CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns returned to Rams’ excellent defensive backfield in 2020 again to find another key player for their secondary.
They agreed to the terms on Thursday with the cornerback of Rams free agent Troy Hill in a multi-year deal, the terms of which have not been released, a league source told cleveland.com.
The acquisition comes three days after the Browns landed on their former Rams and security teammate John Johnson III, their # 1 free agency target. Both were newcomers to Rams’ No. 1 general defense and to their No. 1 pass defense in 2020.
Hill, 29, was the NFL 2020 defensive touchdown leader with three, all in the last six games of the season. Two came in interception returns and one in a fumble return.
With the versatility to play inside or outside, Hill (5-11, 183) will step on the scene as the Browns’ nickel cornerback in place of free agent Kevin Johnson, who agreed to the terms on a Thursday of a year with the Titans. Hill also gives the Browns some insurance if incumbent Greedy Williams, who lost all season last year with nerve damage to his shoulder, needs more time to heal.
Denzel Ward also lost three or four games in each of the first three seasons, so Hill’s chances of starting a few games outside are good.
Pro Football Focus ranked Hill as the NFL’s # 18 best cornerback, three points ahead of Ward. In terms of coverage, he was 17th overall, also three places ahead of Ward.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Hill started all 16 games as a cornerback for Rams last season, getting three interceptions and recovering two fumbles. He also made 77 tackles, including 55 solo.
He was originally hired as an unmarked rookie in 2015, leaving Oregon for the Bengals, but was released in December. He was caught by the Patriots, but gave up after a week and caught the Rams.
He started 39 of his 70 games in five seasons with the Rams. He has seven career interceptions, three recoveries from fumble and 218 tackles.
The Browns also agreed to Thursday night’s terms on a one-year contract with striker Greg Senat, who spent time on his training team last season. He was a free agent for the Cowboys.
Since Monday, the Browns have also agreed to the terms of defense Takk McKinley, linebacker Malcolm Smith, receiver Rashard Higgins and receiver JoJo Natson. They also delivered the receiver KhaDarel Hodge.
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