The Cleveland Browns released a preseason fan favorite on Monday, terminating the contract of veteran running back John Kelly Jr.
Kelly spent the last three seasons with the Browns and competed for a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad this summer. However, Kelly did not play well in Cleveland’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers last weekend.
The veteran running back totaled 34 scrimmage yards on 10 touches and had a fumble in the second quarter, which likely didn’t help his chances in the crowded running back department.
While Browns fans were sad about Kelly’s release, the 27-year-old running back immediately found a new opportunity within the AFC North.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the former Browns running back signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Kelly will get a chance to compete for a spot on the Ravens’ roster.
The Ravens have signed RB John Kelly. He will take Quincy Roche’s place on the roster.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) 13 August 2024
The veteran running back will compete against UDFA Rasheen Ali, Owen Wright and Chris Collier for the RB3 spot until second-year running back Keaton Mitchell is activated from the PUP list.
The last time Kelly appeared in a regular season game was in Week 7 of the 2021 season against the Denver Broncos. The veteran running back rushed for 13 yards on two carries.
Kelly has appeared in five games in his three-year stint with the Browns. The former University of Tennessee running back is having a tough time making the Ravens’ roster this summer. Given his NFL experience, Kelly could surprise some people with a solid performance in the preseason and training camp.
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