The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with tight end Rickey Dudley on a three-year contract, and have also signed placekicker Phil Dawson to a one-year contract, the club announced today.

Dudley, 6-6 and 255 lbs., played the previous five seasons with the Oakland Raiders after being drafted in the 1^st round, 9^th overall, in the 1996 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Dudley started all 16 regular season games for the Raiders last season and totaled 29 receptions for 350 yards (12.1 avg.), including four touchdowns. He also started both the AFC Divisional Playoff and AFC Championship games for the Raiders.

"Rickey is a tremendous addition to our team," said Browns Vice President of Football Operations, Dwight Clark. "He is big, strong and athletic and is the type of player a defense always must be aware of. He has a lot of natural ability, and we anticipate solid production from him at the tight end position."

Dudley has started 78 of 80 games during his five-year NFL career and has totaled 186 receptions for 2,627 yards (14.1 avg.) and 29 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 1999 with 39 receptions for 555 yards (14.2 avg.) and nine touchdowns.

Dawson, 5-11 and 190 lbs., has spent the previous two seasons with the Browns and converted 14 of 17 field goal attempts last season. During his two-year career with the club, Dawson has converted 22 of 29 field goal attempts and 41 of 42 PATs.

Contact:
Todd Stewart, 440-891-5164
Ken Mather, 440-891-5015