Randy Starks to Browns: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Cleveland Browns had an underwhelming haul in the first wave of free agency, but they did make a notable move Monday by signing defensive tackle Randy Starks.

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted it's a two-year deal worth approximately $8 million. The Browns confirmed the signing, and general manager Ray Farmer provided a brief statement:

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Randy is a seasoned veteran defensive lineman that has performed consistently well over time. He can bang in the run game but also has the ability to affect the passer. He’s a versatile player that has played in different fronts. We like what he brings to the table and think he can help us win games.

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Starks commented on joining the Browns:

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I’m excited to sign with the Browns because I like what they are building. I think they are going to become a good team. I like what I heard from the coaching staff and the interest they took in me. An attacking and aggressive defensive scheme is one that suits me and I think I can be very successful in this type of system. Karlos Dansby had really great things to say about the coaching staff and he’s a guy that I’m looking forward to playing with again.

"

Starks is a two-time Pro Bowler who spent the previous seven years with the Miami Dolphins. He brings a lane-clogging presence the Browns need.

But Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski doesn't see Starks as the dynamic run-stopper Cleveland can count on:

J Pat Carter/Associated Press

Considering the Browns finished last against the run in 2014, they should continue to prioritize the defensive trenches, even after landing Starks.

Lane Adkins of the Orange and Brown Report liked the Browns' open-market move:

Pro Football Focus brings up how sharp of a decline Starks experienced at the end of last season, though:

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Browns needed interior d-line help and Starks has been there, done that and in shape RT @bragan25: @LaneAdkins @mikeranc what a joke

— LA - theOBR (@LaneAdkins) March 16, 2015"

One positive highlighted by CantonRep.com's Steve Doerschuk is Starks' unique durability:

In any event, Cleveland needed to do something and had to bring in a credible veteran capable of contributing in some capacity at a position of need. The 31-year-old Starks fits the bill as a solid rotational player at worst and perhaps a starter on the Browns' defensive front.

ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler notes how general manager Ray Farmer and Co. are being a bit more proactive after swinging and missing at the dawn of the new NFL year:

Of the most notable players Cleveland has signed, two of the three in Starks and receiver Brian Hartline were released by Miami. Quarterback Josh McCown was cut by Tampa Bay after going 1-10 as a starter.

Farmer has a long way to go before fans trust him, particularly in light of the text-messaging controversy. The Browns have lost multiple starters this offseason and haven't made any tremendous gains, but acquiring Starks appears to be a step in the right direction.

Where Farmer will be most judged is the draft, where he holds two first-round picks for the second year in a row.

Relative inactivity in free agency isn't much to fret over from a job-security standpoint. If his next first-rounders look as unpromising as 2014's choices of defensive back Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel, Farmer's front-office future will indubitably be in jeopardy.