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Look out Cleveland Browns sign DE Roye to six-year contract
Posted: Saturday February 12, 2000 07:59 PM
ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- The Cleveland Browns took a step toward upgrading the league's worst defense by signing unrestricted free agent defensive end Orpheus Roye away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The Browns announced that they have signed Roye to a six-year contract, though financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Roye and Keith McKenzie, who had 8 1/2 sacks for Green Bay last year, visited the Browns on Friday. The two weren't on Cleveland's early wish list, but after star ends Simeon Rice, Tony Brackens and Robert Porcher were designated franchise players by their respective teams, the Browns couldn't afford to wait. Roye had spent the previous four seasons with the Steelers, having a breakout year in 1999 while starting all 16 games at defensive end. He ranked third on the team with 4 1/2 sacks and led all defensive linemen in total tackles. "We have definitely improved our defensive line with the acquisition of Orpheus Roye," Browns head coach Chris Palmer said. "He had a very good season last year and will continue to improve because he is only entering his fifth NFL season. "Orpheus had a very strong season last year in a 3-4 alignment, and we feel his skills will be further enhanced in our 4-3 alignment. One of our off-season priorities was to improve our defensive personnel, and this is a great first step towards doing that." Roye emerged as a starter in his fourth year with the Steelers, making 57 tackles and picking off one pass. The versatile Roye started three games at right defensive end and 13 games at left defensive end during the 1999 regular season. "I am really excited to be joining the Cleveland Browns," Roye said. "They are an up-and-coming team, and I am anxious to make my contribution. Everything here is first-class, including the people and the facilities, and I really felt during my visit this was the place I wanted to be." Roye was a sixth-round draft choice by Pittsburgh in 1996 out of Florida State. During the 1998 season, Roye started nine games and appeared in all 16 regular season games and totaled 42 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and one pass defensed. Prior to 1998, Roye contributed on special teams and saw reserve action along the defensive line in his first two seasons with the Steelers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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