Lions, Pettigrew agree

TE Brandon Pettigrew is now signed through 2017. (USATSI)

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Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is returning to the Lions on a deal that will pay him $16 million over four years, the team announced Friday.

The 2009 first-round pick was a free agent for less than three days before rejoining the only NFL team he has played ever for. In five seasons, Pettigrew started 68 games, logged 284 receptions for 2,828 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. But the former Oklahoma State star is known more for his blocking ability than his pass-catching skills.

"I think it's important to have a guy that can block the point of attack," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said of the tight end position last month. "Then you want a guy that can be a pass receiver, so you're always looking for those well-rounded guys.”

But the perception that Pettigrew was an adept all-around blocker didn't match reality, at least not last season. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Pettigrew ranked 55th out of 64 among all NFL tight ends overall, was just 48th as a run-blocking tight end, though he did rank seventh in pass-blocking.

Using Football Outsiders' advanced metrics, Pettigrew ranked 48th in total value among tight ends, ahead of only Jermaine Gresham, Garrett Graham and Logan Paulsen.

Either way, he returns to one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses, a group that recently added wide receiver Golden Tate.

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Browns cut QBs Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell



The Browns are going to draft a quarterback with the No. 4 pick in May's draft. That player will most likely compete with Brian Hoyer for the starting job. And whomever the Browns' No. 3 QB is, it won't be Brandon Weeden or Jason Campbell. The Browns released both on Wednesday.Weeden was a first-round pick in 2012, and it took him a little more than a year to lose his starting job and fall completely out of favor. He threw 26 interceptions in 23 games, and the Browns went 5-15 in games he started.Campbell, who at the age of 32 is only a couple of years older than Weeden, compiled an 11:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio in nine games last season.



What, the Browns could trade Weeden to the 49ers for a 7th-round pick in 2018 or something?It was a horrible couple of seasons for Weeden in Cleveland. By the end of it, he had lost all confidence in the pocket and became a punching bag for defenders. He has taken 55 sacks in 23 career games. I wouldn't be surprised if some team signs Weeden to see if they can get something out of him as a backup. I don't know if there will be any market for Campbell. Regardless, both players will be worthless in fantasy.