Green to Browns?

The latest news coming out of the NFL meetings in Phoenix is that Cleveland GM Phil Savage has talked to the Kansas City Chiefs' GM about acquiring QB Trent Green. This comes just days after Savage proclaimed that the team had no plans to bring in a veteran QB, and were comfortable with either Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson.

I don't see this happening for a couple of reasons. First, Green can veto any trades. He has already expressed his desire to play for the Dolphins and head coach Cam Cameron, who coached him in Washington. Also, the guy is coming off of a major head injury. The last place he's going to want to be is behind the Browns offensive line, until the unit can prove that it is finally functional.

Second, Green is owed $7.2 million next season. Unless he takes a pay cut, I can't see the Browns picking up that tab.

If the Browns do go after a veteran QB, I think it would be a younger player who needs a change of scenery or a chance to start. Joey Harrington & David Carr come to mind. The Browns could sign them to a 1 year contract and if they don't work out, could let them go with no long-term damage done. The only reason I can think of to bring in someone like a Trent Green and not a younger QB, is if you plan to draft a QB early and want a veteran presence to mentor him...but I hope that's not what the Browns plan on doing.

What a joke!

Just days after announcing their desire to enact a new, tougher personal conduct policy in lieu of all the arrests league-wide the past couple of years, the NFL released their primetime schedule which features the Ravens at Bengals to open the Monday night football schedule.

What better way to show that crime doesn't pay then to rewards two teams that have been the poster-children for bad behavior with a nationally televised week 1 primetime game.

Browns FA Grades, Part 1--Who's gone

Since most of the big free agency action is likely over, I thought I'd give my own grades on how the Browns have done. First up, who Cleveland didn't resign.

**Free agents lost: S Brian Russell (Seattle), WR Dennis Northcutt (Jacksonville), DE Alvin McKinley (Denver). While Jones and Pool bring more athleticism to the safety positions than Russell, the Browns will miss his leadership in the secondary. Plus, he is responsible for one of the best hits of the reborn Browns, when he nearly knocked Chad Johnson's head off. Dennis Northcutt is still one of the most dangerous punt returners in the league, but as a WR he drops too many passes, and overall is not worth nearly what the Jaguars are paying him. McKinley is better suited as a situational backup than a full-time starter. He likely won't be missed. GRADE: B. Would be an A if they had kept Russell.

**Status unresolved: CB Ralph Brown, G Cosey Coleman, DE Nick Eason, T Nat Dorsey, DT Ethan Kelley, LB Mason Unck. Brown and Dorsey only played because the Browns had so many injuries. Coleman is well past his prime. Its unlikely any of these 3 will be resigned. Eason, Kelley, and Unck could be resigned and prove to be worthwhile backups, provided they come cheap. Unck is a perennial star on special teams coverage units. If none of them are resigned, they won't be badly missed however. GRADE: A-. Will be an A if they resign at least one of Unck, Eason, or Kelley.

**Players cut: FB Terrelle Smith, CB Daylon McCutcheon. I was surprised at both of these, and still think that the Terrelle Smith move was a mistake. I think it was primarily a business decision to save paying a roster bonus, but the guy has good size and likes to hit people, which is what you pay a FB to do (not run, not play wideout, not throw the option). Cutting McCutcheon was also a surprise. With the injuries to the secondary last year, in particular Gary Baxter, I thought that the Browns would give McCutcheon a chance to heal and attempt a comeback. If nothing else, his experience should have made him a good nickel back. Grade: C-.

NFL Draft Speculation

This time of year is absolutely crazy with speculation and rumor about who teams are going to draft. And 99% of the time the speculation is nothing more than a wrong guess. It's the NFL's own version of March Madness.

For some time, the consensus among NFL draft "experts" (often anyone with a website or blog), was that the Browns were leaning toward drafting RB Adrian Peterson. This compilation of mock drafts, the "Mock Draft Muncher" shows as much. However, this was compiled 2 weeks ago, and a lot has changed in two weeks.

One persistent rumor is that the Oakland Raiders, who own the #1 pick, plan to trade WR Randy Moss (possibly to Green Bay). If this were to happen, Oakland would have a need for WR Calvin Johnson, thought to be the best player in the draft by many. This could possibly drop QB JeMarcus Russell into the Browns lap at #3, assuming Detroit takes OT Joe Thomas, as predicted.

