Cleveland Browns Make Key Signing to Offset Losses in Free Agency The Cleveland Browns faced significant departures in free agency as tight end Harrison Bryant joined the Las Vegas Raiders and center/fullback Nick Harris signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
To address these losses, the Browns swiftly signed Giovanni Ricci from the Carolina Panthers. Ricci, a versatile player who has spent three seasons in the NFL, is known for his contributions on special teams and his ability to line up at tight end or fullback for blocking purposes.
A native of Loveland, Ohio, Ricci returns to his home state, where he played college football at Western Michigan. With Harris no longer on the roster, Ricci assumes the primary fullback role in crucial offensive situations requiring short-yardage gains. Despite his limited receiving statistics—having caught just nine passes in 36 NFL games, eight of which were in 2022—Ricci’s presence adds depth and versatility to the Browns’ offense.
Having battled a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the previous season, Ricci is eager to make an impact on the field. In terms of the tight end position, Ricci is expected to slot in as the third option behind David Njoku and Jordan Akins on the depth chart. He will likely see playing time in heavy sets and blocking formations, while also contributing significantly on special teams.
