BEREA - Once Rashaan Salaam got himself drug-free, he had a second chance in pro football. Now, the Cleveland Browns are giving the running back another one.

Salaam, who jeopardized his life and playing career because of an addiction to marijuana, signed a one-year contract with the Browns, who hope the former Heisman Trophy winner can help their sorry running game.

''This gives me a chance to get back into the race and get my name back out there,'' Salaam said Wednesday. ''I'm making s new start, but the biggest thing for me is to learn the system as fast as I can.

"The last three years I learned a lot about life, its ups and downs," he said. "And as long as you hang in there and stay positive things will work out for you.''

Salaam was always able to outrun his problems, and for most of his life that meant merely beating a linebacker or defensive back to the end zone.

But while with the Chicago Bears, Salaam who won the Heisman in 1994 at Colorado and rushed for more than 1,000 yards his rookie year, was slowed by injuries.

A pulled hamstring and sprained right knee forced him to miss four games in 1996, and in 1997, he broke his right leg during a pile up in the third game of the season against Detroit.

Depressed, he became withdrawn and began smoking marijuana habitually.

''I was going through a depression stage and the only way I could medicate myself was to use marijuana,'' he said. ''That was the wrong thing to do. But I thought it could help me out. But I was depressed. It was a time in my life when things were just falling apart.''

The Bears, who drafted him in the first round of the 1995 draft, released him before the '98 season. Sitting out all of last year, he stayed clean and in shape as he contemplated the future and a possible comeback.

''My life had went from great to bad,'' he said, ''and I just had to sit down and take away the things that were going to hurt me and put the things in it that were going to help me.''

Salaam was signed as a free agent by the Oakland Raiders in June, and the 24-year-old showed flashes of the player who once dominated college football games.

''I had a great camp,'' he said. ''For me to be out of football for 20 months and come back the way I did. The sky's the limit.''

But the Raiders decided instead to sign Tyrone Wheatley, who like Salaam has had an up-and-down pro career.

Salaam was released earlier this month by the Raiders, who said they favored Wheatley because of his ability to play special teams.

Getting cut surprised him, Salaam said. He thought he had outplayed Wheatley.

But the experience convinced Salaam he could be successful at the pro level again, and renewed his conviction.

''I was a Raiders fan growing up so I was disappointed,'' he said. ''But this has made me more focused and made me more hungry.''

He still thinks the Raiders made the wrong move.

''No, not at all,'' he said when asked if Wheatley was more productive. ''I'm clearly a better back than him. Clearly.''

Salaam had a good workout last week for the expansion Browns, whose roster is certain to undergo many more transformations in their first year back in the NFL.

The Browns play host to unbeaten New England this Sunday.

Cleveland, which waived disappointing running back Sedrick Shaw, has gained just 192 yards on the ground in its first three games. Quarterback Tim Couch is the team's second leading rusher, and he's gotten his 89 yards in two games on scrambles.

Browns coach Chris Palmer said Salaam's role will depend on how quickly he can learn the playbook. Palmer added he isn't concerned with Salaam's past off-field problems.

''What has happened in the past is history. We go from here on,'' Palmer said. ''People make mistakes.''

Salaam is sorry for his and ready to help the Browns win any way he can.

''I think I have a lot left,'' he said. ''I think I have a lot to show in this league,'' he said. ''A lot of people thought it was over for me in Chicago. I've got a lot to prove.''

Palmer said he has been impressed with the Patriots, especially quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who Palmer helped groom while an assistant in New England. ''He is in a zone right now,'' Palmer said. ... Browns rookie offensive guard Steve Zahursky is expected back in 2-3 weeks after undergoing a knee scope on Tuesday. Zahursky had won the starting job over Scott Rehberg before being injured in practice last week. ... Defensive back Antonio Langham, who broke his thumb in Week 2, has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's game.