CLEVELAND - Running back Jamal Lewis has agreed with the Cleveland Browns on a multiyear contract, The Associated Press has learned.

Lewis was scheduled 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 him after he rushed for more than 1,300 yards.

The club will officially sign Lewis once the contract is finalized by his agents, a person familiar with the negotiations said Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet completed.

The Browns are believed to have relented and added a third year to an initial two-year offer they made for the 28-year-old.

Financial terms were not immediately known.

Lewis, who will be 29 in August, proved he still could be an effective everydown back in 2007. After signing a one-year, incentive-laded free agent deal with Cleveland in March, he gained 1,304 yards and scored nine touchdowns. 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 general manager Phil Savage's belief the former first-round draft pick still could be a productive player. The two worked together for five years in Baltimore.

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, which seemed to give Lewis back some lost quickness.

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 missed the AFC playoffs on a tiebreaker.

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

"Jamal has matured quite a bit since he's come into the league," Savage said following the season. "He's been an excellent leader quietly behind the scenes. He's a real pro and takes care of himself."

Lewis was just the Browns' second 1,000-yard rusher since 1985.