EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants padded their defense a little more on Wednesday, signing former Houston Texans safety C.C. Brown.

Contract terms were not immediately available.

Brown is the fourth defensive player signed since free agency opened last week, joining linebacker Michael Boley, defensive end Chris Canty and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard.

"C.C. is a young veteran safety," general manager Jerry Reese said. "He is a physical player who has played a lot of football in this league in his short career. We expect him to come in and create great competition at this position and strengthen it as well."

Brown played in only three games last season after breaking his right forearm. The 26-year-old started 47 of 50 games in his four seasons with the Texans, recording 275 tackles (202 solo), three interceptions, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a sack.

Michael Johnson, James Butler and rookie Kenny Phillips got most of the playing time at safety last season. Butler became a free agent after last season.

"Brown is a physical player who will come down to the line of scrimmage," Coach Tom Coughlin said. "He has made the calls in the secondary and can get people lined up. With the situation that we have with James Butler, there is a need to go ahead and create the competitiveness that is necessary for everyone to reach their full potential. I think adding C.C. Brown is bringing us closer to that."

Brown, whose team won just 24 games in his four seasons in Houston, will get a chance to win more with the Giants, who won the NFC East last season.

"I'm happy to be with this team," he said. "It's a great opportunity for me to come here and get a chance to play in the playoffs. One of my main objectives was to get to a winning team and be part of a winning environment."

Brown was placed on injured reserve last season after fracturing his forearm against Jacksonville on Sept. 28.

"I think I fractured it first on Fred Taylor," Brown said of the former Jaguars running back now with New England. "Then about six plays later I broke it on Reggie Williams. Now it's back to normal. I'm ready to get out there, run around and hit people."

The Giants also signed Lee Vickers, a former college defensive end who moved to tight end in the NFL. He has played in eight NFL games with two starts, all in 2007 with Baltimore. The Ravens waived him in training camp.

"He converted to tight end and he has good hands," Coughlin said. "I think we can get some versatility out of him as a blocker and a short-range receiver, but also on special teams. He's pretty good in the wedge."