INDIANAPOLIS — The Cleveland Browns lured Cincinnati Bengals prized OL Eric Steinbach away from the club last year during free agency with a lucrative contact and could be at it again this year when Bengals DE Justin Smith hits the free agent market.

According to a league source, the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are two teams who are expected to express serious interest in acquiring the veteran defensive end when free agency begins February 29th.

The Bengals have gone on record stating that they would like to have Smith back for the '08 season, but the organization better be prepared to empty its pocketbook because he's expected to draw lots of interest on the open market.

Smith's agent, Jim Steiner, said that his client will wait and see what his options are, and will make a decision about his status after giving it careful thought.

Browns have bucks

The Browns are believed to be the team with the most interest and perhaps the most money under the salary cap to afford the price tag that Smith will command. It was said that the organization wouldn't get into a biding war or overpay for the pass-rusher, but is prepared to look into the situation. The remark was also made that some team out there might overpay to get Smith.

The Browns are looking to improve their pass-rush after finishing the season ranked No. 27 in sacks with 28.

The return of DE Orpheus Roye to Cleveland is up in the air at this point and the draft is limited with 3-4 defensive ends. The Browns do not pick until late in the second-round when the premiere pass-rushers are expected to be off the board.

Smith played in a conventional 4-3 defense his entire career with the Bengals, but has the versatility to play the inside rusher in a 3-4 defense. In fact, he may be better suited for the 3-4.

Smith has 466 tackles and 43.5 sacks for his seven-year career making him a solid contributor on defense.

OLB Kamerion Wimbley and Smith would provide the Browns defense with a nice one-two punch when getting after the quarterback as well as tracking down the run due to Smith's non-stop motor.

It will be interesting to see if the Browns raid the cupboard of their in-state nemesis back-to-back years.

• The Browns, who are looking to add stability and depth to the offensive line, appear to be enamored with Pittsburgh OL Mike McGlynn. McGlynn was interviewed by Browns' scouts at the Senior Bowl last month and interviewed with offensive line coach Steve Marshall his first day in Indy.

McGlynn worked out well at the Combine during position drills and did 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. A visit to Cleveland could also be in the works for McGlynn. Stay tuned!