Browns sign McKinney

03.28.2008

The Browns have made another move to bolster their offensive line by signing Seth McKinney to a one-year deal.

McKinney signed with the Browns as a free agent last spring and started the first eight games at right guard before suffering a left shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.

"Seth started eight games for us last year and with his versatility as a guard and center, this signing should solidify the interior part of our offensive line," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "At this point, we feel we have seven starters competing for five positions."

A six-year veteran, McKinney has experience at guard and center. If he doesn't win back the starting right guard's job, he could serve as the primary backup at both guard and center.

He'll have plenty of competition at both spots. Ryan Tucker replaced him at right guard last season after playing the previous five seasons at right tackle. The Browns previously re-signed Lennie Friedman, another guard/center combo player, and added Rex Hadnot via free agency, another veteran with experience at both spots.

The team is also hopeful LeCharles Bentley will be healthy enough to compete for a roster spot and playing time this spring and summer, and Isaac Sowells will also be entering his third NFL season after having spent the previous two as a backup guard.

McKinney (6-foot-3, 315) has started 42 of 69 career games. He was third-round pick of the Dolphins in 2002 and spent his first five NFL seasons in Miami.