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The Cleveland Browns clearly need some help on the defensive line with the injury to Desmond Bryant before camp and second-year man Danny Shelton having a rough preseason at nose tackle. Prior to 53-man rosters being named, the team appears to be signing veteran defensive lineman Stephen Paea.
One man's trash is another man's treasure. God is good. #DAWGPOUND #Cleveland #Browns pic.twitter.com/UVJdiKVTPc
— Stephen Paea (@PAEA_90) September 2, 2016
Paea was a second-round pick in 2011 by the Chicago Bears. In four years with the Bears, Paea started 40 games and logged 12 sacks. In 2015, he signed a four-year deal with the Washington Redskins, but didn’t crack the starting lineup. He registered 1.5 sacks in 11 games last year before finishing the season on injured reserve.
Brent Sobleski of the OBR weighed in on the move:
I know Paea wasn't as good last year, but he's an automatic upgrade over the Browns' DTs. Also, he should be a good mentor for Shelton.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) September 2, 2016
Last year, Paea was injured and struggled acclimating to 'Skins system. Two years ago, top-10 grade as an interior pass rusher.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) September 2, 2016
If the team decides to make the Paea contract official today, they’ll have to make one roster move to get back down to 75 players before the final 53-man cutdown on Saturday.