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.