Three free agents have been signed by the Browns since the signing period began Feb. 27, and two of them played for the Jets during the last two seasons under current Browns coach Eric Mangini.
Hank Poteat, 31, signed for undisclosed terms on March 9 after most of three seasons with the Jets. He is a journeyman cornerback entering his ninth NFL season. He played with the Steelers, Buccaneers and Patriots, never spending more than three seasons at any stop. The Steelers drafted him in the third round from Pitt in 2000. He played with the Steelers for three seasons and then played with Tampa Bay in 2003. He did not play in the regular season in 2004.
C.J. Mosley, a 305-pound defensive lineman, signed on a two-year contract for $5 million on March 6. He started only three times in 35 games with the Jets from 2006-2008, but the Browns do have an opening at right end.
Various reports also had former Jets linebacker David Bowens signing a four-year, $7.2 million contract, but the Browns are not confirming it.
Poteat started infrequently during his first five seasons in the NFL. Mangini must like him, however, because of his 18 starts in 94 NFL games, 16 of them were under Mangini with the Jets.
Poteat played for the Patriots on their 2004 Super Bowl team, in 2005 and in two games in 2006. He was released by New England and snatched up by the Jets for 11 games of 2006. He also played with the Jets in 2007 and '08.
"Hank is a veteran corner who has played inside and outside," Browns General Manager George Kokinis said. "His versatility and knowledge of the system will be an asset to our secondary."
Poteat would be the leading candidate to be the Browns nickel back if he does not knock out Brandon McDonald for a starting job.
Poteat never had an interception until he played with the Jets. He had two picks in 2007 and two more last season. He also had a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2008.
