Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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The Browns brought yet another local player home yesterday, signing former Charger and former Falcon Bob Hallen to a two year deal.

Hallen played at Mentor High School, then went on star at Kent State, where he was first team All-MAC as a senior.  Hallen was a second round selection of the Atlanta Falcons in 1998, the year they lost to the Broncos in the Super Bowl.  Hallen spent his first four seasons in Atlanta, and has spent the last four in San Diego.  He was a starter for his last three years with the Falcons and also into his career with the Chargers.  He has been primarily a reserve interior lineman the last three years with San Diego, starting just five games over that stretch.

Hallen can play guard or center, and this signing could be a precursor to the team dealing incumbent center Jeff Faine.  The Browns signed LeCharles Bentley to a six year deal on Saturday, and this corner feels LeCharles was signed to man the middle of the Browns refurbished offensive front.  With Hallen in the fold, and Mike Pucillo still a hold over, the Browns have four players that can play center.