Updated: 10:05 p.m.
Well, it looks like Mychal Kendricks is actually signing with the Browns after all.
Earlier on Sunday night, Kendricks denied a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that he was signing a one-year deal with the Browns, even telling NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn that the report was "fake news" and tweeting to Rapoport, "You will never have my respect." A league source also told NBC Sports Philadelphia that the initial report was "not true."
Perhaps this was a failed attempt to gain some last-minute leverage.
Because, a few hours later, Yahoo! Sports' Jordan Schultz and the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot have reported Kendricks agreed to terms of a contract that could be worth up to $3.5 million in 2018.
The Eagles released Kendricks back on May 22 but did it with a post-June 1 designation. That meant the Eagles had to carry his full cap hit through June 1. But now, they have an extra $6 million in cap space for this season.
When the Eagles did cut ties with Kendricks, it ended a long and strange career for Kendricks in Philly. Once a second-round pick in 2012, Kendricks was a dynamic player, who got a big contract, but then eventually became a role player upset with his lack of playing time.
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In 2017, Kendricks played a big role after Jordan Hicks went down with a season-ending Achilles injury. But with Hicks back and Nigel Bradham re-signed, Kendricks was facing another season as the odd man left out. And he was simply too expensive for the team to keep around in that role again.
After his release, Kendricks told NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark, "I love Philly fans and I love Philly. We did something special this past year that no one can ever take away. All good things have to come to an end and it's time for myself to start the next chapter in my career."
With Kendricks out of the picture, there are several Eagles who will battle for that starting weakside linebacker position, starting with free agent pickup Corey Nelson and second-year draft pick Nate Gerry (see story).
