According to ESPN’s Pat McManamon, as well as The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Cleveland Browns have confirmed a visit by free agent defensive end Alex Carrington, with whom the Pittsburgh Steelers have interest.
While the Steelers have limited cap space, and are currently swinging on the pendulum of Jerricho Cotchery’s decision to either re-sign with Pittsburgh or join the Carolina Panthers, they should have enough room to get something done with Carrington if both parties are motivated to work together.
The Browns, on the other hand, hired Carrington’s former defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine, as their new head coach, and have significantly more cap space to work with.
Based on the reports, it sounds as though the free agents that they brought in for visits today came and left without contracts, though that is not made explicit.
Carrington is a candidate for the Steelers to become a starting defensive end after losing both Ziggy Hood and Al Woods in free agency, while seemingly in no hurry to bring back Brett Keisel in his mid-30s.
The former Buffalo Bill has also previously visited with the Oakland Raiders, and the St. Louis Rams may also have legitimate interest. The Bills may wish to retain him, but it appears his best shot at playing time would be in Pittsburgh.
#Browns brought in FA OG Paul mcQuistan, former Seahawk, and DE Alex Carrington, former Bill, for visits today.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 19, 2014
