THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CLEVELAND — New Browns coach Eric Mangini continued his makeover of Cleveland’s roster by signing free agent linebacker David Bowens and releasing right tackle Kevin Shaffer on Thursday.
Bowens played for Mangini the past two seasons with the New York Jets. A 10-year veteran, Bowens started five games last season. He recorded 40 tackles, four sacks and intercepted one pass.
Terms of Bowens’ deal were not disclosed on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Bowens is the third former Jets player brought to Cleveland by Mangini, who also signed cornerback Hank Poteat and defensive lineman C.J. Mosley.
"David is another example of the emphasis that we place on toughness, leadership and versatility," Browns general manager George Kokinis said in a statement. "He has played inside and outside linebacker and has been a core special teams player throughout his career."
Shaffer started 16 games at right tackle last season for the Browns, who signed him as a free agent in 2006. He made 16 starts at left tackle that year but was moved over to the right side the following year after Cleveland selected Joe Thomas.
Shaffer was owed a US$1 million roster bonus on Friday and was scheduled to make $2.65 million next season.
