Browns re-signing returner JoJo Natson, LB Walker visiting

By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns are re-signing free agent returner Jojo Natson, who tore a knee ligament just three games into last season.

Natson signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in 2020, but had it cut short when he got hurt returning a punt in a Week 3 win against Washington. The Browns never got what they wanted out of their return game and are bringing back the 27-year-old speedster for another year.

“Run Em Back!!!” Natson posted on his Instagram account.

Natson is also a deep threat for the Browns, who are hoping star receiver Odell Beckham recovers from his torn knee ligament. Reports on Beckham during his recovery have been positive.

On Wednesday night, the Browns agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.3 million contract with wide receiver — and fan favorite — Rashard Higgins. The 26-year-old caught 39 passes and scored four touchdowns last season, and has a strong on-field connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Browns continue to look for help on defense, and Thursday they’re hosting free agent linebacker Anthony Walker, who spent the past four seasons with Indianapolis. He’s started 46 games over the past three seasons.

Walker is a possible replacement for B.J. Goodson, who is a free agent; it’s not yet known if the Browns will re-sign him. He was solid in his first season with Cleveland, handling the defensive signal calls for coordinator Joe Woods.

Defense is a priority this offseason for general manager Andrew Berry, and since Monday the team has agreed to contracts with safety John Johnson III and defensive end Takk McKinley. The team has also re-signed linebacker Malcolm Smith, a Super Bowl MVP for Seattle in 2014.

———

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

SportsPlus

Local News

Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights

Local News

Louisiana often holds inmates past their release date, DOJ lawsuit claims

Crime

12/23: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Where’s Santa now? NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

Crime

Conviction, sentence in kidnapping of 8-month-old stands

Local News

Wet, warm Christmas in SW La.’s forecast

McNeese Sports

Parker, Cowboys topple Cajuns

Local News

Sowela unveils new production studio

Local News

Local nurse retiring after a lifetime of serving — and learning

Local News

‘A man of integrity’: Dane Bolin set to take reins as Calcasieu Parish administrator

McNeese Sports

Cowboys ad ‘big’ recruit

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls stumble out the gate

Local News

Temple pushes for special session on insurance reform

Local News

Area law enforcement team up to distribute 1,000 gifts to children

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Time change becomes hot topic

life

Calcasieu Council on Aging breaks ground on new development

Local News

Imaginations helping fuel remodel of Region 4 STEM Center library

Crime

12/20: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

McNeese Sports

Cowboys face new-look Cajuns

life

Movies With the Mayor: ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ back on the screen

Local News

Time is running short to avert a government shutdown after funding bill is rejected

Business

Business is booming and future growth promising for Jeff Davis Parish

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls open SLC against best

Local News

Teacher Jennifer Reynolds: ‘We are helping guide and mold the youth of today’