Dizzy from the swirl of off-season transactions, I find it helpful to create matched pairs. They let me see how Phil Savage has chosen to address certain positions, and whether the net effect is an upgrade. Unmatched outbound players signal a probable positional need yet to be filled, primarily through the draft, but potentially through free agency and trades. Unmatched inbound players may presage the departure of a familiar name, or — in the best case — upgraded team depth at that position. So let’s see how the the moves stack up so far. (My analysis in italics.)
Departing player ==> Arriving player
- G Cosey Coleman (UFA, unsigned) ==> G/T Eric Steinbach (UFA, Cincinnati, 7-year deal) Huge upgrade in both talent and versatility.
- RB Reuben Droughns (traded to NYG for Tim Carter) ==> RB Jamal Lewis (UFA, Baltimore, 1-year deal) It will be interesting to see how much speed Lewis really has left. The Browns’ longest run last year was by a backup pocket passer.
- DE Alvin McKinley (UFA, unsigned) ==> DE Robaire Smith (UFA, Tennessee, 4-year deal) Significant upgrade.
- DL Nick Eason (UFA, unsigned) ==> NT Shaun Smith (RFA, Cincinnati, 4-year deal) Eason never broke out; Smith may be the answer on the nose. Bonus points for snaring another Bengal.
- G Lennie Friedman (UFA, unsigned) ==> C/G Seth McKinney (UFA, Miami, 1-year deal) Nice upgrade here, getting a viable starter, savvy and motivated to return from injury.
- CB Daylon McCutcheon (released) ==> CB Kenny Wright (UFA, Washington, 3-year deal) Sounds like ‘Cutch soured on the program and took the injury settlement. Very sorry to see him go. Wright at least is another veteran.
- WR/PR Dennis Northcutt (UFA, Jacksonville) ==> WR Tim Carter (trade, signed through ’07) A near push at WR, but there’s no heir apparent at punt returner.
Other departing players
- Starting S Brian Russell (UFA, Seattle) Will late-season acquisition Ben Emanuel suffice as the fourth young safety?
- Starting FB Terrelle Smith (released) Need another road-grader and special-teamer to pair with Vickers. Vonta Leach, anyone?
- Backup CB Ralph Brown (UFA, unsigned) Unless Baxter’s middle name is Lazarus, this is an undeniable position of need headed into the draft. And if there was a good reason for paying Jeremy LeSueur for that year on IR, we’ll need to find out soon.
Other arriving players
- OLB Antwan Peek (UFA, Houston, 3-year deal) Chaun Thompson could be traded; Matt Stewart and especially David McMillan also look vulnerable.
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TE Buck Ortega (reserve/future contract) Chud’s familiarity with this U product may have earned him another look.
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WR Steve Sanders (reserve/future contract) Camp fodder.
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P Kyle Basler (reserve/future contract) Camp fodder.
Re-signed
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RB Jason Wright — (1-year extension through ’08) Solid if unspectacular change-of-pace back.
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C Hank Fraley — (4-year deal) Had me sweating for a bit, but I’m very relieved they got this done.
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T Kelly Butler — (2-year extension) Acceptable backup, marginal starter to this point.
Summary
I almost want to say that much depends on the pre-draft assessment of whether Ryan Tucker and — less likely — LeCharles Bentley and Gary Baxter can return to form. But both Wheelie and the Detroit Diva played every game last season, and the Browns still reeked.
Of the moves so far, three have undeniably improved the team, and several others show strong potential for same. If the seven draft picks are the only pieces left to add to the puzzle, it makes sense to shoot for (in rough order of importance, if not draft position) a RB, QB, DE, OT, CB, G, and S. I’d prefer to trade down in hopes of also adding a PR, NT, and/or FB, or even a developmental LB or TE.
Fact is, despite a generally wise use of cap cash, there are still too many holes at too many positions. All these matches just mean that the plugged holes should hold up better. That’s good if you’re on the attack, on both sides of the ball. But you know what they say about only being as good as the weakest link.
Best bet for making the playoffs in ’07 (always my minimal standard for a successful season) lies with avoiding the QBs in the draft, coaching up Charlie (and Derek too), and bringing in a veteran QB with playoff experience as a fallback. It’s a value approach to cap management: developing a decent performer at the league’s priciest position with a mid-round draftee playing under his original contract.
But I would certainly understand it if Phil just could not trade out of the three spot; there would be no better time to take one of the two QBs.
