Jason

Fisk

The Chargers went with second-year pro Jacques Cesaire in his pace. “I was told that (Cesaire) has the versatility to play both end and tackle,” said Fisk, who added that he was caught off guard when told he would not suit up.

Fisk, 33, was released by Cleveland in March. As the Browns’ starting nose tackle, he contributed on 39 stops in 2005. Fisk considered retirement in the offseason but comes to St. Louis where he’ll likely be part of a rotation with Jimmy Kennedy, La’Roi Glover, and rookie Claude Wroten.

The Browns are the new Pats, signing unherald free agents by the dozen. Fisk, 32, will add solid rush defense to a depleted line in Cleveland.

Coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t have any other legitimate options. Fisk’s consistency will have an immediate effect on the overall Browns’ defense.

Fisk started for the majority of 2005 but is far from the quintessential 3-4 anchor. The presence of Romeo Crennel-favorite Ethan Kelley and recently signed Ted Washington made the 11-year veteran expendable. He’ll probably land elsewhere as a reserve.

He’d be 35 next season if he came back. Fisk, a 12-year veteran, didn’t help the Rams’ run defense much as Jimmy Kennedy’s backup last year.

Fisk, made a cap casualty in March by the Browns, would add depth to a need area for St. Louis.

The free agent also met with St. Louis earlier in the week.