The NFL Network is reporting the Cleveland Browns have struck a 7-year deal worth $49.5 million with top free agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach (Bengals).
Once again, the Browns have apparently signed the best o-lineman free agency has to offer. Last year, Cleveland inked C LeCharles Bentley (Saints), and LT Kevin Shaffer (Falcons) to multiyear contracts. Bentley never made it past the first practice, suffering a career-threatening knee injury, while Shaffer often acted as a revolving door for defensive linemen on their way to the quarterback. Either way, at least Cleveland is spending the money to build their line, a group often spurned in free agency by other teams. Plus, Steinbach is regarded as a highly versatile player who can line up in the interior or at tackle.
