The Cleveland Browns are adding wide receiver and return specialist Jakeem Grant to the 2022 roster.
Ayeeeeeee love the Jakeem Grant signing by the Browns, absolute special teams god and someone that’s worked in the slot.
— Johnny Kinsley (@Brickwallblitz) March 16, 2022
He is signing a three-year deal worth up to $13.8 million.
The #Browns are signing Pro Bowl return man and WR Jakeem Grant to a three-year deal worth up to $13.8 million, per source. 💰
Grant’s deal was negotiated by agent @Murphy_McGuire of @OctagonFootball.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2022
Grant was drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 186 pick by the Miami Dolphins.
He played for the Dolphins from 2016 through October 2021 when he was traded to the Chicago Bears.
Here are three things to know about Grant.
1. Grant Had 8 College Offers And Almost Did Not Pick Texas Tech
Grant, 29, was born in Mesquite, Texas, and chose to play college football at Texas Tech.
He was a teammate and trusty receiver to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
https://twitter.com/NCAATeammates/status/1046911562609516545
Grant had eight offers from colleges and nearly did not go to Texas Tech.
His other offers were from Colorado State, Iowa State, Louisiana Tech, Pitt, Tulsa, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.
Grant committed to Tulsa but ultimately changed his mind and selected Texas Tech.
2. Grant Is A Record Breaker In College And The NFL
At Texas Tech, he is the all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,286 in four seasons.
Though only with the Bears for a short time, he managed to break the franchise record for the longest punt return touchdown.
This touchdown run was a 97 yarder against the Green Bay Packers, and even his former teammate Mahomes took notice and congratulated him on social media.
JAKEEM DID IT AGAIN. 97-yard punt return TD! #DaBears
📺: #CHIvsGB on NBC
📱: https://t.co/ptqAMuLpIh pic.twitter.com/0q3SNJNZwf— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2021
Go crazy then! @_TheDreamIsHere
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 13, 2021
3. He Had A Fast Pro Day 40 Yard Dash Time
The New Orleans Saints scout hand-timed his 40-yard dash at the Texas Tech Pro Day at 4.1 seconds.
That unofficial time, had it stood, would have been faster than Bo Jackson‘s 4.12 second time at the 1986 NFL Combine.
The electronic recording of his time was 4.34 seconds.
He appeared on the NFL Network’s Undrafted television show in 2016, and his 40-yard dash was featured on the show.
Jakeem Grant will be featured on 5 episodes of NFL Network's 'Undrafted' which begins tonight @ 7PM! pic.twitter.com/YmODNhOSgG
— THE NAŦION (@gunsupnation) September 13, 2016
Many were confused why he appeared on the show when he ultimately got drafted.
So Dolphins rookie WR Jakeem Grant was part of the NFL Network's undrafted series. But he was drafted?! pic.twitter.com/IP8akbhkv8
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 2, 2016
He loves the game, and his work ethic was obvious.
“I love football, I would play it even if there wasn’t any money.”
Jakeem Grant's first words in Undrafted summed up: I love football, I would play it even if there wasn't any money
— Michael LaBarre (@Michael_LaB) September 14, 2016
Conclusion
Josh Cribbs was the last return specialist that gave the Browns special teams the true threat to score on any punt or kick-off.
The Browns desperately need to continue focusing on special teams players and add some more that are of Grant’s caliber.
We know that Grant will play a huge role in special teams’ play, but we do not know the Browns’ plans for him on offense.
With the exodus of Rashard Higgins and Jarvis Landry, the Browns need some wide receiver depth to support Amari Cooper.
Grant gives the Browns a player who is smart and versatile; those are trademark characteristics Andrew Berry looks for in free agency.
Welcome to Cleveland, Jakeem Grant!
NEXT: Browns Cut Tight End Austin Hooper
