Browns Sign Linebacker Orr

Following up on our exclusive reports on Thursday, the Browns have signed LB Shantee Orr to a one-year contract. A veteran who has played for the Texans and Jaguars, Orr would help fill the gap left last week by the departure of Chaun Thompson.

Multiple sources are reporting at this hour that the Browns have signed LB Shantee Orr to a one-year contract. This follows quickly on the heels of the OBR's exclusive reports (Adam Caplan's Blog, Ask the Insiders) that the Browns brought Orr in for a visit this week.

According to Caplan, "Orr was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He started 25 games in five seasons of play with the club. He spent the 2007 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Orr's best season was in 2005 when he posted 50 combined tackles and 7 sacks.

Orr, much like his former teammate with Houston, Antwan Peek, is looked at mainly upon as a situational pass rusher."

Charlie Bernstein of Jagnation.com tells us that "the Jaguars signed him near the end of last season and he was only active for a handful of games.  He was mostly a special teams contributor who only saw significant playing time at linebacker in the regular season finale against Houston, when the team had nothing to play for."

Based on his background, Orr could be viewed as a replacement for LB Chaun Thompson, who signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans last week.

Bernstein also notes that Orr helped the Jags by re-doing his contract before the season finale, which helped the Jaguars manage their 2008 salary cap. The OBR will have a report on how the Browns managed their cap in a similar manner in the coming days.

The Browns did not immediately return an email asking for confirmation of the signing. We'll bring additional information to you as soon as we get it.

UPDATE 3PM: The Browns have confirmed the signing. The official press release is posted in the Watercooler forum.