Playoff-hungry Browns sign Watson in bid to rebuild roster

CLEVELAND (Reuters) - The Cleveland Browns continued to rebuild their roster by signing free-agent tight end Ben Watson to a multi-year contract on Friday as the team looks to snap a seven-season playoff drought.

Watson, 29, has spent his six-year National Football League career with the New England Patriots, who drafted him with the 32nd pick of the first round in 2004.

Terms of the deal were not released but ESPN reported it was a three-year, $12 million contract that includes $6.35 million in guaranteed money.

"We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent market," Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said on the team's website (www.clevelandbrowns.com).

"Because of his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets.

Watson caught 29 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games last season with the Patriots. Over his career, he has 167 catches for 2,102 yards and 20 TDs.

The Browns, seeking their first playoff berth since 2002, signed linebacker Scott Fujita and offensive lineman Tony Pashos earlier this week as unrestricted free agents.

Cleveland finished in last place in the AFC North in 2009 with a 5-11 record.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; editing by Frank Pingue; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)