Chris Hubbard, the highest-profile unrestricted free agent for the Steelers, will sign a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns that includes $18 million in guaranteed money, the NFL Network reported Tuesday.
The Browns, with money to spend under the salary cap, will reunite Hubbard with offensive coordinator Todd Haley, whose contract was not renewed by the Steelers in January.
The #Browns are expected to sign OT Chris Hubbard to a 5-year deal worth $37.5M with nearly $18M guaranteed, source said. More help up front for Cleveland.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
Hubbard, who turns 27 in April, picked the right time to hit free agency. A dependable backup on the Steelers offensive line, he started nine games at right tackle in 2017 because of injuries or suspension to Marcus Gilbert. Hubbard also started one game as a blocking tight end.
Hubbard has 14 career starts in 39 appearances in his NFL career, which he began as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
His former Steelers teammates were quick to congratule Hubbard on Twitter.
"Well deserved so happy for my guy," wrote linebacker Vince Williams.
Well deserved so happy for my guy✊ https://t.co/KbXkX87vO0
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 13, 2018
The Steelers' other unrestricted free agents include outside linebacker Arthur Moats, wide receiver Justin Hunter, running back Stevan Ridley, linebacker Sean Spence and nose tackle Daniel McCullers.
