The Browns have applied the second-round tender to running back Isaiah Crowell, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The one-year tender is worth $2.81MM. However, the two sides are working on a long-term deal with the hope that they can replace the one-year placeholder. 
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The two sides engaged in “heavy talks” during the season, but in January they were said to be at a “stalemate”. Still just 24, Crowell is mindful of his value, but he only has so much leverage as a restricted free agent.
The three-year veteran, an undrafted free agent from Alabama State in 2014, broke out with 952 yards on 198 carries – good for a robust 4.8 YPC – and seven scores on the ground. He added 40 receptions and 319 more yards as a pass-catching option. Along with wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, Crowell was one of the very few bright spots for Cleveland in the midst of a lousy year.
The second-round tender, in all likelihood, should keep Crowell from winding up elsewhere. This year’s running back class is fairly strong at the top and any team in need of a tailback should be able to meet their needs with a second-round choice.