Lang

Weeks before the start of free agency, Cleveland Browns officials identified the defensive line as one of their biggest priorities.

They filled part of that need Tuesday, reaching a contract agreement with Kenard Lang, a former Washington Redskins starter who was an unrestricted free agent. The contract is worth $17 million over five years, and includes a signing bonus of $3.4 million.

Lang will receive base salaries of $550,000 for 2002 and $1.9 million for 2003. At the end of the second season, the Browns must pay an option bonus of $1.6 million to trigger the final three years of the contract, which are worth $900,000 (2004), $3.7 million (2005) and $4.5 million (2006). There is a $50,000 workout bonus for this season and workout bonuses of $100,000 for each of the other four years.

The move upgrades a unit that already included former first-round choices at two of the four positions. He will join former first-round choices Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren, who comprise the right side of the Cleveland defensive front at end and tackle, respectively, in the lineup. The left tackle spot remains open and could go to Orpheus Roye.

It also reunites Lang, one of the most sought-after players in the early stages of the free agent market, with Butch Davis, who coached him at the University of Miami.

In addition, Lang will work with defensive coordinator Foge Fazio, who had the same title with the Redskins in 2000 and who struck a solid relationship there with the veteran defensive lineman.

Washington's first-round choice in the 1997 draft, Lang has bounced between end and tackle in his career. He started all 16 games for Washington at tackle in 2001 and, while he registered the highest number of tackles in his career (67), end remains his best position. The Browns plan to play him at left end.

Adding Lang provides Cleveland a proven run-stopper who also has some pass-rush skills. He should be a good anchor on the left side. And despite having been in the league five seasons, he is still just 27 years old, and should still have his best football ahead of him.

In five seasons, Lang has appeared in 76 games and started 52 of them. He has 209 tackles, 21½ sacks, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and interception and 25 pass deflections.

Cleveland also conducted substantive negotiations with former Minnesota Vikings strong safety Robert Griffith on Tuesday afternoon but the talks broke down because his asking price is too high. The Browns still hope to sign Griffith and are still pursuing another former Vikings starter, linebacker Kailee Wong.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer at ESPN.com.