Browns’ host free agent OL Paul McQuistan and DE Alex Carrington

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Browns defeated the Packers 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple media reports on Wednesday (19th March) the Cleveland Browns played host for free agents Paul McQuistan and Alex Carrington. The 30 years-old 6’6”, 315-pound  McQuistan started 14 games during the 2013 season for the Seattle Seahawks,  including nine at left tackle and five at left guard. McQuistan played college at Weber State University and was drafted in the  third-round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. McQuistan has connections to Cleveland having served as a backup linemen for the Browns’ during the 2010 NFL season, but was waived by the Browns’ in November 2010.

Defensive end Alex Carrington  (6’5”, 284-pd) was a third-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft for the Buffalo Bills out of Arkansas State University. Carrington is a 3-4 scheme defensive end, but alternates to the outside linebacker position. Carrington amassed 53 tackles and four sacks in four season with the Bills’, but his 2013 campaign was cut short with a torn quadriceps muscle in Week 3.

Both of these players match the scheme and versatility that the Browns’ front office is looking for. McQuistan is a versatile player on the offensive line and can play multiple positions, which is a bonus especially with all the injuries the Browns’ dealt with during the 2013 season.  McQuistan ability to play both guard and tackle could put him square in the mix to compete for a starting job on the line, and he will hopefully create more competition on the line so that right tackle Mitchell Schwartz will be forced to elevate his game. Carrington is a youthful player at just 26 years-old, and add’s more depth to the linebacker corps, as well as contribute on special teams. And of course I have to mention the connection to head coach Mike Pettine, who was the Bills’ defensive coordinator last season.