Before baseball season hits full stride and April Fools Day diminishes the credibility of anything you might read, here’s a quick recap of Browns news since the Pro Bowl. This off-season’s moves could prove enough to send this team over the top. (I might say the same thing about my Detroit Tigers, but time will tell in both cases.)
Reports surfaced about a New Year’s Day verbal altercation between a party including Brady Quinn and some gay passers-by outside a Columbus restaurant. Police cleared the scene, and Quinn later denied using any anti-gay slurs. Regardless of the who-said-what, this is a black eye for Quinn’s reputation, and his endorsement income may suffer. More importantly, I hope he learns all the appropriate lessons from this incident, because he’s sure to be in the public eye for a good long while.
RB Jamal Lewis signed a three-year, $17 million ($10 million guaranteed) contract with the Browns rather than head back into free agency. This move cleared the way for all that followed. By keeping the primary rushing duties in his good hands, the Browns could focus on other areas of need. Lewis’ effort, performance, and personal growth have certainly turned him away from the Dark Side and into a good guy. Will he stay hungry? I think so.
Several players needed surgery: TE Kellen Winslow (knee scope); WR Joe Jurevicius (knee); OLB Antwan Peek (knee); OLB David McMillan (knee); free agent DL Ethan Kelley (knee); and OL Isaac Sowells (shoulder). Just more evidence of the physical sacrifices these guys make for this kind of career. Getting Peek and McMillan playing at their best seems especially important, given the importance of cranking up the pass rush. Kelley might return this summer for the veteran minimum if his rehab goes well.
Kellen Winslow and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, made it known publicly that the Pro Bowl tight end, currently under contract through 2010, will seek a new deal. In one way, I can’t blame them for asking, because who knows how long Winslow’s body will hold out. Oops, did I say hold out? That’s what I’m concerned about. If it even gets close to that, Squeaky Wheelie will have hell to pay. With any cap cash available for extensions, the Browns first need to get Sean Jones in the fold before he hits free agency after this season.
DL Orpheus Roye‘s contract was terminated. The 35-year-old, who started 101 games in his eight-year Browns career, would have earned $3 million in 2008. If I’d been a more diligent blogger, Roye would have gotten a farewell post of his own. If they were naming a Brown Of The Decade for the years since the return, he would be a top-shelf nominee. Can’t disagree with the move, but still, Roye was one of my favorites.
All eight 2007 practice squad players were signed to return in 2008. Also brought in as a reserve/future free agent was WR Kevin Kasper, who has started ten games over five years with five previous teams. It’ll be interesting to see how many players teams will be allowed to bring to training camp, now that NFL Europa exemptions are a thing of the past. Nice to add one new veteran into the mix in case injuries strike the receiving corps, and as an example to the youngsters about how to take care of your body. Credit the Kirk Ferentz connection for this Savage signing.
CB Daven Holly, a restricted free agent, was tendered a contract at the second-round level. He’ll compete for a starting job and probably be a key contributor, but if the Browns were really all that high on him, you’d think they’d try to sign him long term. Can you really see the Browns starting him at such a crucial position and then watching him leave after the season for a big payday as an unrestricted FA?
DE Simon Fraser, another RFA, was not tendered a contract and signed with Atlanta. The former Buckeye could be decent depth as a 4-3 pass rushing DE, but he was never well-suited for Cleveland’s scheme.
Derek Anderson signed a three-year, $26 million ($14 million guaranteed) contract, assuring him of the starting QB job headed into 2008. If I really thought another team would fork over a first- and third-rounder for him, I’d have been tempted to let the Quinn era begin. But two quality quarterbacks are a must for any team geared up to win in a serious, immediate way, and that’s where the Browns are. Kudos to Savage and friends for structuring the deal so that they’re not stuck paying starter money to more than one QB for any length of time. DA will be given every chance to shine, but the pressure’s all on him to make good. Barring injury, he’ll be the Browns’ seventh different opening day starting QB in ten seasons. In 2009, Quinn will probably be the eighth in 11.
