The Cleveland Browns’ active offseason isn’t about to come to a conclusion any time soon. After multiple trades and solid free agent signings, the previously downtrodden franchise is on the verge of adding another potential long-term starter to the mix.
According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are nearing a deal with former Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills cornerback E.J. Gaines.
Gaines, 26, was acquired by Buffalo from Los Angeles prior to the start of the 2017 season in a deal that included Sammy Watkins heading to California. The former Missouri standout responded by recording 59 tackles, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles and one interception in 11 games (all starts). According to Pro Football Focus, Gaines yielded a low 50.5 passer rating when targeted last season.
This comes after a rebuilding Browns team added fellow defensive backs Travis Carrie, Terrance Mitchell and Damarious Randall earlier in the offseason. Yeah, the team’s secondary has improved leaps and bounds over the past couple weeks.