Browns sign wide receiver Jaelen Strong

The Cleveland Browns have signed wide receiver Jaelen Strong to a contract. Strong’s reprentatives and later the Browns announced the deal Wednesday.

In perhaps what will amount to a “see what he has” signing, the Cleveland Browns signed former Texans and Jaguars receiver Jaelen Strong to a contract Wednesday. Strong missed the entire 2018 season due to an ACL tear that occurred during his time in Jacksonville.

The Cleveland Browns tweeted out the deal Wednesday afternoon.

During his short career Strong has not been the impact player that Houston thought he could be. While he was only a third round pick, Houston was desperate for help at the receiver position opposite DeAndre Hopkins. His poor play led to the Texans finding help elsewhere.

While Strong’s numbers were far from good in Houston (28 receptions, 292 yards and three touchdowns), some of that could be to blame on the poor quarterback play in Houston. Brian Hoyer was far from good in Houston and that could have impacted his overall numbers as a member of the Texans.

While Jaelen Strong was not a polished receiver in Houston, it is possible that Cleveland saw something in him. Another reclamation project of sorts. This is similar to how Cleveland picked up Breshad Perriman midseason and restored his value. It is possible that the Browns are looking to perform a similar career resurrection with Strong.

Cleveland making this move is hardly a surprise. General manger John Dorsey is one who takes risks on players with off the field issues. Strong served a one-game suspension for a violation of the substance abuse policy in 2017. Add in the fact that Strong is coming off an ACL injury, this was a move that Dorsey was just waiting to make. It is possible Strong makes an impact for Cleveland this season, it is also possible he is cut before the regular season.