Running back Isaiah Crowell plans to leave the Browns and sign a three-year contract with the New York Jets, a person familiar with the deal confirmed Tuesday.
ESPN first reported the move, which cannot be completed until free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Crowell, 25, spent the past four seasons with the Browns after they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State in 2014.
Crowell never missed a game with the Browns and started all 32 the past two seasons.
After Crowell had 198 carries for 952 yards (4.8 average) and seven touchdowns to go along with 40 catches for 319 yards in 2016, Browns coach Hue Jackson vowed to feed him the ball early and often the next year. However, Crowell got only eight more carries in 2017 and finished with 206 attempts for 853 yards (4.1 average) and two touchdowns, plus 28 catches for 182 yards.
Crowell grew frustrated about his lack of touches and discussed it publicly many times.
Two weeks ago at the NFL scouting combine, Jackson spoke as if Crowell would not return to Cleveland.
"As you guys know in free agency, these players, they get to make the decision, too. It's not so much about us," Jackson said. "Again, they get the opportunity to make a decision that they think is best for them. He was a fine football player for us. Glad he played for us, and we'll see where this goes."
