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CLEVELAND - Running back Jamal Lewis has agreed to terms on a three-year contract to stay with the Cleveland Browns.

Lewis was to become an unrestricted free agent next week. But the Browns, who went 10-6 and barely missed the playoffs last season, didn't want to risk losing the bruising back after he rushed for more than 1,300 yards.

"The Browns are pleased that Jamal has decided to continue his career here in Cleveland," general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "He brings a maturity, toughness and football temperament to the team that is critical to our success on top of the physical abilities that he possesses."

Lewis, a former University of Tennessee star, proved he could be an effective every-down back in 2007. After signing a one-year, incentive-laded free-agent deal in March, he gained 1,304 yards and scored nine times. Only Hall of Famer Jim Brown has run for more yards in a season for the Browns.

Lewis came to Cleveland after seven years in Baltimore. At the time he signed, there were questions about Lewis' durability and speed, but he answered them all with his best season since leading the NFL with 2,066 yards in '03.

In doing so, Lewis validated Savage's belief the former first-round draft pick still could be productive.

"I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL," Lewis said in a statement released by the team. "I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I'm excited to be a part of it for another three years."

Behind Cleveland's revamped offensive line, Lewis ran with the same brutal tenacity that helped him gain 7,801 yards with the Ravens. He underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his ankle in the offseason.

Following the comeback season, Lewis said he liked Cleveland and wanted to remain with the Browns, who won a club record seven home games and were kept out of the AFC playoffs only by a tiebreaker.

In addition to performing beyond expectations, Lewis counseled younger players, who were impressed by his tireless work ethic.

© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.