Cleveland Browns agree to 2-year deal with Brian Sanford according to Adam Kaplan

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Brian Sanford (70) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Browns defeated the Packers 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have made a move and given defensive end Brian Sanford a Christmas present in the form of a 2-year contract.  Sanford was basically the last roster cut for the Browns going into the season.  They had attempted to trade him in a voided deal for the now retired John Moffitt when he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Browns would have liked to keep Sanford, but they simply had a surplus of talented defensive linemen and he was the odd man out in the rotation.  This allows the Browns to bring back Sanford next year and see if he can win a spot in the rotation.  Sanford spent most of this season as a member of the Oakland Raiders, but provides insurance should Armonty Bryant have an off the field issue that could potentially cost him his spot on the roster as well as Athyba Rubin, who has been a good player for the Browns, but carries what some might call a high cap number for next season.

It is unclear how the contract is structured, but it stands to reason that Sanford is probably disposable in the scenario where the Browns are happy with their rotation next year and they get through to the season without any injury issues.