George Foster and The Cleveland Browns Could Find the Right Fit

It is well known that new Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini likes any help he can get on the offensive line. He has already made additions such as Floyd Womack, John St. Clair, and first-round pick Alex Mack.

The Browns have plenty in the middle but could use an experienced tackle on the outside. Immediately (considering I stay on top of the NFL headlines), George Foster comes to mind.

Foster was the first-round draft choice (20th overall) of the Denver Broncos in the 2003 draft. He only played in one game in his rookie season but earned the starting role at right tackle the next season, starting in every game.

He was the Bronco's starter the next two seasons from 2004, missing no games and only three starts. In his time with Denver, Foster helped the team accomplish some franchise marks.

In 2004, his first season as a starter, Foster helped the team set a franchise low in sacks allowed with 15. In 2005, he helped the team rush for a total of 2,539 yards, the second highest in franchise history. Also in the 2005 season, they set a team record for most rushing first downs.

After the 2006 season, the Lions acquired Foster in a trade that sent Dre' Bly to Denver. In his first season with Detroit, Foster started nine games while playing in 15 total.

Last season, Foster only saw four games (three starts) due to his injury followed by being inactive. He hurt his knee in Week Four, sat out Week Five, and then was placed on the inactive list for the rest of the season.

Foster was cut in order for the Lions to sign offensive tackle Jon Jansen. Now that he is a free agent, he is looking for his new team. Why not the Cleveland Browns?

Although the line looks much improved, the Browns could use a little more. As of now, presumed starters are Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach (at LT and LG). The right side will be a mix, coming from two of either Womack, St. Clair, Ryan Tucker, or Rex Hadnot.

The center will be either Mack or Hank Fraley.

This team is deep, but, the Browns don't seem to have enough tackles. Joe Thomas has the edge to be the starter on the left side and St. Clair on the right, while Tucker could be a backup. Tucker though, missed practically the entire season last year.

The good thing about Foster is he is capable of playing both sides of the line. If St. Clair/Tucker become the starter on the right side, Foster could be Thomas's backup on the left side.

Even with St. Clair and Tucker on the roster, Foster could become the starter, moving everyone else back on the depth chart.

If the Browns could improve their already revamped O-line, they could be a team to watch. Plus, a veteran O-lineman is something any team can use.

Players can get hurt or not play as well as expected, so Foster is insurance as well as experience. I'm not say the Browns need or should spend money on Foster, but they could. It makes some sense, but it all depends on Mangini.