The Browns traded their second-round pick for franchised Green Bay defensive lineman Corey Williams, who then signed a six-year, $38 million ($16 million guaranteed) contract. Obviously has the looks of a great trade, given the Browns’ needs, the available free agent talent, and the draft prospects likely to be available there. My one caveat: he reportedly scored an 8 on his Wonderlic. Granted, he’s not a QB or even an OL, but an 8? That’s borderline illiterate.
Cleveland traded its third-round pick and starting CB Leigh Bodden to Detroit for Pro Bowl DL Shaun Rogers, who then signed a new six-year, $42 million ($20 million guaranteed) contract. My first reaction to this trade was mild surprise that Savage would actually take on a player with such widely reported motivational problems. Then when I heard that Bodden was part of the price, I was closer to shock. It seemed to fill one hole by creating another. Then, when Rogers got a new contract despite having three years left on his old one, I worried how this might go down with his new teammates. After reading more about Bodden’s discontent and Rogers’ career, I understand this move a bit better. Still, there is a whole lot riding on this big man’s shoulders. Side note: I hope he stays in on kick defense — 11 blocks in seven season ain’t bad at all.
Free agent WR Donte Stallworth (New England) signed a seven-year, $35 million ($10 million guaranteed) deal. This is one piece of the puzzle that makes perfect sense. When was the last time the Browns had a legit #2 receiver? Reggie Langhorne?
Free agent DB Nick Sorensen agreed to stay in Cleveland, signing a three-year contract. Impressed on special teams. Nice not to be churning through these type of players every year.
Free agent G/C Rex Hadnot (Miami) inked a two-year, $7 million ($3.5 million guaranteed) contract to bolster the Browns’ offensive line. Didn’t think a new O-lineman was in their free agent plans, but this seems like a good investment. He may very well start at right guard. Ryan Tucker might serve as the sixth man, or he could even challenge Kevin Shaffer, who grumbled a year ago but performed fairly well, but might be a touch overpaid for a RT.
G/C Lennie Friedman will return under a new one-year deal. He’s good depth and part of the wedge that helped Josh Cribbs run wild on kickoffs.
DB Gary Baxter (UFA) and FB Charles Ali (ERFA) signed one-year contracts to stay with the Browns. Considering his injury, it would be amazing if Baxter could actually contribute. Safety depth and kick coverage is probably his ceiling. Ali backs up Lawrence Vickers and is also on the kickoff return unit.
ILB Andra Davis‘s contract was restructured, i.e. shortened from three years remaining to just one. Also, OLB Willie McGinest‘s pay was reduced for his final contract year of 2008. It will be interesting to see what kind of contributions these veteran defenders will make in their (probably) last season here. Most NFL backup LBs play special teams. The Browns can obviously afford to carry them both financially. Can they do it when it comes time to cut down to 53 guys and dress 45 on game day?
Free agent LB Chaun Thompson signed a two-year deal with Houston, ending his five-year Browns career. Savage tried to re-sign him, but it was too little, too late for this former second-round pick. His special teams acumen and raw pass rush ability will be missed, but for all his tools, he never developed into a reliable starter. He might yet.
Free agent LB Shantee Orr (Jacksonville) signed a one-year deal. Destined to fill the role vacated by Thompson: a versatile linebacker with the size and speed to make an impact covering kicks. Whereas Thompson was drafted high out of a minor school, Orr was undrafted from a big-time program, Michigan.
LB Kris Griffin will return after signing a one-year deal. Another special teamer keeping this team strength strong.
Free agent G/C Seth McKinney was retained with a new one-year contract. I figured Hadnot and Friedman were it for O-line signings. It’s clear that Savage is taking no chances that injuries deteriorate the line he’s built. And it’s also clear that the Browns are not expecting anything whatsoever out of LeCharles Bentley.
