Browns decline Andy Janovich's option, sending fullback to NFL free agency March 16

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland Browns fullback Andy Janovich (31) rushes down the sideline during the Orange and Brown practice at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland Browns fullback Andy Janovich (31) rushes down the sideline during the Orange and Brown practice at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Browns have chosen to decline an option in Andy Janovich's contract, thereby allowing the fullback to hit the open market when free agency begins March 16.

A person familiar with the decision confirmed it for the Beacon Journal on Monday after NFL Network first reported the development.

Janovich had been scheduled to make about $1.6 million salary and bonuses in 2022, the final season of his contract with the Browns, according to spotrac.com.

Letting Janovich walk isn't a surprise because the Browns used him half as much last season as they did the previous year. He played 16% of the offense's snaps in 2020 but just 8.3% in 2021.

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FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns running back Andy Janovich holds up a United States flag before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Cleveland. Janovich was placed on the COVID-list on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, a day after he played in a win over the Texans. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns running back Andy Janovich holds up a United States flag before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Cleveland. Janovich was placed on the COVID-list on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, a day after he played in a win over the Texans. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

Janovich spent the past two seasons with the Browns, who acquired him on March 17, 2020, by trading a 2021 seventh-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos.

Janovich, 28, started six of the 27 games in which he appeared with the Browns. He had five catches for 22 yards and four carries for 4 yards and a touchdown. He was voted a Pro Bowl alternate last season.

The departure of Janovich will leave Johnny Stanton IV as the only fullback on the roster. Stanton appeared in five games last season, rushing three times for five yards and catching two passes for 7 yards and a touchdown.

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Cleveland Browns fullback Johnny Stanton IV celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 in Cleveland, at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game 17-14. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]
Cleveland Browns fullback Johnny Stanton IV celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 in Cleveland, at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won the game 17-14. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns allowing fullback Andy Janovich to become free agent

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