Cleveland Browns Sign First-Round Pick Mason Graham

Cleveland Browns players enhance their skills during offseason training sessions

News Summary

The Cleveland Browns have officially signed defensive tackle Mason Graham, the fifth overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, to a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $40.87 million. With a signing bonus of $26.366 million, Graham is expected to strengthen the Browns’ defensive line alongside Myles Garrett. His impressive collegiate career at the University of Michigan showcased his skills, including 107 tackles and nine sacks. The Browns aim to enhance their competitiveness after a tough season by securing key young talents like Graham as offseason activities begin.

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Browns have officially signed defensive tackle Mason Graham, the team’s first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, to a four-year rookie contract worth $40.87 million. This contract is fully guaranteed and includes a signing bonus of $26.366 million.

Graham, who was selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, is expected to bolster the Browns’ defensive line, joining standout defensive end Myles Garrett. Over his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Graham made a significant impact in 39 games, starting 27 of them. His statistics include a total of 107 tackles, nine sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery, showcasing his versatility and skill on the field.

In his final college season in 2024, Graham started all 12 games, achieving 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks, as well as making seven tackles for loss. He played a crucial role during Michigan’s championship run in 2023, helping the Wolverines secure the CFP National Championship while starting every game that season.

Originally from Mission Viejo, California, Graham attended Servite High School before beginning his collegiate career at Michigan. In the NFL, he will wear jersey No. 94 for the Browns. With Graham’s addition, he becomes the fifth of the Browns’ seven draft picks to sign their rookie contracts, highlighting the team’s effort to secure their young talent early this offseason.

The other players who have signed with the team include first-rounder Carson Schwesinger, third-rounder Harold Fannin Jr., fourth-rounder Dylan Sampson, and fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders. The Browns still have two draft picks who remain unsigned: second-round running back Quinshon Judkins and third-round quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Even though Judkins and Gabriel have not yet signed their contracts, they can still participate in the offseason program, though they will not be eligible for training camp.

The rookie wage scale established in 2011 has streamlined the process for negotiating contracts with draft picks, making it easier for teams like the Browns to secure top talent without lengthy negotiations.

It is notable that the Browns traded away their original No. 2 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, acquiring additional picks in return. This transaction allowed the Browns to select Graham with the No. 5 pick while using the No. 36 overall pick to select Judkins, addressing both their defensive and offensive needs.

After a difficult 3-14 season, the Browns are determined to improve their competitiveness. The addition of Graham is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the team’s roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s organized team activities (OTAs) are set to begin on Tuesday, with three sessions planned for this week and additional activities scheduled for next month.

With the offseason underway, the Browns are hopeful that their new roster additions will help turn their fortunes around as they aim for a more successful campaign in the NFL.