CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns filled a gaping offensive hole, signing free agent tight end Benjamin Watson to a multiyear contract.
Watson spent the past six seasons with the New England Patriots, where he previously worked with Browns coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
The Browns did not release financial terms. ESPN.com reported that Watson signed a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed. He is the third free agent to sign with Cleveland, joining linebacker Scott Fujita and right tackle Tony Pashos.
Watson visited the Browns on Thursday, when the club also hosted quarterback Jake Delhomme and running back Justin Fargas.
Delhomme was scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Friday. While the Super Bowl champions are looking for a backup for Drew Brees, the Browns may see Delhomme as their starter.
It is not known whether the Browns offered Delhomme, 35, a contract.
Private eye to work for Roethlisberger
An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has hired a private investigator to look into a sexual-assault allegation made by a 20-year-old Georgia college student.
Police in the college town of Milledgeville, Ga., continue to investigate but have released little information since the accusation was made a week ago.
The private investigator, Charles Mittelstadt, on Friday contacted a lawyer for the club where the woman says the assault took place.
The two-time Super Bowl winner hasn’t been charged, and his lawyer says no sexual assault occurred.
Around the league
Wide receiver Antonio Bryant, formerly of Tampa Bay, has signed a four-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. … LaDainian Tomlinson visited the New York Jets’ training facility in Florham Park, N.J., meeting with team officials about joining the offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season. He met with the Vikings on Thursday. … The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free agent wide receiver Hank Baskett to a one-year contract. Baskett was released by the Eagles in September after three seasons in Philadelphia. He then signed with Indianapolis and played 15 games, including playoffs. … Running back Larry Johnson signed a three-year deal to remain with Washington.
