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As initially reported by Associated Press sports writer Tom Withers, receiver Dennis Northcutt agreed to terms on a new three-year contract with the Browns on Saturday, nearly three months after being denied free agency after his agent missed a deadline.

According to SI.com insider Don Banks, Northcutt's deal includes a $2.2 million signing bonus and is worth $9 million over the life the contract. However, Northcutt is due a $2 million roster bonus next spring, which could give the Browns the option of terminating the contract after just one season.

He had been scheduled to make about $700,000 per season over the next three years.

Cleveland's top playmaker the past two seasons, Northcutt expected to be a free agent in March. But his agent, Jerome Stanley, failed to file the proper paperwork in February that would have voided the final three years of Northcutt's original seven-year contract with the Browns.

After weeks of negotiations, the sides finally reached a deal on Saturday.

"I am very pleased that we have been able to resolve Dennis Northcutt's contract situation and have him return to the team," head coach Butch Davis said in a statement. "Dennis is a versatile player who is a threat to make great things happen every time he touches the ball on offense and as a punt returner."

Northcutt will sign his deal Monday and then be on the field when the Browns resume their four-week voluntary quarterback school. He missed last week's practices and was excused from the team's recent mini-camp.

After months of sometimes nasty dialogue between him and the Browns, Withers reports that Northcutt was relieved things worked out so well.

"Words cannot express how happy I am to get this matter behind me," Northcutt, who has been working out at home in Los Angeles, explained. "The last three months have been very difficult, but all is well that ends well."

According to Davis, team owner Randy Lerner played a significant role in Northcutt's return.

"Randy Lerner was adamant that he wanted to move forward swiftly, resolve this situation, and concentrate on getting Jeff Garcia and this team as many elements in place as possible for a successful season," the coach said. "Randy and I agreed that it was essential to negotiate with a fresh perspective keeping in mind Dennis' potential contribution to this football team and hearing Dennis' eagerness to re-join his teammates."

Northcutt had a team- and career-high 62 receptions for 729 yards and two touchdowns last season. The four-year veteran also averaged 8.2 yards on punt returns, but didn't take one all the way back after having two punt returns for TDs in 2002.

The Browns tried to trade the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder during the offseason and nearly had a deal done with Baltimore, but Davis decided against making a deal to an AFC North rival.

At one point, a frustrated Stanley insisted Northcutt would never play for the Browns again.

Stanley also filed a grievance against the club with the NFL Players' Association, saying the Browns did not bargain with Northcutt in good faith and had breached his contract. However, the NFLPA never supported Northcutt's claims.