The Cleveland Browns and tight end Harrison Bryant have agreed to a restructured deal that solidifies his status with the team this year. As reported by Brad Stainbrook of theOBR, Bryant and the Browns have agreed to a deal that guarantees him $1.75 million this season, but includes incentives that could reach $4 million.
Coming into the year, Bryant was carrying a $2.73 million salary, which is a hefty amount for what could be the team's third tight end. The Browns added Jordan Akins in free agency, reuniting him with Deshaun Watson. He stands out as an option to play the F in the offense, able to flex out or operate out of the backfield.
As a result, the expectation was the Browns were going to trade Bryant likely in a player for player deal not unlike the one they made with the New England Patriots, sending linebacker Mack Wilson to the Patriots with a similar sized contract as Bryant's in exchange for edge rusher Chase Winovich.
The Browns like Bryant, so this deal enables him to stay for this season. If he produces and has a great year, he gets more money than he would've under his original deal. That would also increase the likelihood the Browns would want to sign Bryant to another contract.
Last year, there were rumblings about cautious optimism that Bryant was ready to have a bigger year. It didn't quite work out and while he did contribute, catching 31 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. There's similar buzz this year with Bryant, but the Browns have insurance if it doesn't happen.
General manager Andrew Berry, in a continuing effort to promote competition, now has Akins and Bryant pushing for snaps as the second tight end behind David Njoku. Tight end is a position that typically requires a lengthy development as illustrated by Njoku.
If Bryant still can't find the consistency this season, the 2020 fourth-round pick becomes an intriguing free agent option. Because of the slow maturation process at that position, there are teams eagerly looking to try to grab tight ends who have been in the league for a few seasons, hoping they are ready to break out for pennies on the dollar.
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