I have also read that some teams think that decent running backs can be found throughout the draft, and that unless a RB projects as the next LaDanian Tomlinson, its not worth the money to take a RB in the top 10 of the draft. Based on this, there has been speculation that the Browns will take Russell or QB Brady Quinn at #3.

Finally, there are numerous rumors about the Lions or Browns trading down, with the possible teams looking to move up including the Vikings (#7), Falcons (#8), or Texans (#10).

Friedman adds to Offensive Line Depth

The Browns announced that they resigned C/G Lennie Friedman to a one year contract. Friedman was a free agent who received little interest from other teams.

Resigning Friedman is a smart move. He will help provide depth, versatility, and experience to a line that seems to be ravaged by injuries every year.

Winslow debunks rumor

On the Browns official website is an interview with Kellen Winslow, in which he states that his rehab is progressing well saying, "As far as my rehab goes, I am ahead of schedule. I'll be back by training camp, if not before."

Earlier in the week a rumor on the internet claimed that Winslows season, and possibly career, were in jeopardy. "I don't even know where that came from - I don't know who said that," he said. "But I love to prove people wrong. That's fuel for me. I'll be back. People continue to count me out, and that lights my fire."

Whew.

Free Agency Grades

So how have the Browns done in free agency relative to everyone else? The Huddle Report grades each team and rates Cleveland's efforts at an A-. This report was prepared before Smith & Smith were signed however, so it's probably more like a solid A now.

Also, if you are keeping score at home, the Browns are tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for most players signed during free agency, with 7. In the AFC North, the Steelers and Bengals have each signed 1 player, while the Ravens have zero (although they did make a big trade for Bills' RB Willie McGahee).

Rumors: Good news & Bad news

I heard & read a couple of rumors today. Keep in mind, these are just rumors and haven't been verified by the players or by the Browns.

First the good news: A friend told me that The Orange & Brown Report (Scout.com) reported that LeCharles Bentley won't need another surgery and should be ready to play by October. I looked all over the site and couldn't find a word about this, so I am skeptical. This would be great news if true!

Now the bad news: Profootballtalk.com is reporting that the Browns have concerns about whether Kellen Winslow will be able to play in 2007 or ever again for that matter. While this is a possiblility, as the microfracture surgery is a major one, it seems to me that it is too early to determine Winslow's availability next season and especially beyond. One small possibility is that this information is erroneous, but was intentionally leaked to increase the speculation that the Browns would draft play-maker WR Calvin Johnson. Some mock drafts have Johnson falling to 4 or 5, but if teams thought the Browns might take him, there might be interest in trading up for the pick.

Top 10 Free agent moves

This article which appeared in the Detroit Free Press last week lists their opinion of the top 10 free agent moves so far.

They list the signing on Jamal Lewis as #6 and the signing of Eric Steinbach as #8. Personally I would have listed those the other way around. Among trades, they rank the Droughns-Carter trade at #4.

Phil on the way out?

Phil Dawson may be on his way out of Cleveland. The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely in free agency and are no longer in need of the services of Olindo Mare, but the Dolphins are trying to trade Mare rather than release him and receive nothing. The Miami herald reports that the Browns are one of 4 teams that have expressed an interest in Mare.

An 8-year veteran, Dawson has made 82.1% career field goals. Last season he went 21 off 29 (72%), his worse season ever. In his 10 season, Mare has made 80.9% of his FG attemps and went 26 of 36 (72%) last year.

I can't see the Browns giving up a draft pick for Mare. In doing so, they would be acquiring someone 2 years older with nearly identical career and last-season stats. There are usually a few decent unsigned kickers available around the start of training camp if the Browns want to bring in someone to compete with Dawson. Another possibility is that the Browns could use a late round draft pick on a kicker or sign an undrafted rookie to sit on the practice squad and develop for a season.

Comings & goings

Ace Davis has a nice analysis on his blog of who's come and gone so far during free agency for Cleveland.

Browns add another DT Smith

The Browns acquired defensive tackle Shaun Smith from the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. Smith was a restricted free agent, giving the Bengals a chance to match the offer sheet Smith signed with the Browns. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement, "For our offseason and future planning, we have chosen to allocate our cap resources in a different direction." Generally, when restricted free agents are signed, the signing team has to compensate the players original team with draft picks. However, because Smith was undrafted, the Browns owe the Bengals nothing.

