Offensive Lineman to Visit Browns

The Browns do not appear to be done shopping for free agents, as a veteran offensive lineman is coming to town. Find out who (and why)...

According to sources in Texas, veteran offensive lineman Rex Hadnot will be visiting the Cleveland Browns on Saturday and Sunday. Hadnot had recently been pursued by the Texans, but left Houston without a contract.

The 6-2, 325-pound Hadnot plays right guard and center, starting every game over the last three years with the Dolphins. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2004 draft out of Houston. He had hoped to return to Houston with the Texans, but was unable to work out a deal with the team.

Reportedly, the Browns won't be alone in talking to Hadnot. The Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs are also interested in the lineman, who still may complete deals with the Texans or return to Miami. The latter possibility dimmed considerably when the Dolphins signed OG Justin Smiley to a long-term contract on the first day of free agency.

The team's interest in Hadnot is due to several factors, among them the continuing free agent status of G/C Lennie Friedman, whom the team is interested in re-signing. The Browns also have some uncertainty around both Seth McKinney and Ryan Tucker due to injury and Tucker's issues. While Tucker filled in admirably for McKinney during 2007, Hadnot may represent a safer option than either, given his youth and ability to stay healthy.

Stay tuned to Ask the Insiders for further updates on the Browns pursuit of Hadnot as we get them....