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.

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.