Browns Blog

In close pursuit

Clark Haggans, who's spent his entire eight-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, visited with Browns' officials Wednesday. Although a deal hadn't been completed as of mid-afternoon, it's been learned that the organization is making a determined push to land Haggans.

Haggans hasn't been highly sought after on the market, partially because he's viewed as a "system" player. While he was a good fit in the Steelers' 3-4, zone-blitz style of play, he's not considered a good fit for the 4-3.

The Browns are attractive to Haggans because of their base 3-4 package. Although not known as much as the Steelers for zone blitzing, that could change next season when Mel Tucker takes over as defensive coordinator for Todd Grantham, who played a more passive style of defense.

The Browns were aggressive in bolstering the the defensive front with trades that landed Corey Williams from Green Bay and Shaun Rogers from Detroit. One of the missing parts on defense is an outside linebacker to take pass-rush pressure off Kamerion Wimbley.

Haggans isn't a dominant edge pass rusher, but he offers more than Willie McGinest, who's probably entering his final season at age 36. McGinest has battled injuries and an obvious decline in talent in two seasons with the Browns.

Antwan Peek was signed last year to help on the outside, but he dealt with a knee problem from early in the season. Peek, who played an end with the Houston Texans, exhibited some abilities when moved to linebacker, but Haggans is a better fit.

Signing Haggans would be a short-term fix. At the same time, it would take a player away from the a division rival, although the Steelers don't seem concerned about Haggan's impending departure.

The Steelers used their first two draft picks last season on linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. Woodley seems most likely to replace Haggans.