Free-agent linebacker Mychal Kendricks has signed with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Tuesday.
The a one-year deal is worth up to $3.5 million, a source confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The terms were first reported by Yahoo! Sports.
The Browns have three starting linebackers in Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey. Schobert, who made the Pro Bowl last season, and Kirksey played every down in 2017. The addition of Kendricks gives them a fourth.
The addition of Kendricks will allow defensive coordinator Gregg Williams more flexibility in how he uses the players, especially in pass-rush situations.
To make room on the roster, the Browns released Tank Carder, who had 20 tackles in 77 games since joining the team in 2012.
The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles released Kendricks on May 22, just hours before they lost newly signed linebacker Paul Worrilow to a torn ACL.
Kendricks' release by the Eagles was not unexpected, as he was scheduled to make $7.6 million this season.
With his playing time dwindling, Kendricks, 27, had asked to be dealt or released last offseason. The Eagles opted to hang on to him, and he ended up making valuable contributions during the team's championship run, finishing with 51 tackles and a pair of sacks. His role increased when fellow linebacker Jordan Hicks was lost to a ruptured Achilles in October.
He played 60 percent of the defensive snaps overall.
Kendricks, 27, has had an up-and-down career since being selected in the second round by Philadelphia in 2012. He posted 86 tackles, four sacks, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions in his second season, but he hasn't been able to reach those same statistical heights in the years since as his playing time gradually declined.
ESPN's Pat McManamon and Tim McManus contributed to this report.
