The Browns continued to stockpile quality interior offensive linemen Friday, signing Seth McKinney to a one-year contact.
The additions of McKinney and veteran guard/center Rex Hadnot also cast significant doubt on the comeback of center LeCharles Bentley.
He’s working out on his own in Arizona, and the team has repeatedly said he’ll participate in minicamps and training camp in an effort to return from a series of serious knee injuries that have prevented him from playing a snap with his hometown team.
McKinney (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) started eight games at right guard for the Browns last season before a shoulder injury ended his season.
“Seth started eight games for us last year and with his versatility as a guard and center, this signing should solidify the interior part of our offensive line,” general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. “At this point, we feel we have seven starters competing for five positions.”
Hadnot has started 16 games in each of the last three seasons and was signed as a free agent.
He and McKinney provide depth behind returning starters Eric Steinbach (left guard), Hank Fraley (center) and Ryan Tucker (right guard).
Tucker also has extensive experience at right tackle, where Kevin Shaffer returns as a starter.
McKinney signed with the Browns in March 2007 after missing 2006 in Miami with a neck injury.
The neck was fine last season, and McKinney has started 42 games in six NFL seasons.
The Browns also named Richard McNutt an assistant defensive backs coach and changed the job description of Chris Caminiti.
The former assistant to the head coach will be a liaison for Romeo Crennel and serve as assistant special teams coach.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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