Cleveland Browns: 15 greatest offensive linemen of all-time

Greatest offensive lineman in Cleveland Browns history: #13. Eric Steinbach

From 2003 through 2006, Eric Steinbach was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that took him 33rd overall out of Iowa. During his span with the Bengals, Steinbach was consistently considered one of the top five guards in the league, but continued to be a Pro Bowl snub. Then in 2007, his worth was shown as he hit the open market and was the most sought after offensive lineman in free agency.

That’s when the Browns came calling. Steinbach joined the better Ohio team on a massive contract which paid him $49.5 million over seven seasons. At the time, that was one of the biggest deals in the NFL for an offensive lineman — not just guards. He then lined up next to Joe Thomas, the rookie who was drafted third overall out of Wisconsin that season.

With those two locking down the left side, Cleveland became a force. They went 10-6, but sadly missed the postseason that year. Still, it was their last winning season. Led by Derek Anderson under center and Jamal Lewis in the backfield, the Browns offense was better than expected — a lot of which had to do with the play of their offensive line.

For Steinbach, he was named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl that season, which was the only time in his career he earned the honor. He started every game for the next three seasons, going 64-of-64 during his first four seasons.

Then a back injury sidelined him in 2011 and he was released after spending the year on Injured Reserve. The Miami Dolphins brought him on in 2012, but he never made their final roster.