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Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks has a new NFL home. The 27-year-old veteran is signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The Browns, who went 0-16 last year, were one of three teams reportedly showing interest in Kendricks after the Eagles released him two weeks ago. He reportedly visited with Cleveland on Friday.
It’s interesting to see that Kendricks turned down the opportunity to play with his brother, Eric Kendricks, in Minnesota. He officially visited the Vikings last week.
It’s also interesting to consider Kendricks’ fit in Cleveland. They already have some established players in Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, and Joe Schobert. It’ll be interesting to see how much playing time he gets.
The Browns have the most cap space in the NFL so they could certainly afford to make Kendricks a good offer. It remains to be seen how much Kendricks’ one-year deal is worth.
Speaking of cap space, the Eagles now have about $5.9 million to work with (per Over The Cap) thanks to designating Kendricks as a post-June 1 cut. Philadelphia can use that to re-sign Corey Graham and/or make some other roster additions.
The Eagles don’t play the Browns in the regular season but they will make a trip to Cleveland in the preseason. It’s the dress rehearsal game so Kendricks could play a decent amount in that matchup.
UPDATE: Kendricks’ agent says the deal with Cleveland is not done yet.
Per Mychal Kendricks' agent -- @DHendrickson41 -- a deal has NOT been reached with the #Browns. Cleveland is the favorite, but contract negotiations are ongoing. Again, a deal is NOT done.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 3, 2018
And Kendricks isn’t happy with RapSheet.
You will never have my respect
— Mychal Kendricks (@MychalKendricks) June 3, 2018
SECOND UPDATE: Kendricks denies signing with the Browns. He’s not happy.
Mychal Kendricks on report he is signing with the Browns: 1/2: “No, it’s not accurate. I don’t know who the (bleep) said that. That (bleep) is (bleep). Whoever said that (bleep) is (bleep). That’s all I have to say, man. I’m not really talking to anybody else about it...
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 3, 2018
LB Mychal Kendricks on report he's signing with the Browns, 2/2. " It’s (bleep). I don’t like people like that. I don’t respect people like that. And that’s all I have to say.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 3, 2018
THIRD UPDATE: Kendricks to the Browns is back on. The deal is reportedly worth $3.5 million. Kendricks had a $7.6 million cap number with the Eagles in 2018 before being released.
#Browns and LB Mychal Kendricks have agreed to a one-year deal, with a max value of $3.5 million, per source. Kendricks will start from day one for Cleveland.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 4, 2018
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