Unrestricted free agent linebacker Willie McGinest has found a new home with an old friend. The former New England Patriots linebacker, released last week for salary cap reasons after 12 years with the team, reached a Wednesday afternoon contract agreement with the Cleveland Browns, ESPN.com has learned. He will be reunited in Cleveland with Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, who was an assistant in New England for seven of McGinest's 12 seasons there. McGinest, who visited with Browns coache and team officials on Tuesday as his first stop in free agency, will sign a three-year, $12 million contract that includes $6 million in bonuses and guarantees. The two-time Pro Bowl performer and three-time Super Bowl champion should provide the Browns with the outside pass-rush dimension the team sorely lacked in 2005. His familiarity with the 3-4 defense, the scheme in which he enjoyed so much of his success in New England, is also a huge plus. McGinest told ESPN.com last weekend that, while he felt he could play in a 4-3, he hoped to sign with a 3-4 team.