Cleveland Browns Sign CB Kevin Barnes to 1-Year Deal

The Cleveland Browns have added another depth guy to the mix at cornerback with the signing of Kevin Barnes, the team's official site announced today. Barnes was originally a third-round pick by the Washington Redskins back in 2009, but he has rarely seen the field during his four seasons in the NFL.

Barnes does have three career starts as a fill-in. His most active season coming with the Redskins in 2011, where he played nickelback and registered 26 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. Last year, Barnes reportedly worked at cornerback and free safety during training camp with the Redskins before being traded to the Detroit Lions at the end of camp. He only lasted two games with the Lions, registering no stats, before being waived. That is why the signing should not rule out the possibility of the Browns signing Brent Grimes to a deal.

Barnes is the type of guy who might not even make the final roster, but he could receive a chance to compete with Chris Owens and Buster Skrine to be the team's nickelback. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal cited a former interview that states that Barnes actually prefers playing the outside:

"I think I'm actually more comfortable outside then I am in the slot, but whenever I am on the field, you have to play your hardest," Barnes said. "I can also play safety, too, if need be."

The Browns now have Joe Haden, Chris Owens, Buster Skrine, Kevin Barnes, Trevin Wade, and Johnson Bademosi on the roster at cornerback. That's basically the same amount they carried last year (substitute Owens/Barnes for Sheldon Brown and Dimitri Patterson).