Football - Cleveland Browns Agree To Seven Year Con

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a seven year contract with Eric Steinbach worth $49.5 million. The contract also includes $17 million in guaranteed money. Steinbach is a free agent offensive lineman and he played the last four seasons with Cincinnati Bengals. Once Steinbach has his physical examination and passes it, he will sign the contract. The deal will be officially announced only after Steinbach signs the contract.

This is the second consecutive year that the Browns have signed a top free agent to bolster their offensive line. In March 2006, the Browns gave a six year contract to LeCharles Bentley which was worth $36 million. Unfortunately for Bentley and the Browns, Bentley has suffered a career threatening knee injury early in the training camp. The Browns would be hoping to have better luck with Steinbach, who is 6 foot 6, weighs 290 pounds and can play as a guard or tackle.

Steinbach is a classic run blocker and that is what the Browns need desperately. Last season, the Browns went for 4-12 and were ranked 31st out of 32 teams in rushing. Steinbach’s natural position is guard and the Browns have still not decided where they plan to use him.

Steinbach had a meeting with Phil Savage, Browns’ general manager, and Romeo Crennel, Browns’ coach, and it lasted for several hours. After that, he had a quick physical and then toured the team’s facilities.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers were also interested in Steinbach and wanted him as their starting left tackle. It is believed that Steinbach was looking for deal similar to the one Minnesota Vikings offered Steve Hutchinson last year. The Viking had offered Hutchinson a seven year contract worth $49 million.

With the deal with Steinbach, it looks like the Browns are convinced that Bentley would not be returning in the 2007 season. In the next few months, Bentley is scheduled have a few more operations.