NFL: Top 5 Cleveland Browns free-agent signings since 1999

Last year, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry made a big splash in free agency to bolster the team's offensive line. The signings played a big part in the team's success as they ended their 18-year long playoff drought.

Andrew Berry breaks down our 6 free agent signings and approach to the 2021 offseason"How we navigate the free agent market is to try to be opportunistic buyers. I think that's something we were really able to accomplish with the guys we added.”📰 » https://t.co/KDnsf8c2IW pic.twitter.com/OAQI67IcUs

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 25, 2021

Historically, Cleveland has not been a landing spot for top free agents. The team's history of dysfunction, coupled with its lack of success on the field, has always been off-putting for the NFL's best players.

While the team hasn't had much luck with the free agents that they have managed to sign, few players have been outliers to that norm. Below, we take a look at the Cleveland Browns' top-five free-agent signings since 1999.

Cleveland Browns’ Top 5 free agent signings since 1999

#5 - Brain Hoyer, QB

Browns win! Brian Hoyer leads Cleveland back from down 25 to beat Titans, 29-28.Hoyer: 292 Pass yds, 3 TD, Int pic.twitter.com/uX7eq1xyWH

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2014

Before drafting Baker Mayfield in 2018, the Browns had a revolving door at quarterback. The team started 30 QBs in 20 seasons and one of them was current NFL journeyman Brian Hoyer.

The Cleveland native was signed in 2013 after a brief but impressive stint with the Arizona Cardinals. Signed as a backup for QB Brandon Weedon, Hoyer was inserted into the lineup after an injury to the starting QB.

He led the Browns to victories in his first three games before tearing his ACL. Hoyer was named the starting QB for the 2014 NFL season and had an impressive start to the campaign, leading the Browns to a 6-3 record.

But an injury to Hoyer and his subsequent poor play meant the Browns won only one of their remaining seven games. He joined the Houston Texans in 2015.

#4 - JC Tretter, Center

Among 33 qualifying centers through seven weeks, #Browns JC Tretter ranks:--1st in pass blocking grade (85.2)--6th in pass blocking efficiency (98.9)--7th in offensive grade (70.1)--T-9th in run blocking (65.3) pic.twitter.com/ID3BOyDTcN

— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) October 26, 2019

JC Tretter spent his first three years in the NFL with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Tretter signed a three-year, $16.75 million deal with the Browns in 2017.

Since joining the Browns, Tretter has started all 64 games and has been a huge boost on the offensive line. In 2019, the center signed a three-year, $32.5 million extension with the team. Tretter is one of the most experienced players on the Cleveland Browns roster and has been a key figure in the team's recent success.

#3 - Jamir Miller, LB

@MattFontana83 @MikeRizzo22 Pro-Bowler Jamir Miller tore his right Achilles’ tendon and was never the same. #Browns pic.twitter.com/eYU3ZrPNvG

— Ed_in_Columbus (@ed_in_columbus) June 25, 2019

Jamir Miller had a big impact in his limited time with the Browns. He signed with the team in 1999 and spent three seasons in Cleveland.

Miller was a versatile linebacker who did it all on the Browns' defense. In 47 games for the Browns, Miller defended 23 passes, caught two interceptions, recorded 22.5 sacks and 241 solo tackles.

He was selected for the Pro Bowl and earned an All-Pro selection in his final season with the Browns in 2001. Miller was the first Browns player to be selected for the Pro Bowl since the team returned to the NFL in 1999.

The linebacker tore his right Achilles tendon in a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings in 2002 and was sidelined for the entire season. The Cleveland Browns waived him in February 2003 following which the linebacker retired from the sport.

#2 - Jamal Lewis, RB

Battle for Ohio 2007, Jamal Lewis runs wild and the Browns hold on to win #Brownspic.twitter.com/nLPROVxlOg

— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) March 27, 2020

In 2007, the Cleveland Browns signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis on a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

In his debut season with the Browns, Lewis rushed for 1,304 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes for 248 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Following his incredible debut season, the Browns rewarded Lewis with a three-year, $17 million extension. The RB recorded a third-straight season with over 1,000 rushing yards in 2008. Lewis played just nine games due to an injury in the 2009 NFL season but notched 500 receiving yards.

Before the season-ending injury, Lewis had announced that he would retire at the end of the 2009 season.

#1 - Phil Dowson, Kicker

HAPPY PHIL DAWSON DAY: On 4/3 we like to make an excuse & CELEBRATE one of our favorites since the team returned in 99’: The one & only Phil Dawson! When 4️⃣ came in for a FG, it was almost a guaranteed 3️⃣!@phil_dawson_4 | #Browns pic.twitter.com/unNV7a4l6W

— BrownsAccess (@BrownsAccess) April 3, 2020

Not often a kicker would be a franchise’s top free-agent signing in a 20-year span unless it was Phil Dowson.

He was a constant staple for the Browns for 14 years after their return to the NFL in 1999. He is a beloved figure in Cleveland and is still one of the fan favorites despite playing for two teams after leaving the Browns.

Dawson scored the first points for the returning Browns in the second game of the 1999 NFL season against the Tennessee Titans. Dawson holds almost all kicking and scoring records for the Browns. In his 14 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Dawson connected on 305 of his 330 field goal attempts and 350 of his 358 extra-point attempts.

In 2019, Dawson signed a one-day deal with the Browns to retire as a Browns player.