Browns sign veteran Hamilton

12.26.2007

The Browns have filled two vacant roster spots with defensive linemen to boost an ailing unit.

Wednesday, the team signed 13-year NFL veteran Bobby Hamilton and moved 2007 sixth-round draft pick Melila Purcell from the practice squad to the active roster.

Hamilton (6-feet-5, 285 pounds) has played in 164 NFL games with 102 starts for the Jets, Patriots and Raiders and was a part of two Pats Super Bowl championship teams with Browns head coach Romeo Crennel as his defensive coordinator.

In his career, he has made 457 tackles with 19 sacks, 28 pass breakups, 6 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles.

He was waived by the Jets prior to the 2007 regular season and has not played in a game this year.

Purcell, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound Hawaii alum, has spent the entire season on the Browns' practice squad.

The additions filled the roster spots vacated by defensive lineman Ethan Kelley and safety Mike Adams, both of whom were placed on injured-reserve Monday with respective knee injuries.

The Browns not only lost Kelley Monday but could be without some other linemen when the team plays its regular season finale Sunday vs. the 49ers.

Starters Shaun Smith (bicep), Orpheus Roye (foot) and Robaire Smith (neck) all are expected to miss practice Wednesday.

To take Purcell's spot on the practice squad, the Browns signed rookie defensive lineman Zach West. West was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in May and was on the team's practice squad from Sept. 26 through Oct. 9.