Former Cardinals TE Jim Dray Signs With Browns
By Scott Allen
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Jim Dray (81) makes a catch as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colt McCoy (2) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
I’m not sure what it is about the Cleveland Browns that Arizona Cardinals free agents saw in the offseason. Today the Browns signed their second player away from Arizona in tight end Jim Dray. They signed linebacker Karlos Dansby on Tuesday.
Now, in Dray’s defense, he was going to be out anyway since the Cards already signed John Carlson and Jake Ballard at the tight end position. Dray had spent his first four years in the league with the Cards since being drafted out of Stanford in 2010. Dray had 26 receptions last season for 215 yards and two touchdowns. He has just 33 career receptions.
That didn’t stop the Browns though from signing Dray to a 3-year $5.625 million deal on Thursday. I couldn’t imagine Dray getting nearly as good a deal anywhere else. One thing the Browns have made clear. They will overpay for their talent. Good for Dray though. With almost no chance of returning to Arizona after the previous signings, Dray found a new home and someone willing to pay him some good money. The Browns also signed tight end Jordan Cameron this week. Cameron is known more for his receiving skills. Dray is more of a blocking tight end. It should be interesting to see how the Browns utilize their new tight end set. Now, they just need a quarterback to throw to them.