Cleveland Browns Hang on to Some Free Agents, Allow Others to Hit Open Market

Today marked the start of NFL free agency, and the Cleveland Browns waited until the last minute to tender a few deals to some of their in-house free agents, but the biggest name, running back Peyton Hillis, will be testing the open market as predicted.

The only player signed to a contract extension was offensive lineman Joe Greco. Greco joined the team in 2011. He can play guard, center or tackle and that kind of versatility is worth a contract to a Browns team that isn't a stranger to having troubles on the line.

Wide receiver Jordan Norwood and defensive lineman Brian Schaefering were given exclusive-rights free agent tenders.

Norwood is primarily the Browns' slot receiver and has spent most of his career as a practice squad player before being promoted to the active roster near the end of the 2010 season. He will make $465,000 in 2012.

Schaefering is a backup tackle that wracked up 29 tackles and a half sack in 2011. His ERFA tender is worth $540,000.

Aside from these routine moves, the Browns have yet to dip their toes into the free agency waters.

Eight of their unrestricted free agents have hit the open market, including Hillis, free safety Mike Adams, and tight end Alex Smith, and it's unknown if the Browns will attempt to re-sign them at later date, most specifically Hillis, if the price is right.

UPDATE: The Browns have apparently re-signed TE Alex Smith to a one-year deal, according to the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram's Scott Petrak.

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