Cleveland Browns: Isaiah Crowell Got Tendered But Is He There Long-term?

Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The future of Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell is clearer now.

There has been little traction for a long-term agreement between Isaiah Crowell and the Cleveland Browns. Earlier today, Cleveland decided to at least lock down the position for the short-term.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns placed a second round tender on Crowell worth $2.81 million.

As Rapoport explained, a long-term is still an option. For just under $3 million though, that is a steal. Crowell did better than expected in his year under head coach Hue Jackson but is he really the best option long-term?

For the Browns sake, they will have him more than likely for at least one more season, but there are other quality running backs in the draft worth considering. When Cleveland is able to place a consistently good offensive line and good quarterback with Crowell, then the offense should really make some noise. However, who knows when position areas really are going to be fixed.

To an extent I am on the fence as to what Crowell’s future should be. Cleveland already has a ton of draft picks this offseason.

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11 as a matter of fact, but what if I were to say Crowell is not a number one running back? Instead, he would be suited for 10-12 carries, focusing on short yardage and goal line situations.

Another second rounder in this draft is awfully tempting so much so that I would not mind seeing a team offer such compensation. Instead, Cleveland could look to upgrade the position. On the other hand, we already know what Crowell can do and there is no guarantee any replacement would be an upgrade.

Unless a true, valuable talent fell into Cleveland’s lap in the second round, Crowell’s role is not going to decrease. There is no question what he did last season was nice to see.

Yet, that was just one season and Crowell will need to see his game continue to take the next step forward. Crowell is a solid player and another season learning from Jackson could propel him into being one of the better backs in the NFL.

If Crowell plays on a one-year deal, he needs to make sure last season was not a fluke. Should the Browns extend him on a contract for three or four seasons, the pressure is lifted to a degree. Crowell can play in the NFL.

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However, I need to see him replicate his 2016 season this fall for me to confidently keep him in the sole running back one category rather than just viewing him as a stopgap option. For the former to occur though, improvements along the offensive line and at quarterback will be required and there is plenty of work to do to make that happen.