Browns Sign Rex Grossman

WEDNESDAY, 12:57pm: Grossman’s one-year deal with the Browns is worth the minimum but includes $50K in guaranteed money, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com.

TUESDAY, 8:40am: The Browns have reached an agreement to sign free agent quarterback Rex Grossman, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus (Twitter link via Pro Football Talk). The signing reunites Grossman with Cleveland offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, after the duo spent multiple seasons together in Washington.

Although Grossman hasn’t seen regular-season NFL action since starting 13 games for the Redskins during the 2011 season, he has spent the last few years in Washington, and continued to draw interest this offseason. In addition to frequent speculation throughout the spring and summer that the veteran signal-caller, who turns 34 this month, may land in Cleveland, Grossman also worked out for the Dolphins this week. After that audition, we heard that Grossman was scheduled to visit another club, so it appears that Cleveland was that team.

With Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel battling for the top spot on the Browns’ depth chart, there’s still an opening for the No. 3 job. Grossman figures to have the inside track on that spot, particularly since the team has announced the release of quarterback Tyler Thigpen (Twitter link).

During his last stint as a starter in 2011, Grossman threw for 3,151 yards and 16 touchdowns, though he also racked up 20 interceptions. Presumably, if he earns a spot on Cleveland’s regular-season roster, Grossman will be relied upon to provide veteran guidance for the rookie Manziel and the relatively inexperienced Hoyer. If Grossman ends up seeing any snaps for the Browns during the 2014 campaign, it’s likely a sign that the club’s season has gone off the rails.

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