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The Cleveland Browns have officially secured the services of their top 2025 NFL Draft selection, g defensive lineman Mason Graham to a four-year rookie contract on Tuesday.
The deal, worth $40.8 million and including over $26 million in g bonus, comes just in time for the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), ensuring Graham won't miss a snap as Cleveland gears up for the season.
Mason Graham cashes in
Graham, who starred at Michigan and helped lead the Wolverines to a national title in 2023, was selected fifth overall after the Browns traded down from the No. 2 slot in a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That trade also netted Cleveland three future draft picks, giving them additional assets while still landing one of the draft's most coveted defensive linemen.
The move sparked mixed reactions among Browns and Buckeyes fans, considering Graham's past at Michigan and his now-notorious rivalry with Ohio State's Jack Sawyer.
Still, the Browns front office was unfazed, banking on his on-field production and upside.
In his final collegiate season, Graham tallied 46 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, numbers that Cleveland hopes will translate immediately at the pro level.
Speaking with reporters, Graham expressed excitement about ing a defensive unit led by All-Pro Myles Garrett.
"Yeah, I've definitely thought about that," he said when asked about the pairing.
"He's one of the best players in the league, and he's been really dominant, so I'm nothing but grateful to play next to him and build up Cleveland."
When asked to define his playing style, Graham was direct.
"I mean, yeah, I call myself [a fierce competitor] because my main goal is to come in and win. You know, I want to make this organization better, and me coming in here and playing along the front, I feel like it's only going to make the team better."
The Browns are planning to make him a cornerstone of Jim Schwartz's aggressive defensive scheme.
Graham acknowledged the expectations, saying, "Coach Schwartz really relies on his front, that's what I'm going to do. He calls it the engine, and I'm going to be just that for this team."
Now wearing No. 94, Graham becomes the second Browns rookie to sign his contract, following fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
With a high-profile pairing on the defensive line and a clear determination to win, Graham's NFL journey in Cleveland is officially underway.