The Browns signed free safety Rahim Moore on Thursday after it was previously reported the two sides agreed to a one-year contract.
Backup wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, 26, and reserve safety Don Jones, 25, also signed their qualifying offers as restricted free agents. They’re each scheduled to make $1.671 million next season and become unrestricted free agents next year.
Moore, 26, is expected to compete with Jordan Poyer for the job opening at free safety created by the departure of former Pro Bowl selection Tashaun Gipson, who signed a five-year, $35.5 million contract last week with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 6-foot, 198-pound Moore will need to show the Browns he’s capable of resuscitating his career to win a starting job.
Moore played for the Denver Broncos for four seasons after they drafted him in the second round out of UCLA in 2011. Then he signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Houston Texans last year. But he struggled with pass coverage and tackling, so the Texans benched him after seven games and made him inactive for the final 10, including one in the playoffs.
He told Houston reporters the demotion “was mortifying,” though he has found a fresh start.
“It’s a blessing. It feels like being drafted all over again,” Moore said in a news release. “I can definitely sense the aura on how this program is trying to change things around. Before I set foot in the premises, I’ve known the great history of the Cleveland Browns, from former UCLA great Eric Turner to Don Rogers to Thom Darden, it’s a great place to be, and I really felt like this was a great opportunity for me and a great fit, so I’m really excited.”
Perhaps Moore’s background will help him connect with his new coaches and ease his transition to Cleveland. He graduated from Dorsey High School in Los Angeles like Browns coach Hue Jackson and running backs coach/run game coordinator Kirby Wilson before him.
Moore plans to be a leader for his new team.
“I want to be a guy who comes in every day to work to be the best,” he said. “I’m a team guy. I’m a guy that can come help force turnovers, comes in and puts in work in the film room, get in early, leave late, very inquisitive. I’m just a guy that loves the game. I love the history of the NFL. I want to help this program win and compete.”
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.