Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

6 of the best free agents signed by the Cleveland Browns since 1999

By Chad Porto

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 9: Quarterback Kelly Holcomb #10 of the Cleveland Browns and Head Coach Butch Davis walk the sideline during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs November 9, 2003 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 41-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 9: Quarterback Kelly Holcomb #10 of the Cleveland Browns and Head Coach Butch Davis walk the sideline during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs November 9, 2003 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 41-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY – AUGUST 15: Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns talks with a teammate during warmups prior to an NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, August 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY – AUGUST 15: Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns talks with a teammate during warmups prior to an NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, August 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images) /

OG Eric Steinbach

I still remember right where I was when I heard the Cleveland Browns signed Eric Steinbach from the Cincinnati Bengals. His arrival, plus the drafting of future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, was a landmark moment for the team, who after seven seasons of instability on the offensive line, finally decided to fix it. It’s not like they didn’t try previously, as the team signed LeCharles Bentley the year to help bolster the line but injuries and illness ended his career before it could ever get started.

While Steinbach had never been a Pro Bowler with the Bengals, he was widely considered to be a Top 10 guard in the league during his tenure there, and was easily one of, if not the prize of the 2007 NFL Free Agent season. At the very least, he was the best offensive lineman in free agency.

He started and played in 62 of 64 games, producing a near-elite level of play as the team’s left guard. He looked like he was in for a long career in Cleveland but injuries caught up to him and he was forced to retire in 2012, after sitting out an entire season.

The team’s lack of success impacted post-season award opportunities.

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