KINGSTON, R.I. - Offensive lineman Lorenzo Thompson has signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent, the team announced on Friday morning. 

A 2023 First Team All-CAA Football selection, Thompson anchored URI's offensive line that allowed teammate Ja'Den McKenzie to break a nearly 70-year-old record when he rushed for 13 touchdowns in 2023. The Rams ran the ball for 133.3 yards per game, with McKenzie averaging 6.58 yards per carry - good for 10th in the country. Behind its line, Rhody was also 10th in the nation in passing offense (284.8 yds. per game). 

An All-New England honoree and a Phil Steele Third Team All-American, the Syracuse, N.Y. native capped his Rhody career with 37 consecutive starts. He also represented the Rams at the Hula Bowl. 

Thompson becomes the second URI player on the offensive side to sign with an NFL team in the past two years. Former teammate and wide receiver Ed Lee was signed by the New England Patriots as a rookie free agent last summer. Lee is now on the BC Lions (CFL) roster.