Cleveland Browns sign TE Jack Stoll

Jack Stoll's one-year, $1.315M signing earns a C- Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a depth acquisition priced fairly for a reserve tight end in the preseason window. Stoll occupies the solid-starter-to-role-player tier—a capable pass-catcher without elite athleticism or franchise-caliber production metrics—making this a low-risk, low-upside addition on a prove-it deal. At $1.315M AAV, the Browns are paying essentially replacement-level wages for a veteran depth piece, which is precisely where the math should land for a one-year contract with no guaranteed cushion; there's no overpayment here, but there's also no discount suggesting the team uncovered hidden value. The CVI grade reflects the straightforward nature of the transaction: a non-descript reserve signing that fills a roster slot without straining cap flexibility or mortgaging future resources—competent front-office housekeeping, not vision. For a Cleveland team sitting at 5-12 and more than three months from the regular season, this move is neither a catalyst nor a red flag; it's organizational filler that allows the Browns to evaluate depth options without financial consequence.