Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

by Chris Pokorny on Mar 2, 2007 6:58 PM EST in General News

According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, the Cleveland Browns have signed offensive lineman Eric Steinbach to a seven-year, $49 million deal. If the story holds, it would mean that the Browns were the first team to sign potentially the best free agent on the market for the second consecutive season. For awhile, it looked as if the Browns would lose him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sirius radio is commenting that they believe this means the Browns will take Adrian Peterson in the draft, and that we will be a much improved team this year. This post will be updated as more news comes along.

Update [2007-3-2 19:2:50 by ChrisPokorny]: According to the OBR, the first three years of the deal are worth $23 million. Steinbach will also make $17 million in guaranteed money. Update [2007-3-2 20:16:51 by ChrisPokorny]: Cornerback Nate Clements is off the market, as he signed with the San Francisco 49ers for a ridiculous eight-year, $80 million deal.

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Re: Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

Most websites are reporting that Eric Steinbach will play RT for the Browns. Does this make any sense to anyone else? Why don't we give him a shot at LT, he can't be worse than Kevin "Come on by" Schaffer.

by Bernie19Kosar on Mar 2, 2007 7:23 PM EST reply actions

Re: Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

I don't think those websites will be too accurate, but I could be wrong. I'm banking on him being our guard, which would tremendously help our inside running game.

by Chris Pokorny on Mar 2, 2007 8:17 PM EST reply actions

Re: Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

im not a Browns fan but i think this is a horrible deal. steinbach is a good guard, but arguably the best guard in the game signed last year for the same amount. steinbach would have resigned for $5 million a year in cincy and while he will be an improvement for you guys, it isnt worth $49 million.

by rockchalk on Mar 2, 2007 10:25 PM EST reply actions

Re: Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

Unfortunately, the concept you are mentioning is easier said than done. Average salaries are increasing in the NFL, heck even Dockery got the same type of deal as Steinbach. We needed to improve our offensive line with quality players, we had the money, so we did it.

And why would Steinbach have re-signed for $5 million a year in Cincy? Several teams in the NFL would have offered him better figures, besides the Browns.

by Chris Pokorny on Mar 2, 2007 10:54 PM EST reply actions

Re: Eric Steinbach Signs Seven Year Deal

Maybe it's just because I have a tight wallet but $49 mill does seem like a LOT for a guard...

There does seem to be trend coming through that a good offensive line is hard to find these days. I've seen so many games the past few years that are won and lost by what happens on the line, not just the Browns...maybe they have a right to demand a little more ca$h.

by gennifer6 on Mar 2, 2007 11:27 PM EST reply actions