Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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For the second straight year, Phil Savage and the Browns have landed the big ticket free agent offensive lineman available in free agency, as the team inked Eric Steinbach to a seven year, 49 million dollar deal yesterday. Now, the team turns their focus to Antwan Peek (pictured), Roderick Hood, Shaun Smith, Kenyon Coleman ... and potentially Joey Porter and Adalius Thomas. All the latest is now available in my morning wrap. Spurned last season by the possibly career ending injury to LeCharles Bentley, the Browns went to the well again yesterday, announcing the signing of free agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach to a seven year, 49 million dollar contract. This marks the second straight year that the Browns have landed the top free agent blocker on the market, and we can only pray as Browns fans that this signing works out a little better for the team. Steinbach has played left guard through most of his career, but also spent some time at left tackle and center for the Bengals last season.

In other news from yesterday, cornerback Nate Clements, a local product that the team also had great interest in, signed an eye-popping eight year, 80 million dollar deal with the San Francisco 49ers yesterday. In their efforts to help shore up the cornerback position in free agency, it appears as if the team will turn their attention to Rod Hood, a fifth year player out of Auburn who spent his first four years in Philadelphia with the Eagles, and was the teams nickel man last year. Hood is thought of in many circles as an up and comer, a special teams standout that has developed as a corner in years three and four, and appears ready for a full time starting role. If signed, Hood would compete with Daven Holly for the cornerback spot opposite Leigh Bodden. The Plain Dealer is reporting that Hood is scheduled to visit Cleveland today.

In that same column, the PD also reports that Houston Texans outside linebacker Antwan Peek (pictured) was also in Berea last night, and that he has a close rapport with Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, which could lead to an announcement of the Browns inking Peek. Peek is a 3-4 outside linebacker, and would compete with Willie McGinest for the starting spot opposite phenom Kamerion Wimbley. Also mentioned as having visited the Browns yesterday were Bengals defensive lineman Shaun Smith and Cowboys defensive end Kenyon Coleman.

Another guy the Browns were rumored to be interested was Chargers offensive lineman Kris Dielman. However, Dielman visited Seattle first, and reports are now saying that Dielman spent the night in Seattle and negotiations will continue into today. Suffice it to say, Dielman to Cleveland is not looking good right now.

Two other names the Browns have been linked to are linebackers Adalius Thomas and Joey Porter.  However, a Peek signing, which appears imminent, may quiet those rumors and limit the Browns interest.