The Browns have re-signed exclusive rights free agent running back Shaun Draughn, general manager Ray Farmer announced Friday.
Draughn, 27, joined the Browns for the final month of the 2014 season. He appeared in four games and saw playing time as a third-down back against the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 21. Though he didn't notch any carries or receptions, he was a key contributor on special teams and ultimately returned four kickoffs for an average of 19 yards (long of 21).
"We were very impressed with Shaun when he came in here," coach Mike Pettine said in December. "I think he brought a different skill set, a different mentality."
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Draughn, an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina, saw his first NFL action in 2011 with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2012, he played in all 16 games with the Chiefs and finished with 59 carries for 233 yards and two touchdowns and 24 receptions for 158 yards. He appeared in three games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 and bounced from the Chicago Bears (two games) to the San Diego Chargers (four games, 10 carries, 19 rushing yards) before landing with the Browns.
Draughn joins a young, promising Browns backfield that includes Terrance West (673 yards, four touchdowns), Isaiah Crowell (607 yards, eight touchdowns) and Glenn Winston, all of whom are entering their second seasons in the NFL.
"I like all of them," Farmer said in December. "I like Shaun Draughn, a kid who we brought in late and contributed on special teams. I like Glenn Winston, who nobody really got a chance to see carry the ball but I think he's got some upside to him and I think that everyone likes to reference Crow and West and, to that tune, I would tell you that they both have chances to be successful players in this league and have the upside to carry enough of the load for us."
