TE Giovanni Ricci Agrees to Terms with Browns

A key special teams piece has left the building.

Tight end/fullback Giovanni Ricci adds his name to the departure list in Carolina, agreeing to a deal with the Cleveland Browns, according to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. He was set to become a restricted free agent but did not have his contract tendered.

Ricci was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan in 2020 and spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. In year two, Ricci turned some heads with his play on special teams and his versatility to play both fullback and tight end allowed him to make the roster.

Since making the 53-man roster in 2021, Ricci has been a core special teamer for Carolina. He made 19 tackles and scooped up one fumble over his three years while recording nine receptions for 102 yards in limited action on offense.

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