6 of the best free agents signed by the Cleveland Browns since 1999
By Chad Porto
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.