Browns sign former Jets linebacker Eric Barton
March 14
Cleveland Plain Dealer
"The Jets Express deposited another player in Cleveland, and the Browns beefed up their offensive line with a guy named Pork Chop.
On Friday, the team signed former New York Jets linebacker Eric Barton, 31, and former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack,, 30, as unrestricted free agents. Terms of their deals were not disclosed.
"We're pleased to have Eric and Floyd join the Browns," General Manager George Kokinis said in a statement. "Both will add a great deal of experience and versatility to the team."
Barton, an inside linebacker who started all 16 games for the Jets last season, is the fourth former Jet signed by Browns coach Eric Mangini. The others are linebacker David Bowens, defensive lineman C.J. Mosley and cornerback Hank Poteat. The Browns also have signed Jets safety Abram Elam to a one-year offer sheet, which New York has seven days to match.
Barton, an 11th-year pro, often was praised by Mangini for intelligence and ability to call the defensive signals. Primarily a first- and second-down player, Barton is known for his durability. In 2008, he made 127 tackles -- the second-highest in his career. It was the fifth time he's notched 100 or more in a season. He had 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one recovery and four passes defensed.
Barton, who will turn 32 in September, will challenge for a starting spot inside next to D'Qwell Jackson. Originally a fifth-round pick of the Raiders in 1999 out of Maryland, he spent five season in Oakland before signing with the Jets as an unrestricted free agent in 2004. A career highlight was his 13 tackles in the Raiders' Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay in 2003. "
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