Report: Browns Trying To Re-sign Key Defender Before Free Agency

Originally posted on Browns Nation | By Wendi Oliveros | Last updated 3/3/22

The Cleveland Browns have a lot of loose ends on the 2022 roster.

While there are always loose ends, it seems as though this year has more than usual, and free agency is right around the corner beginning on March 16.

One of those key free-agent players is safety M.J. Stewart.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are working to re-sign Stewart before March 16, and this is good news for Browns fans.

Stewart’s Contract

Stewart, 26, finished his fourth NFL season.

He was the No. 53 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

His four-year rookie contract was worth $5.08 million.

Though not completely equitable, the Browns signed strong safety, John Johnson III who was the No. 91 overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, to a three-year $33 million contract during the 2021 free agency period.

It is not clear what Stewart is looking for, or if he is more interested in testing the free agency waters before committing to the Browns.

Stewart Said Goodbye On Instagram In January

Fans have been holding out hope that Stewart would get an extension.

They were saddened by his heartfelt goodbye message to the city and the team on January 17.

#Browns MJ Stewart, who’ll be an UFA this offseason, on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/VznooOfA6q

— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) January 17, 2022

On Instagram, Stewart wrote:

“Man What A Time I Had In Cleveland!! I Want To Thank The Organization And The City Of Cleveland For Giving Me Such A Great Experience. Year 4 In The Books But My Story Is Just Beginning!!!!”

Stewart’s Browns Career

Stewart has been consistently good for the Browns since arriving in 2020.

In two seasons, he played in 29 regular-season games.

He had 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 52 solo tackles.

Both of his interceptions were in back-to-back games against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 and in the 2020 wild card game.

MJ Stewart with a HUGE interception! #Browns pic.twitter.com/O4LE0vYl6E

— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 3, 2021

The Interception by Cornerback #36 MJ Stewart Jr that helped the Browns go up 14-0 on the Steelers pic.twitter.com/oNzZHFTuvq

— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) January 11, 2021

We hope his reported extension gets done soon because it is well deserved.