Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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The Browns locked up another core player Friday, signing running back Reuben Droughs to a three year contract extension that keeps him here in Cleveland through the 2009 season.

Droughns was acquired via trade last off-season from Denver in a deal that saw the Browns send defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Mike Myers to the Broncos. Droughns proceeded to start all 16 games for the Browns, and rumbled for 1.232 yards rushing. Droughns became the first Browns 1,000 yard rushed since 1985, and the effort was the 10th highest single season total in team history.

With free agency set to begin tonight at midnight, the team has now resigned two of the three players they wanted to re-up this off-season. Orpheus Roye was also given a three year extension earlier this week. And the team is still working on getting something done with left tackle L.J. Shelton before he can officially begin talking to other teams tonight. The Miami Dolphins are said to be seriously interested in Shelton.