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Stephen Paea signs with Browns days after release by Redskins

Defensive end Stephen Paea wasn't a free agent for long, signing with the Cleveland Browns just days after the Washington Redskins released him.

He tweeted the news Friday.

The Browns later officially announced Paea's signing and the waiving of injured running back Rajion Neal.

Paea, 28, was released by the Redskins on Tuesday, shortly after the team signed veteran defensive end Cullen Jenkins.

The Browns' defensive front had lacked depth since the loss of Desmond Bryant to a torn pectoral muscle in July. That need was exacerbated when linebacker Paul Kruger was released last week, which moved rookie Emmanuel Ogbah from the line to Kruger's spot.

Paea figures to get a chance to start and play a lot right away. Xavier Cooper and John Hughes are the team's starting 3-4 ends; Paea has more playing experience and sacks than both.

This move also is the first of what could be many as the Browns continue to reshape their roster. The team will get down to the NFL-mandated limit of 53 on Saturday, but could be the busiest team in the league scouring the waiver wire for players released by other teams. The Browns need talent at almost every position.

The Redskins had signed Paea in the 2015 offseason to a four-year, $21 million deal with $7.85 million guaranteed.

He played in 11 games and started one in his only season with the Redskins after four years with the Bears. He finished 2015 with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

He has 13.5 sacks in his career.

ESPN's Pat McManamon contributed to this report.