Prior to reaching deals with Tuggle, Bailey and Davis, the Browns allowed five players, four of whom were starters, to sign contracts with other teams.
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Browns fans will remember Davis as he was one of two NY defenders that knocked quarterback Josh McCown out of the season-opening game with a goal line hit that left McCown with a concussion.
The Browns have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent inside linebacker Demario Davis, a league source confirmed to The Chronicle-Telegram on Wednesday morning.
Newsday reported the deal is for two years and worth $8 million, including $4 million guaranteed.
Drafted by the Jets in the third round (77th overall) in 2012, Davis has played in 64 games (51 starts), including starting all 48 games the last three seasons.
Christian Kirksey, a third-round pick in 2014, is expected to become a full-time starter.
The inside linebacker recorded 349 career tackles, 6 1⁄2 sacks, eight passes defensed and an interception with the Jets.
Last season, he ranked second on the team with 90 tackles, including two sacks. Some scouts say he doesn’t have keen instincts for the position, and it shows up at times in pass coverage – i.e. using the wrong technique.
Davis will play the weak-inside spot with the Browns, which could mean that former starter Craig Robertson, an unrestricted free agent, will not be back with Cleveland.
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A week into free agency, the Cleveland Browns finally signed a somewhat significant free agent.
