Browns, Hyde agree on deal; Thomas retires

The Cleveland Browns quickly stuffed a hole in their backfield with Carlos Hyde.

Cleveland reached an agreement with the freeagent running back, who will replace Isaiah Crowell and give the Browns a bruising runner to complement Duke Johnson, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

NFL Network reported the Browns will give Hyde a three-year, $15 million deal.

Hyde, 27, who played at Ohio State, spent the past four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s started 36 games, rushed for 2,729 yards, averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored 21 touchdowns. Hyde also has 109 catches for 634 yards and three TDs.

Hyde has rushed for more than 900 yards the past two seasons, and his addition will offset the probable loss of Crowell, who has been in talks with the New York Jets.

With the signing of Hyde, it’s less likely the Browns will use either the No. 1 or No. 4 overall picks in this year’s draft on Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, considered the top running back in this class.

General manager John Dorsey has spotted quality running backs deeper in the draft. Just last year with Kansas City, he selected Kareem Hunt in the third round and the rookie from Toledo rushed for 1,327 yards.

The move came the same day that left tackle Joe Thomas announced his retirement after 11 seasons. Dorsey has already reached agreements with two offensive tackles, Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson.