The two big personnel decisions square in the middle of Phil Savage’s desk are, of course, resigning RB Jamal Lewis, set to become an unrestricted free agent, and how to handle QB Derek Anderson, restricted free agent-to-be.
But big as those deals are, they are only the beginning of what promises to be another very busy off-season. To begin with, there are 20 other Browns players whose contracts have expired.
Savage has proven willing to ink guys he likes — even role players — to long-term deals before they hit free agency. Ryan Pontbriand, Ken Dorsey, and Steve Heiden are examples from this year.
So what does that say about the other 20 unsigned players? Well, as with Lewis and Anderson, it’s case-by-case.
Leaving aside the big two for the moment, let’s start with the most intriguing choices.
LB Chaun Thompson‘s five-year rookie deal is finally over. He started off very raw, got moved around through various different positions and schemes, and ended up as a backup/special teamer. Not a particularly savvy player, he is 255 pounds and can run, and speed is a rare ingredient in this front seven. Thompson will probably never develop into a Pro Bowler, but he’s played every single game in five years, and the linebacker slots on this team are not exactly deep. I’d like to see him stay, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the former second-round pick finds a better offer on the open market.
NT Ethan Kelley finished his third year in Cleveland after following Romeo Crennel here from New England. He has ended each season on injured reserve. Still, over time this big man has developed into a decent gap plugger. Given the importance of the position he plays and the Browns’ overall deficiency on the D-line, there’s surely some untold story lurking if Savage makes no serious effort to bring Kelley back.
DE Simon Fraser is another interesting case. The former Buckeye has bulked up to 300 pounds since going undrafted three years back. Still, he remains a severe liability against the run. Meanwhile he made no impact in the passing game last season after recording 4.5 sacks in 2006. He’s a restricted free agent, so we’ll see what kind of offer he is tendered, if any.
S Gary Baxter, the biggest free agent signing in Savage’s first season here, has been healthy for just eight games in three seasons. He valiantly tried to return this year after tearing both patellar tendons, and the Browns kept him on the active roster well into the season, but it was not to be. Meanwhile, his contract was quietly restructured so that he would not weigh down the Browns’ salary cap in ’08 and beyond. As a result, he is slated to be a free agent. He seems intent on making a go of his comeback. It’s just not clear whether it will be in Cleveland.
The offensive line depth. All five starters on the dramatically improved O-line are under contract for at least two more seasons. But three others are set for free agency as it stands: versatile vet Lennie Friedman; backup tackle Nat Dorsey, acquired in a 2005 trade for starting-caliber center Melvin Fowler; and G/C Seth McKinney, who started the first half of the season at right guard before getting hurt. If none of the three returns, depth becomes a question.
The others not yet under contract for next season, listed in order of likelihood to return:
- CB Daven Holly — would-be restricted free agent deserves a decent tender if not a two-to-three-year deal
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FB Charles Ali — exclusive rights free agent, played in 13 games. Fullback-friendly offense needs a backup to Vickers.
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P Kyle Basler — ERFA, camp fodder at most
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S Nick Sorenson — special teams cover guy impressed with 11 solo tackles in nine games
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DL Alvin Smith — ERFA may return to compete on the thin Brown line
- LB Mason Unck — special teamer was on injured reserve all of ’07
- LB Kris Griffin — decent special teamer, ended season on IR
- OLB Matt Stewart — prospects unclear after season on IR; unspectacular but has 61 career starts
- DE Bobby Hamilton — late-season fill-in will be 37 next season
- CB Ricardo Colclough — mid-season fill-in never saw the field
- LB Keith Adams — journeyman filled in on special teams
- WR Tim Carter — position desperately needs upgrade
- NT Ted Washington — retirement most likely
