The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the details of Heckert’s contract have not been finalized, said Heckert, 42, could join the team as early as today.

The Browns recently hired Mike Holmgren as their president and now have found a replacement for GM George Kokinis, fired in November.

Holmgren interviewed Heckert last week in between meetings with coach Eric Mangini, who is returning for a second season.

Heckert has been with the Eagles since 2002, serving as the team’s GM since 2006. He was in the final year of his contract in Philadelphia.

Holmgren also interviewed Will Lewis, Seattle’s director of pro personnel, for the GM opening. It’s possible Lewis could still wind up in Cleveland. The Seahawks are undergoing a massive overhaul following coach Jim Mora’s firing last Friday and are in negotiations with Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll.

Former Colts coach Tony Dungy wonders about the process used by the Redskins, who interviewed assistant coach Jerry Gray for the head coaching position last month even though Jim Zorn still held the job, and then hired Shanahan just days after Zorn was fired.

“That is not what the Rooney Rule is supposed to be,’’ said Dungy. “If the Jerry Gray situation is the way it has been described as happening, I don’t think it was fair.’’

The Seahawks met with Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier Saturday amid reports that Carroll would be hired regardless of Frazier’s interview.