The Browns are also keeping former Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes, Owens' ex-teammate, very much on the frontburner. Grimes, who visited the Browns last Saturday, is expected to make a decision in the next few days, with opportunities to sign with the Browns, Falcons, and possibly the Dolphins.
The Browns thought so much of Grimes that they sent a private jet to pick him up, along with his wife and son. Grimes, 29, enjoyed his visit here with coach Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Ray Horton, and the Browns are believed to be a viable option.
Butler, 25, is a player the Browns have been eyeing since the start of free agency, but their first priorities were to sign pass-rushers Paul Kruger of the Ravens and Desmond Bryant of the Raiders. They beat out the Saints for Kruger and the Patriots for Bryant.
While the Browns were pre-occupied, Butler (6-2, 245) visited the Steelers and then headed to New Orleans, where the Saints were determined to sign him. But after two days, he left Friday without a deal and set up his visit with the Browns. The New Orleans Times-Picayune first reported that Butler was headed this way.