Veikune's disappointing Browns tenure ends in release

Published: Sep 07, 2010 at 12:19 PM

CLEVELAND -- David Veikune went from outside linebacker to outsider with the Browns.

Cleveland waived Veikune on Tuesday, cutting ties with the former Hawaii defensive end that the Browns tried to convert into a linebacker for their 3-4 system.

The Browns used the 52nd overall pick in last year's draft to select the 6-foot-2, 257-pound Veikune, who played in 10 games last season -- he was part of their outstanding kick-return unit -- but showed little progress during preseason this summer. His release left Cleveland with 11 linebackers on its roster.

The Browns also claimed offensive lineman Steve Vallos off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks and signed defensive back Derrick Roberson.

Vallos, who can play center or guard, played in all 16 games each of the past two seasons with the Seahawks, with whom he was with Browns president Mike Holmgren. The Browns released backup lineman Billy Yates to make room for Vallos, who set a school record at Wake Forest with 48 starts.

Roberson played in six games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He was waived last weekend by the Bucs, whom the Browns will face in their season opener Sunday.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder also has spent time on practice squads with the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. He made 19 starts at Rutgers and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Texans in 2007.

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