The Browns have tendered restricted free agent safety Ronnie Hickman. Team will have the right of first refusal if he agrees to a new contract with another team.
The tender does not come with draft-pick compensation. The typical contract for a player at this tender is between $3.26 million and $3.55 million.
The Browns had five restricted free agents this offseason: cornerback Sam Webb, tight end Blake Whiteheart, defensive tackle Sam Kamara, linebacker Mohamoud Diabate and Hickman. Hickman was the only one tendered, meaning the other four are unrestricted free agents.
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Hickman was originally san undrafted free agent in 2023, but rapidly showed himself to be a player trusted on defense. He has started 26 of 41 career games, including all 17 in 2025.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout set career highs in tackles (100), interceptions (two) and passes defensed (seven) in 2025. Hickman has recorded 173 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, 11 passes defensed, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and one touchdown over three seasons.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns tender safety Ronnie Hickman with right of first refusal
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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