12:16pm: The Browns have officially signed Housler to a one-year contract, the team announced today in a press release. Per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links), the deal is worth $1.76MM — the Ravens had only offered the veteran tight end a minimum salary.
11:27am: Free agent tight end Rob Housler has agreed to terms with the Browns, reports Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (via Twitter). According to Fowler, it’ll be a one-year deal for Housler.
Housler, 27, had a disappointing 2014 season, as he notched just nine receptions for 129 yards. However, he posted respectable numbers in 2012 and 2013, averaging 42 catches for 436 yards during those two seasons. The former third-round pick also received interest from the Ravens, Bengals, and Falcons this offseason, and was reportedly offered a contract by Baltimore.
The Browns had been in the market for a new tight end after seeing Jordan Cameron depart for the Dolphins. At one point early in free agency, it appeared that Cleveland had locked up Cameron to a new two-year contract, but he instead accepted a nearly identical deal from Miami. The Browns also had some interest in Charles Clay before he inked a five-year pact with the Bills.