Five things to know about new Browns cornerback E.J. Gaines.
- After three seasons with the Rams, Gaines was traded to Buffalo this past August as part of a deal for wide receiver/former fourth overall pick Sammy Watkins. In his first year with the Bills, Gaines made 59 tackles with nine passes defensed and an interception in 11 starts.
- Gaines, who joins Cleveland's new-look roster as a free agent, reunites with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who coached him three years with the Rams. Gaines is also a former teammate of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, the former Bills starting signal-caller whom the Browns acquired via trade earlier this month.
- Gaines was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2014 following a breakout campaign with the Rams. In 15 starts, he made two interceptions and 15 pass breakups under Williams' tutelage. Gaines missed the following season because of a foot injury and then had seven passes defensed, a forced fumble and fumble recovery through 11 starts in 2016.
- Gaines joins a Browns secondary that recently added free safety Damarious Randall, former Raiders starting cornerback T.J. Carrie and former Chiefs corner Terrance Mitchell, who had four interceptions in Kansas City last season.
- Gaines was a sixth-round pick out of Missouri. In his final college season, he earned first-team All-SEC honors with a career-high five interceptions and 75 tackles.
