Hartline to join Browns; Steelers release DE Keisel

Associated Press

BEREA

Wide receiver Brian Hartline intends to sign with the Cleveland Browns.

Hartline, who played the past six seasons with Miami, agreed to terms on Monday with the Browns.

The Browns desperately need quality help at wide receiver after former Pro Bowler Josh Gordon was suspended for one year for being a repeat violator of the NFL’s drug policy.

Hartline was recently released in a cost-cutting move by the Dolphins. Hartline, who grew up in Ohio and played at Ohio State, had 39 receptions last season for 474 yards and two touchdowns.

He has 298 career receptions for 4,243 yards and 12 TDs.

Manziel remains in rehab

Johnny Manziel’s commitment to fixing his personal life has the Browns feeling positive about his future as a quarterback.

Browns coach Mike Pettine confirmed Monday that Manziel, whose disastrous rookie season in Cleveland was followed by him seeking help for an undisclosed issue, remains in a rehab treatment facility. Manziel entered a private facility in Ohio on Jan. 28, and Pettine said there is not a specific date for the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner to be released. Pettine, appearing at an area auto show, was asked if he viewed Manziel’s lengthier stay as a good sign.

“Sure,” he said. “It’s something that he was very resolute that needed to get done.”

Steelers moves

The latest makeover on the Pittsburgh Steelers is accelerating as free agency begins.

The Steelers signed linebacker Arthur Moats to a three-year contract on Monday and released veteran defensive end Brett Keisel as the youth movement that’s been underway for the last several seasons nears completion.

Moats, who turns 27 next weekend, had four sacks in his first season with the Steelers in 2014 after coming over from Buffalo. He added 24 tackles, two forced fumbles and a season-turning fumble recovery at Cincinnati on Dec. 7.

Keisel had one year remaining on his contract but his departure was anticipated after the two-time Super Bowl winner tore his triceps in a loss to New Orleans on Nov. 30. The Steelers declined to bring back Keisel last spring only to re-sign him at the end of training camp.