Cleveland Browns sign tight end Robert Royal
by Mary Kay Cabot / Plain Dealer reporter
Wednesday March 04, 2009, 8:44 PM
Bills free agent tight end Robert Royal told the Plain Dealer Wednesday night that he had signed a contract with the Browns earlier in the afternoon and overnighted it to the team.
"Everything should be official by (Thursday)," Royal said. "I'm definitely excited to be a member of the Cleveland Browns and start a new chapter in my life."
Royal, 30, is an eight-year pro and three-year veteran of the Bills. At 6-4, 255, he's known more for his blocking, but is also a good receiver. He caught 33 passes for 351 yards with one touchdown last season. Overall, he caught 81 passes with seven TDs with the Bills.
Originally a 5th-round pick of the Redskins out of Louisiana State in 2002, Royal signed as a free agent with the Bills in 2006 and was cut Feb. 26 in a salary-cap move.