CLEVELAND (June 20, 2005) -- Needing a veteran quarterback as protection for Trent Dilfer, the Cleveland Browns signed former Atlanta backup Doug Johnson to a one-year contract.
Johnson spent last season with Tennessee. He signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and made 11 starts in four seasons before being released and signed by Jacksonville.
The Browns also waived defensive lineman Larry Burt, defensive backs Charles Byrd and Justin Fraley, wide receivers Bradley Chavez and Bill Flowers and running back Adimchinobe Echemandu.
Dilfer, acquired in a March trade from Seattle, played in just 10 games the past two seasons for the Seahawks. Before they brought in Johnson, the Browns' only backups were Josh Harris, a second-year player, and Charlie Frye, a rookie drafted in April.
Johnson got his most playing time in 2003 when he appeared in 10 games -- eight starts -- for the Falcons while replacing an injured Michael Vick. He completed 136-of-243 passes for 1,655 yards and eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions.
Echemandu, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft, missed the first nine games last season with a leg injury. He had eight carries for 25 yards in four games.
