6 of the best free agents signed by the Cleveland Browns since 1999
By Chad Porto
RB Jamal Lewis
The Cleveland Browns were in desperation mode heading into the 2007 season. The Butch Davis era blew up in their faces after a strong first two seasons. The arrival of Romeo Crennel was supposed to improve the stability of the team and increase the effectiveness of the defense as a whole. While individuals stepped up, the team still struggled to find their way.
The Browns made some big moves in 2005 and 2007 to help get them in place for their miraculous 10-win 2007 season, partly by poaching the Ravens. In 2005, the Browns poached Derek Anderson from the Ravens’ by acquiring him via waivers, and in 2007, signed the Ravens’ all-time leading rusher Jamal Lewis.
While Lewis didn’t have a long impact on The Browns, only playing three seasons and only hitting 1,000 yards twice, Lewis did make a huge impact on the 2007 team. He broke well over 1,500 combined yards for the Browns and compiled 11 total touchdowns.
He was the spark plug the team needed to win a lot of their games and was the perfect compliment for Anderson’s deep-pass ways. Due to the Browns assured running game, Anderson was able to use the play-action pass to stretch the field and make the Browns one of the most fun teams to watch and one of the most dangerous teams to play.