Browns Sign Strock; Pagel to Start

Don Strock and Steve Slayden were signed by the Cleveland Browns Monday to fill vacancies created by injuries to quarterbacks Bernie Kosar and Gary Danielson.

Strock, 37, a 14-year veteran with Miami, was cut by the Dolphins during the exhibition season. Slayden, 22, a 12th-round draft pick from Duke, was cut by Cleveland this summer after being beaten out by Mike Pagel for the Browns’ third-string quarterback job.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer said Pagel will be the starter until Kosar returns, which is expected to be several weeks. He also said Slayden will be Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback because he already knows the system, but that Strock could assume that spot quickly.

Strock, a backup quarterback for most of his career in Miami, has completed 388 of 688 passes for 4,613 yards in 163 games. He has started only 20 times.

Schottenheimer said that the Browns also considered a number of other candidates, including ex-Raider Marc Wilson.

Kosar sprained his right elbow in a game Sept. 4 against Kansas City. Danielson broke his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-3 loss to the New York Jets.

Pagel’s first start will be next Monday night against Indianapolis.