Browns Sign Backup QB Doug Johnson 11 minutes ago



CLEVELAND - Needing a veteran quarterback as
protection for Trent Dilfer, the Cleveland
Browns signed former Atlanta backup Doug Johnson
to a one-year contract Monday.

Johnson spent last season with Tennessee. He
signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free
agent in 2000 and made 11 starts in four seasons
before being released and signed by Jacksonville.

The Browns also waived defensive lineman Larry
Burt, defensive backs Charles Byrd and Justin
Fraley, wide receivers Bradley Chavez and Bill
Flowers and running back Adimchinobe Echemandu.

Dilfer, acquired in a March trade from Seattle,
played in just 10 games the past two seasons for
the Seahawks. Before they brought in Johnson, the
Browns' only backups were Josh Harris, a
second-year player, and Charlie Frye, a rookie
drafted in April.

Johnson got his most playing time in 2003 when he
appeared in 10 games — eight starts — for the
Falcons while replacing an injured Michael Vick.
He completed 136-of-243 passes for 1,655 yards
and eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

Echemandu, who was selected in the seventh round
of the 2004 draft, missed the first nine games
last season with a leg injury. He had eight
carries for 25 yards in four games.


"Tail-end Charlie in a Purple Heart Box"

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