BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns signed 13-year veteran Bobby Hamilton on Wednesday to patch up their banged-up defensive line.
Hamilton, who won two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, hasn't played this season. He was waived at the end of training camp by the New York Jets.
Earlier this week, the Browns placed nose tackle Ethan Kelley (knee) on injured reserve, and starters Shaun Smith, Orpheus Roye and Robaire Smith all missed practice Wednesday with injuries.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Hamilton has made 102 career starts for the Jets, Patriots and Oakland Raiders. In New England, he played for Browns coach Romeo Crennel, who was the Patriots' defensive coordinator.
The club also signed rookie defensive end Melila Purcell from the practice squad to the active roster and signed defensive lineman Zach West to its practice squad.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
