Eric

Steinbach

Steinbach was cleared April 1 to begin full work in his recovery from a bone fragment on his spinal cord nerves. The 32-year-old is down to his playing weight of 295 pounds and estimates that he’s “85 percent” recovered. Steinbach will be ready to work out for teams in mid-July.

Teammates Chris Henry, Frostee Rucker, A.J. Nicholson, and Matthias Askew were also arrested this offseason. Odell Thurman is suspended for the first four games of the year.

They may be interested in signing Steinbach to a low-risk deal for the veteran’s minimum. Steinbach turns 32 today and missed all of last season due to back problems. His days as a starter in the league are likely over.

Steinbach missed all of 2011 after undergoing preseason back surgery, and is currently set to earn $6 million next season. It’s unlikely the Browns will be willing to pay it. If Steinbach refuses to re-negotiate, 2011 fifth-round pick Jason Pinkston is a potential in-house replacement.

Cleveland’s long-time left guard was set to earn a prohibitive $6 million after missing all of 2011 with a back injury. Steinbach’s agent tells the National Football Post he’ll remain in contact with the Browns about returning at a lower price. Before 2011, Steinbach had missed just three games in eight years.

The Browns released Steinbach and his $6 million salary earlier this month, and are reportedly “set” on 2011 fifth-round pick Jason Pinkston at left guard. Steinbach hasn’t generated any known interest in free agency after missing all of 2011 with back issues.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer recently reported the Browns appeared “set” on 2011 fifth-round pick Jason Pinkston at left guard, but Steinbach will apparently be welcomed back for a ninth year in Cleveland if his price is right after missing all of 2011 with back issues. He hasn’t taken any visits since his March 14 release.

Steinbach had the surgery on August 30, so he’s over four months removed. The Browns will have to make a decision on Steinbach’s $6 million base salary this offseason. At age 32 with injury red flags, he may have to take a pay cut.

After letting Vernon Carey walk, Miami had a need for veteran insurance with the unreliable RG John Jerry battling Artis Hicks at right guard. Steinbach is said to be fully recovered after missing the entire 2011 season following back surgery.

32-year-old Steinbach was attempting a comeback of sorts after missing the entire 2011 season with a back injury. He couldn’t get off the shelf in Dolphins camp, and decided to hang it up after eight seasons played. Steinbach started 124 games in the NFL, spending his first four years with Cincinnati and his last four with Cleveland. He was a solid NFL starting left guard in his prime.