The Cleveland Browns had a documented pursuit of former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard before he signed with the New York Giants in free agency. However, the Browns have now found their man as they look to bring the fullback back to Northeast Ohio.
After the NFL Draft, where they also did not add a fullback, the Browns have signed veteran Michael Burton to their roster.
A 34-year-old veteran, Burton has been around the block quite a bit, playing in the NFL for 11 seasons. He has played for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Washington, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Denver Broncos throughout his NFL career. He now looks to fill a vital role in new head coach Todd Monken’s offense.
The last time the Browns used a fullback
During the Kevin Stefanski era, the Browns did not roster a fullback. Instead, Stefanski would use former backup center Nick Harris, an extra tight end, or even defensive tackle Adin Huntington in this role when bringing a jumbo package onto the field. The last time the Browns rostered a fullback was five years ago during the 2021 season.
Andy Janovich was the last player to suit up for the Browns as a fullback.
However, Monken got the most out of Ricard in Baltimore. This is not to say that Burton is on the same plane as the 300-pounder Ricard in terms of usage, but Monken at least has a key piece to his offense now on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns add key position to the roster for first time since 2021
Reporting by Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
