The Browns offense is getting another booster shot through free agency, and this one points to their grand plan in the draft next month.

The Browns are signing former Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde, 27, to a three-year, $15 million contract, according to sources. He will earn $6 million in 2018. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the deal.

In addition, Rapoport is reporting the Browns are signing tight end Darren Fells to a three-year contract for $12 million.

Signing Hyde to replace Isaiah Crowell in the backfield in all likelihood means the Browns will use the first pick in the draft on a quarterback. They could still pull a mild surprise and take defensive end Bradley Chubb from North Carolina State first and a quarterback fourth, but signing Hyde rules out taking Penn State running back Saquon Barkley first.

Hyde carried the ball 240 times and gained 938 yards with eight rushing touchdowns for the 49ers last season. It was the first time in his four-year career he played and started all 16 games. He played and started 13 games in 2016 while gaining 988 yards.

Fells played with the Lions last year after three seasons in Arizona. He has started 37 of 54 games and has 57 career catches. Fells is a strong blocking tight end.

General manager John Dorsey began reshaping the Browns on March 9 when he acquired quarterback Tyrod Taylor, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and safety Damarious Randall in trades.

The rebuild continued through free agency by signing offensive tackles Donald Stephenson and Chris Hubbard of the Steelers.

None of the deals become official until 4 p.m. March 14 when the league year begins.

In other free agency news:

• The Browns are signing former Chiefs cornerback Terrance Mitchell to add depth to a secondary that badly needs reinforcements.