Following Harrison Bryant’s departure, the Browns have signed TE Giovanni Ricci
Former Carolina Panthers tight end Giovanni Ricci was signed by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, promptly filling the void left by Harrison Bryant’s departure.
Ricci has been recruited by the Browns to mainly focus on blocking duties, as evidenced by his statistics. Throughout his career, he’s only managed 9 receptions for a total of 102 yards and was previously classified as a fullback. Despite going undrafted in 2020, Ricci landed himself a spot with the Panthers after being recognized as an All-MAC selection earlier in his college football days. So far throughout three NFL seasons spanning over thirty-six games played along with four starts under his belt so far this season have shown that defensive presence is what Ricci brings forth onto the field most prominently..
With Bryant’s departure, Cleveland had a void to fill. The Browns drafted him in the fourth round of 2020. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, his agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders is valued at $3.25 million and potentially up to $4 million. He has played a total of 65 games, accumulating stats such as 89 receptions for 791 yards and ten touchdowns throughout his career thus far.
Despite registering only 13 catches for 81 yards and 3 touchdowns last season, Bryant wasn’t a significant contributor to the offense. However, given Pro Bowler David Njoku’s presence on the team, there was still a need for depth at his position.
Njoku, veteran Jordan Akins and Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who was signed to a reserve/future contract in January are part of the tight ends group that Ricci has joined.
The Browns’ offensive strategy is shifting under the leadership of Ken Dorsey.
The Browns have abandoned their previous tight end-heavy playbook on offense, and will be guided by a new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey next season. Alex Van Pelt has been relieved of his duties after the Browns’ elimination from the Wild Card round.
It is currently unknown whether Dorsey or head coach Kevin Stefanski will take on the responsibility of calling plays for the Browns. Since assuming leadership in 2020, Stefanski has handled this duty.
On February 5, Stefanski stated that while everyone may want to discuss play-calling, his main focus was on rebuilding the offense with Ken and taking charge. He expressed his delight in having Ken on board for this task.
During his career as a player, Dorsey was a member of the Browns. However, when he transitioned to coaching positions, he spent time working with both the Panthers and Buffalo Bills organizations.
Key pieces have been added to the Browns’ offense.
Although the Browns haven’t caused a stir through significant acquisitions of offensive players in free agency, they did manage to bring on board some potential game changers for next season. These include Nyheim Hines who serves both as running back and kick returner, along with backup quarter Jameis Winston.
Hines has the potential to be a dynamic threat when utilized as both a runner and receiver from the backfield. Additionally, he is anticipated to make valuable contributions on special teams.
Last season, the Browns realized how important it is to have a reliable backup. Although they had five different quarterbacks under center, Joe Flacco ultimately helped them hit their stride.
Rather than retaining Flacco in free agency, Cleveland chose to sign Winston – who was once a top pick. While he previously served as backup for the New Orleans Saints, that will be his role again on the Browns behind Deshaun Watson.
The Browns reached a trade agreement with the Denver Broncos to acquire former first-round wide receiver Jerry Jeudy prior to the beginning of free agency.
