browns have expressed faith in Baker Mayfield time and time again. Newly signed backup Case Keenum has said he’s willing to help the young quarterback. But one former Browns QB says it’s not out of the realm of possibility that you’ll see Keenum on the field this season.
“They need better quarterback play in Cleveland,” former Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme told “The Zach Gelb Show” on CBS Sports Radio. “There’s just no other way of saying it.
“They have a lot of talent on that football team. Certainly we know the two wideouts, and then signing (Austin) Hooper to go with (David) Njoku)...They’re a very talented, talented football team. So, better quarterback play, you’ll see better results.”
Delhomme played for the Browns in 2010, starting four games, while throwing two touchdowns and seven interceptions. Delhomme, who led the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2004, said if Mayfield struggles, the Browns could turn to Keenum.
“Don’t be surprised if you see Case Keenum come November,” Delhomme said. “I don’t think they’ll be afraid in the least bit to put in Case.
Baker wasn’t drafted by this regime that has taken over. If he plays well, great, I’m happy for him. But if he struggles, don’t be (surprised if Keenum) takes over.”
Delhomme went on to say he’s upbeat about Mayfield’s chances to turn things around after last season. However, he says Keenum will be waiting in the wings no matter what.
“Keenum is a pro who’s going to be preparing and knows this system,” Delhomme said. “So Baker is going to have every opportunity to work for it, and I’m anxious to see him succeed. I hope he does.”
— Troy Smth, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer