Berea, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns signed free agent receiver Braxton Miller prior to the final practice of training camp.
Yes, that Braxton Miller, the former starting quarterback at Ohio State.
Miller chose Cleveland over a few other opportunities following his release from Philadelphia.
“I did have a couple of choices,” Miller said. “I think this fell in my lap, and this is one I really wanted to go to. Being closer to my son and my family and being able to play for my home state, that is one of the things I always wanted to do. I am just happy to be here.”
He was on the field Wednesday running routes and working on special teams.
“It feels like I am home,” Miller said. “It is good to be out there with new teammates. They brought me in like I was here already. I went out there and had fun just playing football.”
Miller made a positive first impression on head coach Freddie Kitchens.
“He moved around well,” Kitchens said. “He can stick his feet in the ground and change directions. He caught the ball well. It looks like he has some juice. He has not hit that adversity yet with the pads on, but he looked good out there.”
Miller, who started for the Buckeyes from 2011-2013, is in his third NFL season and was a third-round pick by Houston in 2016. He completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 5,295 yards with 52 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in Columbus.
In two seasons with the Texans in 2016 and 2017 Miller totaled 34 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns in 21 games, nine starts.
Miller spent 2018 on Philadelphia's practice squad but was waived after the Eagles signed quarterback Josh McCown, who came out of retirement, last week but he has an uphill battle to make the Browns roster.
Assuming the Browns keep six receivers, three jobs already spoken for – Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Rashard ‘Hollywood’ Higgins. Jaelen Strong has had a quality camp along with Derrick Willies meaning there could be just one roster spot remaining – Antonio Callaway’s. Callaway will serve a four-game suspension to begin the season.
That means Miller will need to make his mark on special teams, and quickly.
“All hands on deck,” Kitchens said.
To make room for Miller, tight end Mik'Quan Deane was waived with a non-football illness designation.
