National Football League

Browns bring back ex-Seahawks OL McQuistan

Published Mar. 24, 2014 1:23 p.m. ET

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CLEVELAND -- The Browns added flexibility and playoff experience to their offensive line.

The club agreed to a contract Monday with free agent Paul McQuistan, who started 14 games last season for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

McQuistan, who was in Cleveland for a visit last week, was previously with the Browns as a backup in 2010. The 30-year-old lineman may slide into the open spot at right guard after the Browns lost starter Shawn Lauvao in free agency to Washington.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound McQuistan played nine games at left tackle and five at left guard for Seattle last season.

"He has versatility," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Fla. "The guy played a lot of tackle last year. He's played guard. The versatility is definitely intriguing and positive for us and it can make our minds rest easy in a lot of respects where he can possibly contribute. So that versatility is what we're more focused on than any one specific spot saying he's going to be this."

McQuistan has played eight seasons in the NFL since being drafted in the third round by Oakland in 2006. McQuistan has made 52 starts and played left tackle, left guard and right guard.

He appeared in 35 games with the Raiders from 2006-09. He has also been with Jacksonville. He signed with Seattle in 2011 and appeared in 48 games over three seasons, making 40 starts.

He's the seventh free agent signed by the Browns, who have also shown interest in Buffalo defensive end Alex Carrington. He previously played under new Browns coach Mike Pettine and visited with Cleveland last week.

The Browns may still be in the market for a veteran quarterback after releasing Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell this month.

Cleveland is also awaiting the next move with free-agent center Alex Mack. The team placed their transition tag on the Pro Bowler, who has yet to sign the one-year, $10.039 million contract.

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