DT Hurst seeks bounce back year with Browns
The Browns are adding defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. on a one-year deal to help with their defensive line depth.
Hurst did not play during the 2022 season due to a torn bicep he sustained on the fourth day of training camp with the San Francisco 49ers. He played two games, recording two tackles, for the 49ers in 2021 before suffering a season-ending calf injury.
Between 2018-20, the former fifthround draft pick out of Michigan played in 40 games for the Raiders, including 17 starts. He had 76 combined tackles in those three seasons, eight sacks, eight tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits.
Hurst also has one career interception, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
The addition of Hurst is part of general manager Andrew Berry’s effort to re-tool the defensive line room through free agency. The Browns officially announced the signings of former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson — one of the top defensive tackles on the freeagent market — and former Houston Texans defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo about an hour after the new league year began at 4 p.m. Wednesday. They confirmed the release of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney Wednesday evening.
Clowney joined the Browns in 2021. He appeared in 12 games last season and recorded two sacks.
Browns add Thornhill, say goodbye to Brisset
The Browns have reached an agreement with former Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill on a deal for three years and $21 million with $14 million fully guaranteed over the first two years
Cleveland was in the safety market after electing to release John Johnson III.
They still have Grant Delpit on the roster, but the 2020 draft pick is in the final year of his contract.
And while the Browns have re-signed two of their own free agents, center Ethan Pocic and linebacker Sione Takitaki, they have parted with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
“I have literally no bad thoughts or words for that organization. That team, the fans, they embraced me with open arms,” Brissett said after agreeing to a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.
His new deal has a base salary of $8 million, which could grow up to $10 million with incentives.