Robert Turbin to Browns: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Between Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, Robert Turbin got crowded out of the Seattle Seahawks backfield. The 25-year-old will now have a much better chance of seeing the field this year after signing with the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns announced they released wide receiver Terrelle Pryor to make room for Turbin, who they acquired off waivers from Seattle.

Mary Kay Cabot of Northeast Ohio Media Group reported Turbin has a high ankle sprain that will keep him out four-to-six weeks. Turbin also said being let go by the Seahawks "came out of left field and threw (him) for a loop, per Cabot.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news. He will receive the $660,000 he was scheduled to be paid in the final year of his rookie contract, per Over the Cap. 

"This will be a mistake by them," Pryor told Cabot.

Turbin spent his first three years in the league in the Pacific Northwest. Having Lynch above him in the depth chart meant he rarely received significant carries. He rushed for 928 yards in 48 games—only three of which were starts—for the franchise.

When the Seahawks added Jackson, Turbin was likely looking at an even more diminished role in the offense in 2015. Eventually, he reached an injury settlement with Seattle that immediately made him a free agent, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.    

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller seemed a bit surprised the reigning NFC champions jettisoned one of their more talented young runners:

As Condotta explained, Turbin could've potentially re-signed with the Seahawks, but he would've had to wait for at least six weeks. Somebody else was surely going to offer him a contract before then, and Cleveland stepped up to the plate.   

Turbin still won't be able to play until his sprained ankle heals, but the Browns were smart to make this move now. Plenty of teams were likely lining up to sign the veteran running back, so general manager Ray Farmer had little time to wait before pulling the trigger.

Once he gets back to 100 percent, Turbin should become a key member of the Browns offense, even if it's in a backup role. He is a very good third-down back and brings value to the passing game be it as a receiver—43 receptions for 427 yards and two touchdowns—or as the last line of defense in terms of protecting his quarterback.

At this stage of the season, finding players who will actually improve your roster can be difficult. Keeping that in mind, Cleveland made a smart risk betting Turbin will grow into a solid presence in the backfield.