Browns sign OL Rashad Butler

The Cleveland Browns today added some insurance to their offensive line by signing veteran Rashad Butler-

“The Cleveland Browns today signed offensive lineman Rashad Butler to a one-year contract, the club announced. Butler was previously as an unrestricted free agent from Houston.

Originally drafted by Carolina in the third round (89th overall) of the 2006 draft, Butler has appeared in 41 career games with four starts. He was waived by the Panthers on September 3, 2007 and spent the next six seasons with the Texans after being claimed off waivers. He spent all of 2012 on injured reserve with a triceps injury. In 2010, he played in all 16 contests with four starts at left tackle.

A four-year letterman at the University of Miami, Fla. (2002-05), Butler started 23 of the 38 games in which he appeared at both right and left tackle. Born February 10, 1983, the 6-4, 310-pound Butler is a native of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he attended Dwyer High School.”

With Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz the Browns are set at tackle and center. The question mark remains at guard. Jason Pinkston played very well until going on the IR last season with a blood clot. Perhaps fans (myself included) have put too high an expectation on Pinkston’s recovery and ability to be ready for the season. Even if Pinkston is ready to go, the Browns should have a competition for the starting right guard spot and for the back-up tackle role. They drafted Garrett Gilkey in the seventh round this season, and still have Ryan Miller whom they selected in the fifth round last season.

Also in the mix are John Greco, Jarrod Shaw, Oniel Cousins, Shawn Lauvao and Dominic Alford.

[Related: Which Browns veteran is most likely to be replaced]