As expected, the Browns have worked out a contract with the third overall pick in the draft.
Running back Trent Richardson has agreed to terms, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The contract pays Richardson a signing bonus of $13.341 million, along with base salaries of $390,000 in 2012, $1.321 million in 2013, $2.252 million in 2014, and $3.184 million in 2015.
Like all first-round picks, the team holds an option for the fifth-year. The Browns will be able to retain Richardson’s rights for 2016 by offering the average of the ten highest paid running backs in 2015.
The contract is fully-guaranteed, with no offset language.
The Browns moved up from the fourth pick to No. 3 to get Richardson, whom they hope will have an instant impact on the team’s running game -- in turn opening up the passing game.
To get the most out of the running game and the passing game, the Browns need to get their other first-round pick signed. Quarterback Brandon Weeden, the 22nd pick in the draft, reportedly wants his four-year deal to be fully guaranteed. It’s a fairly smart move, given that there could be a new regime in Cleveland by 2015 -- and Weeden could be getting the same treatment that 2010 third-rounder Colt McCoy is about to get.