Willie McGinest will consider playing another NFL season if he receives an interesting offer, and he would prefer to get it from the New England Patriots.

The 37-year-old McGinest, the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker who won three Super Bowls with New England, acknowledged his interest yesterday during the Hollywood Stars celebrity softball game at Dodger Stadium.

"I do want to play, but only if the situation is right," said McGinest, a Long Beach native who played at USC. "If not, I'm probably retired."

McGinest, whose 16 postseason sacks are the most in NFL history, played the past three seasons in Cleveland after 12 years with the Patriots, who are thought to be thin at outside linebacker heading into training camp.

McGinest had 56 tackles in 14 games with the Browns last season, his best performance since his final year in New England.

"There is a possibility," McGinest said. "I've talked to (coach Bill) Belichick a few times. I'm not excited just to jump into camp, but we'll see what happens."

SIGNINGS

Browns: Cleveland signed first-round draft pick Alex Mack.

Mack, an All-America center from California who also can play guard, was on the practice field just hours after signing with other rookies called in early by new coach Eric Mangini.

The 6-foot-4, 311-pound Mack won the Draddy Trophy, which is given to college football's top scholar-athlete.

Steelers: Pittsburgh has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with first-round draft choice Ziggy Hood.

The defensive lineman from Missouri was drafted 32nd overall by the defending Super Bowl champions. Financial terms were not disclosed.