Browns RB Jerome Harrison Hints at Signing His RFA Tender By June 15 Deadline

One year ago, the talk around Cleveland Browns nation was that of the quarterback duel between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson to be the team's starter.

One year later, most of the talk has been about the Browns' five restricted free agents (RFAs), the lack of a veteran wide receiver to mentor a very inexperienced group, and if incumbent quarterback Jake Delhomme can shake off the turnover bug.

Much more to talk and write about this year in the Browns' offseason, which makes my job as a writer that much easier, and I thank the Browns for that.

One of the notable pieces of news out of the Browns' offseason is how, despite being unsigned RFAs, both running back Jerome Harrison and fullback Lawrence Vickers have been in attendance for the organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp.

I have said it in past articles, as have several other writers across the Internet, but Harrison and Vickers' attendance may be a direct result of the new additions to the backfield which include rookie running back Montario Hardesty and fullback/halfback Peyton Hillis—both of whom have gotten plenty of praise.

Browns Nation knows about Harrison's break-out performances in the final three games of 2009, running for over 550 yards, and they should also know how Vickers has been the lead blocker for a Browns running attack that has finished 10th and eighth in total rushing offense in two of his three years as starter.

Both are predicted to sign their RFA tenders with the Browns before the June 15 deadline due to their participation in offseason activities.

Harrison really would like to stay in Cleveland, though.

"If it's up to me, I'd like to stay here, and I think I will," said Harrison to CBSSports.com. "It's up to my agent to work it all out."

The fact that Harrison thinks he will stay in Cleveland means that he will most likely concede to signing his tender by or on the deadline, which gives the Browns a very intriguing one-two punch at running back with him and Hardesty most likely taking the majority of the hand-offs.

Add in Vickers' punishing blocking to pave the way for the running back, along with head coach Eric Mangini telling the media that the Browns will continue to run and run a lot—this is the making of a possible top ten running team once again for 2010.

The Browns are primed to show the NFL that AFC smash-mouth football is back in Cleveland. Keeping both Harrison and Vickers will only add to a successful running attack on the shores of Lake Erie.

(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog )