CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns starting running back Isaiah Crowell signed the second-round restricted free agent tender the franchise placed on him.
The word came as reports surfaced that indicated that receiver Josh Gordon would not be back in a Browns uniform anytime soon.
The team announced the move on Thursday night along with signings of three draft picks: cornerback Howard Wilson (fourth round), left tackle Rod Johnson (fifth round) and running back Matthew Dayes (seventh round).
Crowell, who rushed for 952 yards last season, will make $2.7 million next season and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2018. Cleveland can sign him to a contract extension at any time before then.
The Browns view Crowell, who did not attend the team’s voluntary workout program that began last month, as a core player going forward.
He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Crowell averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season and caught 40 passes for 319 yards.
Meanwhile, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Gordon has been denied reinstatement by the NFL.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced publicly, says Gordon can reapply for reinstatement in the fall.
Gordon has been suspended several times by the league, including the current ban for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He also was suspended for 10 games in 2014, then for the 2015 season, all for substance abuse violations.
Now 26, Gordon rejoined the Browns last summer, then entered a rehab facility in September.
After leading the NFL in yards receiving in 2013, Gordon barely has played, getting into only five games in 2014.