CLEVELAND (AP) -Offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Cincinnati, signed a seven-year, $49.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, with $17 million guaranteed. Steinbach, who can play guard or tackle, was to be introduced by the Browns at a news conference later Saturday. This is the second straight season the Browns have scored big early in free agency. Last March, they signed Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley to a six-year, $36 million contract. But Bentley suffered a season-ending and possible career-threatening knee injury early in training camp. That misfortune made signing a player of Steinbach's caliber crucial for the Browns, who are regrouping following a 4-12 season.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. |
