ESPN.com
The toll road that leads from Foxboro to Cleveland, where former
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is the new coach, is officially open for business.
In Crennel's first free agency signing period as
Browns coach, ESPN.com has learned that veteran guard
Joe Andruzzi, who started all but three games for New England during its run of three Super Bowl titles in four seasons, has defected to Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent.
Andruzzi, the first Patriot to leave to play for Crennel, agreed Wednesday to a four-year, $9 million contract. The deal will be signed later this week.
By acquiring Andruzzi, the Browns have begun the refurbishing of one of the NFL's worst offensive lines. At the combine last week in Indianapolis, first-year general manager Phil Savage used the term "dire straits" to describe the state of the Browns' interior line.
Even with the addition of Andruzzi, who was a stabilizer on New England's blocking unit when it suffered through injuries, Cleveland will continue to pursue veteran offensive linemen.
Andruzzi, 29, began his career as an undrafted free agent with the
Green Bay Packers in 1997. The former Southern Connecticut State player was signed by New England in 2000, after the Packers released him.
A tough in-line blocker and good pass protector, Andruzzi has started in 76 of his 95 career appearances.