Former Utah pass rusher Nate Orchard has signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Thursday.
Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported the four-year deal will be for $4.466 million, including $2.581 million guaranteed and a $1.508 million signing bonus.
Orchard, who Cleveland selected with the 51st overall pick (second round) in last week's NFL draft, had 18.5 sacks for the Utes last season as a defensive end. He is listed as a linebacker on the Browns' roster.
"This is a guy who has a knack to find the quarterback," Cleveland coach Mike Pettine said, according to clevelandbrowns.com. "He’s a guy that we’ve had our eye on for a long time throughout this process, and we’re very excited for him to be a Cleveland Brown.”
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Orchard arrived in Cleveland Thursday with his family in tow.
Orchard signed one day after another former Ute, defensive back Eric Rowe, agreed to terms on his rookie contract with Philadelphia. According to Wilson, Rowe's contract with the Eagles is for four years and is worth $4.879 million, including $2.9 million guaranteed and a $1.808 million signing bonus.
This leaves two Utah draft picks unsigned: offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi (selected by Tennessee) and wide receiver Kaelin Clay (Tampa Bay).
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