Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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In an off the radar signing anticipated by no one, the Browns signed nine year veteran cornerback Kenny Wright to a three year deal late Sunday night. Wright played last year with the Redskins, struggling after taking over the injured Shawn Springs starting role, but played well the season prior as a full time starter for the Jaguars. The signing likely means the Browns feel they are longshots to land Eagles corner Roderick Hood, thought of by many as the second best free agent cornerback after Nate Clements, who signed for megabucks in San Fran. The full 411 on Wright is inside. The Browns signed their third player of the free agent signing season, inking nine year veteran Kenny Wright to a three year deal Sunday night.

Wright was originally a fourth round draft pick out of Northwestern State by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1999 draft. He played three seasons in Minnesota, three seasons in Houston, one season with Jacksonville, and then last season with Washington.

He played in all sixteen games for the Redskins last year, and has missed just two games in his first eight years in the league. Wright was signed by the 'Skins to be their nickel back last season, but was pressed into a starting spot after an early season injury to Shawn Springs, and struggled mightily in that role. The Redskins allowed a staggering 30 passing touchdowns last season, by far the worst in all of football.

To Wright's credit, he did have a solid season with Jacksonville the year prior, starting all sixteen games as well as one playoff game for a very stout Jaguars defense. At 6'1, he has good size, has started 56 games in the league, and represents an upgrade over any cornerbacks presently on the Browns roster not named Bodden or Holly. Like fellow Browns signee Antwan Peek, Wright was a part of the Texans defense led by current Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham from 2002-2004.

This was an off the radar signing that absolutely no one saw coming ahead of time.  And it likely indicates that the Browns feel they are longshots to sign Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Roderick Hood, who most felt was the second best cornerback on the market behind Nate Clements ... who signed with the 'Niners for eighty million over eight years. Hood was in Cleveland today, yet left without a deal, intent on making all of his visits before signing anywhere. Hood is on his way to Arizona tomorrow to meet with the Cardinals.

Bottom line, the Browns had to come out of free agency with a cornerback, and in the wake of Clements signing, and Hood leaving without a deal, they had to strike. Wright is still just 29 years of age, has nice size, and plenty of experience. With Gary Baxter's return uncertain, and Daylon McCutcheon on his way out of town, Wright will likely enter camp as the favorite to be the teams third cornerback behind Leigh Bodden and Daven Holly.