The Cleveland Browns announced Thursday that they have signed free agent wide receiver Miles Austin.
Austin spent his entire career from 2006-2013 with the Dallas Cowboys, but the team released him in March following three straight injury-marred seasons in order to save cap space.
Terms of Austin’s deal are not yet known, but we’re inclined to believe it’s a good signing for Cleveland. The Browns are likely losing Josh Gordon for at least part of the upcoming season because of another failed drug test, so they need more receiving options. Austin should be able to give them one for half a season or so depending on his problematic hamstrings.
The Browns did not select a receiver in the draft, which indicated to me they would bring in at least one option through free agency. Austin was the name who stood out to me because of what he’s done in the past (18 touchdowns, 2361 receiving yards in 2009-2010). He’ll be 30 for the upcoming season and he can’t stay healthy for 16 games, but he should help them for half a season, and that’s good enough.
