For the defense, the free agency hits just keep on coming. Defensive end Kenard Lang, late of the Washington Redskins, signed a five year, $17 million deal that will put him at left end across from Courtney Brown. The Redskins first choice in the 1997 draft, Lang is a versatile player who has lined up effectively at both the tackle and end positions. The Browns will almost certainly line him up at end, where he will replace Keith McKenzie, who is likely to seek bigger dollars elsewhere.

Lang was one of the most highly sought free agents in the market, and his addition to an already fearsome Browns front seven should wreak havoc on opposing offenses. One thing the Browns like is Lang’s versatility, which should allow Foge Fazio to shift Lang to tackle on passing downs so Jamir Miller can rush the quarterback from the end spot. The prospect of Brown, Warren, Miller and Lang converging on the quarterback will cause a lot of worry among offensive coordinators. Trivia buffs take note: That’s four first-round draft choices lining up on third and long.

At 27 years old, Lang is a player with some upside. He got bounced around in Washington after the arrival of Bruce Smith, forcing Lang inside to DT and away from his true strength at end. Despite this, Lang registered a career high 67 tackles. And while he’s not a sack specialist, he did notch 6 sacks and 22 QB pressures in 1999—both very respectable numbers. Oh, and did I mention that Lang played at the University of Miami under Butch Davis?