Yesterday, they added a plugger.

Marcus Spears, an 11-year veteran with only 21 career starts, was signed yesterday to provide experienced support behind Ryan Tucker at right tackle. He has also played guard during a career that spanned time with the Bears, Chiefs and Texans.

He started 16 games for the Chiefs in 2001 -- 11 at right tackle and five at left guard. Priest Holmes rushed for 1,555 yards that season. Spears played in all 16 games with three starts for the Texans last year.

Spears, 6-4, 320 pounds, was a second-round draft choice by the Bears in 1994 out of Northwestern (Louisiana). He is considered a plugger because coach Romeo Crennel can plug him in at either tackle or guard spot if a starter falters or is injured. Depth, especially by players with experience, has been a perennial problem for the Browns.

Spears is the fourth major addition to the offensive line this offseason. Before signing Shelton, the Browns signed guards Joe Andruzzi from the Patriots and Cosey Coleman from the Buccaneers.

Meanwhile, there are no new developments in the Ross Verba saga.

''We have not completely slammed the door,'' general manager Phil Savage said.

The Browns have given Verba permission to seek a trade, just as they did running back William Green in February. The circumstances were different, however. Green was not demanding more money, as Verba is.

If Verba discovers he cannot make more elsewhere than the $2.95 million his contract calls for, he might end up with the Browns after all.

However, with the moves the Browns have made, particularly by signing Shelton, they might end up simply releasing Verba.

NHBrowns@sbcglobal.net