BEREA, Ohio - The Browns have reached a contract agreement with Usama Young with the intent of making the former Kent State cornerback their starting free safety, a league source has confirmed.

The agreement was struck the first day teams were allowed to negotiate with free agents. It won't be announced officially until after 6 p.m. on Friday.

Young, 26, was drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints as a cornerback, but has been a backup safety the past two years. All four years he was a core player on special teams.

Young made six starts in 52 games for the Saints. He had three interceptions and one sack in spot duty on defense.

Young was a four-year starter at Kent State and was a teammate of Josh Cribbs for three years.

Young is expected to take the place of Abram Elam, who started two years under former coach Eric Mangini and is an unrestricted free agent.