Steve Heiden

Browns coach Eric Mangini called upon an old familiar face to help upgrade the tight end position, and the Browns bid farewell to a longtime friend at the spot.

They signed unrestricted free-agent tight end Ben Watson, formerly of the New England Patriots, to a multiyear contract. Terms of the deal were undisclosed, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it was a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed. Hours later, the Browns released Steve Heiden, who had been with the team for eight seasons -- longer than anyone except kicker Phil Dawson.