Seahawks Sign Pro Bowl Linebacker From Steelers

The Seattle Seahawks think their defense improved dramatically Friday night when they signed unrestricted free-agent linebacker Chad Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Basically, you’re talking about probably the best free-agent linebacker in pro football who was out there,” Seattle coach Dennis Erickson told a hastily called news conference. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Brown did not attend.

Brown, 26, was a Pro Bowler last season after his fourth year with the Steelers, when he ranked third in the American Football Conference with 13 quarterback sacks. Erickson said Brown’s signing probably means the Seahawks won’t sign their own free-agent linebacker, Terry Wooden.

The Chicago Bears scheduled a visit next week from free-agent quarterback Elvis Grbac in case a deal for Seahawks QB Rick Mirer falls through. San Francisco also expressed interest in Mirer, though Seattle hasn’t given the 49ers permission to talk with his agent, Martin Demoff.

Raiders sign George

Jeff George and the Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a five-year, $26 million contract.

George’s agent, Leigh Steinberg, said George would be introduced as the team’s new QB today at a news conference called by the team.

The addition of George almost certainly means the departure, by trade or waiver, of Jeff Hostetler, who has been the Raiders’ starting QB since 1993.

Around the league

Unwilling to settle for a job as Brad Johnson’s backup in Minnesota, 40-year-old quarterback Warren Moon will begin as soon as next week to shop for a new team to revive his career… . The Denver Broncos traded their second-round pick in the 1997 draft to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for offensive left tackle Tony Jones… . The San Diego Chargers released center Courtney Hall.