Browns re-sign starting S Ronnie Hickman

Field Level Media|published: 06/11/2026, 4:03pm EDT

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns starting safety Ronnie Hickman signed his restricted free agent tender on Thursday.

Contract terms were not announced. Multiple reports said Hickman, 24, will earn $5.8 million in 2026 and become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The April 17 deadline had passed for restricted free agents to sign with another team, which would have returned a second-round draft pick to the Browns if they didn't match the offer.

Hickman started all 17 games for Cleveland last season and set career highs with 103 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defensed. He played 99% of the defensive snaps (1,039) and 32% of special teams snaps (145).

For his career, he has 173 tackles, three interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- and 11 passes defended in 41 regular-season games (26 starts) since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in May 2023.

--Field Level Media