Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden told The Associated Press that he's planning to sign a one-day contract with the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 30 so he can retire as a member of the team that drafted him in the first round in 2007.
The Browns will honor the 33-year-old Haden a day later during their home game against Cincinnati on Monday Night Football.
Haden chose to call it quits in the city where he spent the first seven seasons (2010-16) of his professional career. He played for rival Pittsburgh from 2017 through last season.
"More roots,'' Haden said before being formally inducted into the Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. ``I was a kid. I was 21 years old, fresh and the city embraced me. I was going to all the Cavs games, so it's more the city of Cleveland.''
Haden remains in great shape even though his daily routine has slowed significantly since he hung up his cleats. He wanted to play one more year and was training in L.A. in the offseason in preparation for the rigors of the NFL, but he couldn't find the right fit because he wanted a chance at a Super Bowl ring.
"They've been calling,'' Haden said. ``I was really ready to play. I had a dollar number. I wasn't going to play for free. That's not what it's about. It got to a point where they weren't willing to offer me the number, so I'm happy, I'm healthy. I was with my kids and chilling. I'm ready for the next chapter.''
Haden was a productive and popular player during his time in Cleveland. He made 81 starts, played in 90 games and recorded 19 interceptions before the Browns released him before the 2017 season.
After he was cut by the Browns, Haden quickly signed with the Steelers and played in 68 games before Pittsburgh decided not to re-sign him following last season. Haden had 10 picks with the Steelers.
The Browns selected Haden with the No. 7 pick overall pick in 2010 after he starred at Florida.
