Gary Barnidge Agrees to New Contract with Cleveland Browns

Tight end Gary Barnidge has been one of the few bright spots amid another woeful Cleveland Browns season, and the team ensured he'd stick around beyond 2015.  

The Browns announced Thursday that Barnidge had been rewarded a contract extension. Andrew Gribble reported the news for the team's official website and included what Barnidge had to say.

"It's a tremendous honor that Cleveland has the faith in me," said Barnidge, per Gribble. "I want to be here whenever we turn this thing around. I know we haven't had the season we wanted this year but I’m looking forward to the future and getting everything turned around."

Browns general manager Ray Farmer also spoke on the move to retain Barnidge, saying, per Gribble: "This is good news for both Gary and the Cleveland Browns. ... Gary is someone that does things the right way, both on and off the field. He's a true professional and we are excited to have him remain a Cleveland Brown."

Barnidge also posted an image on Twitter as he put pen to paper:

CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora highlighted how much of a breakout 2015 campaign Barnidge has enjoyed:

The absence of a viable rushing attack and an awful defense have held Cleveland back this season. Quarterbacks Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel have played at a high level for the most part, and Barnidge has thrived as a result.

Barnidge has more than adequately filled in at tight end for departed Pro Bowler Jordan Cameron. The Browns receiving corps is among the smallest in all of football, which makes Barnidge all the more valuable as a QB-friendly big target.

Cleveland ought to prioritize upgrading the talent at the skill positions for whoever is under center in 2016. Retaining its most prized current asset in Barnidge is equally as important, and it appears the Browns are wisely doing just that.