Smith, signed as a free agent out of South Carolina, has been in the league three years as a backup DT with the Bengals. He recorded 14 tackles in 13 games last year. His best season was 2005 when he had 25 tackles. He has never recorded a sack in his NFL career.

At 6-2, 325 lbs, the Browns project Smith as a nose tackle in the 3-4. He is expected to compete with Ted Washington for the starting spot. I think this says more about the decline of Washington than the talent of Smith. Still, Smith should be an upgrade over Ethan Kelly and Baba Oshinowo.

Terrelle Smith almost traded

Per Profootballtalk.com, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Green Bay Packers were one of four teams who were interested in trading for Terrelle Smith before the Browns cut him.

My only thought is that maybe the roster bonus that Smith was due would have had to be paid regardless of if he was traded, and nobody, including the Browns, wanted to pay it so the Browns cut him. Otherwise they certainly would have traded him, even if just for a 6th or 7th round draft pick....wouldn't they?

Off-season analysis

The Akron Beacon Journal's Patrick McManamon provides a nice overview and analysis of free agency so far.

It's encouraging that even after Eric Steinbach signed, the Browns offered Kris Dielman of the San Diego Chargers $49 million to sign. Its nice to see the Browns putting some emphasis on building the o-line, but free agency hasn't proven an effective way to build a good line thus far. I would like to see the Browns also add a linemen during the first day of the draft. If LT Joe Thomas is available the Browns should take him. If not, they should look at the best lineman available in round 2.

Best RB Tandems

I found a reference on one of my favorite NFL news sites, Profootballtalk.com, to an article on the Sports Illustrated site ranking the top 10 running back tandems in the NFL. What Profootballtalk found odd (and I agree) is that LaDanian Tomlinson and Michael Turner didn't make the list. Come on! You could pair my mother-in-law with LT and still have a top 10 backfield (she's pretty nimble for 83).

What I also found interesting is that the #10 pair is Brandon Jacobs & Reuben Droughns. Droughns is coming off a down year with the Browns and Jacobs has a limited resume to say the least. I would think that there would at least a couple of teams with a better tandem than that (but at this point, the Browns aren't one of them).

Browns add another offensive lineman

The Browns signed free agent G/C Seth McKinney to a one-year contract.

McKinney was a 2002 3rd round pick by the Miami Dolphins out of Texas A&M. He has played all 5 years of his career with Miami, starting 34. He's listed as 6'3" and 305 lbs. He missed all of last season after undergoing neck surgery.

My guess is that he will compete for a starting guard spot and also serve as a backup to C Hank Fraley. One possible scenario: If RT Ryan Tucker is unable to return and Eric Steinbach is moved to tackle, then this acquisition becomes even more important as McKinney would then likely start at guard.

Browns sign DT Robaire Smith

After a few quiet days of free agency, the Browns struck again, this time landing DT Robaire Smith from the Tennessee Titans. Smith was a player the Browns had targeted from the beginning and addressed a huge need.

Smith has 8 years of NFL experience, playing his first 4 with the Titans before going to the Houston Texans (where he was coached by Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham) as a free agent. He played for 2 years with the Texans before being cut when new coach Gary Kubiak switched to a 4-3 defense. Smith has 246 career tackles, with a high 68 in 2005. He has 15.5 career sacks, with a high of 4.5 in 2003. He is listed as a DT, but is projected to play DE for the Browns.

Although not a household name, this should be a good signing for the Browns. Smith knows Todd Grantham and should step in and be an immediate upgrade over Alvin McKinley. In addition, he hasn't missed a game since 2002, which means he is due for a season ending knee injury followed by a staph infection.

Terrelle Smith released

FB Terrelle Smith has had his contract terminated by the Browns. Smith was due a roster bonus of an undisclosed sum this week and, with the emergence of 6th round draft pick Lawrence Vickers, was seen as expendable. Last year the Browns indicated that they wanted their fullback to be more versatile, that is, capable of running and catching the ball out of the backfield. Vickers fits that bill more so than Smith, plus he's less of a cap hit.

