Trent Cole grabs fumble

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole will visit the Browns and other teams. (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns continue to get a head start on free agency, which officially begins Tuesday at 4 p.m.

They'll host pass-rush specialist Trent Cole on Sunday, a league source confirmd. CSN Philadelphia first reported the news Saturday.

The Eagles released Cole, 32, Tuesday rather than pay him the $10 million he was due in 2015. The two sides failed to reach an agreement on a restructuring parting ways.

The Browns like him, but they'll have plenty of competition for his services. Cole visited the Bucs on Friday and also has a trip to Indianapolis schedule for Monday, according to the report. The Cardinals are also very interested, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan, and the The 49ers and Seahawks have also reached out, according to the Sacramento Bee.

In 10 seasons with the Eagles, the Xenia, Ohio native registered 85.5 sacks, including 14.5 as an outside linebacker the past two seasons under Chip Kelly.

The Browns are in need of some pass-rush help with Jabaal Sheard set to become a free agent Tuesday at 4 p.m.

In Cleveland, Cole would play as an outside 'backer in Mike Pettine's 3-4 multi-front scheme, but his natural role is an end in a 4-3 and he reportedly is looking to get back to that.



A fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2005, Cole spent his entire 10-year career with the Eagles.