Smith was signed away from the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 2004. A bruising blocker, in his 3 seasons with the Browns he had only 18 carries for 32 yards rushing and zero TDs. He caught 27 passes for 118 yards and 1 TD. My favorite Terrelle Smith moment is from his first regular season game as a Browns. The Browns were playing the Ravens, and on their first play from scrimmage handed off to William Green. Smith went through the hole, found Ray Lewis, and drove him to the ground. That play set the tone for the game and the Browns won 20-3.

I think this was a mistake. While having a FB who can run and catch the ball might give an offense more options, the first job of a fullback is to block, and Terrelle Smith was good at it. I didn't see anything from Lawrence Vickers this past season to make me think that he can replace Smith's blocking. The sight of Terrelle Smith and Jamal Lewis running at you would have struck fear into any defense, but I guess now we can only imagine what might have been.

Antwan Peek to boost pass rush

A day after landing Steinbach, the Browns announced the signing of LB Antwan Peek from the Houston Texans. Personally, I love this signing. One, it could be the best "sleeper" signing of free agency. Second, Peek is a fellow alumnus of my alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, and I've been a fan of his for years. Peek's signing reunited him with defensive coordinator Todd Gratham, who coached him while with the Texans.

Peek has great speed, quickness, and athletism. In fact, in high school he was a two-sport star in basketball and as a wide receiver in football. He still holds the Bearcats' career records for sacks (27.5) and tackles for loss (56) despite being double teamed his last two seasons. His draft prospect profile can be found here.

Peek was drafted in the 3rd round of 2003 by the Texans and spent his first two seasons battling nagging injuries and learning the transition from a 4-3 college DE to a 3-4 pro LB. His third season (2005) he began to show his potential as he started every game and recorded 46 tackles including 6 sacks. Last year the Texans switched to the 4-3 and Peek saw very little playing time.

Year	Games	Tackles	Sacks
2003	10	25	1
2004	14	20	2
2005	16	46	6
2006	11	14	1

Peek should be able to contribute to the Browns immediately. He knows the 3-4, knows Todd Gratham, and has the skills to excel as a edge pass-rusher. He could be the eventual replacement for Willie McGinest, and could even challenge him for playing time this year. If Peek can pick up his development where he left off in 2005 he could prove to be a nice complement to Kamerion Wimbley on the opposite side.

First signing: Steinbach to aid O-line

Ok, so let's review the signings thus far. The first guy the Browns nabbed was former Bengals offensive lineman Eric Steinbach. He started 62 of the 63 games he appeared in, and while primarily a guard, he also saw time at left tackle and center. Steinbach was drafted in 2003 in the 2nd round out of Iowa by the Bungles. He was reportedly on the Browns draft radar that year, but after taking center Jeff Faine in the 1st round, the Browns chose not to pick another lineman and instead drafted LB Chaun Thompson in the 2nd.

According the the Plain Dealer, Steinbach was so impressed with the Browns that he cancelled his planned visits to other teams and signed immediately with the Browns. "This is my first visit and I kind of had a gut feeling. As soon as I sat down and talked to the coaches and the personnel people up in the front office, I knew this was the right place for me." Steinbach said. His contract is reportedly worth $49.5 million, with $17 million guaranteed.

I think this is a good signing for the Browns. In a weak free-agent market the Browns signed one of the better players and arguably the best offensive lineman available. Don't get me wrong, he's no Charles Bentley, but if he stays healthy he'll immediately pay more dividends than Bentley has been able so far. He should be able to step in and immediately help the team. Is he worth what they paid him? Probably not, but in the current system of free-agency, teams have alot of cash to pursue middle of the road players.

I hope the Browns use him at his natural position of guard. Although he is versatile, I think that he would be less effective as a tackle. However, if the Browns don't draft LT Joe Thomas from Wisconsin with the 3rd pick and/or Ryan Tucker has a relapse, I wouldn't be surprised to see Steinbach moved to tackle--maybe even LT, with Kevin Schaffer moving to RT to replace Tucker.

Browns Free Agency Frenzy

What a couple of weeks it has been! I've been thinking about starting this blog for a couple of months, but thought, "Ehh..its the off-season, there's not much to talk about....I'll wait until training camp." Now I wish that I had started a few weeks ago! Phil Savage has been very active this off-season. Over the next few days, I'll give my reaction and opinion of the moves made thus far.