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It would be interesting if Cleveland could land both. Adding these two will allow Horton to play both 3-4 and 4-3. Can you imagine changing fronts with little change in personal. It would give the OL and RBs fits.

If Browns were to get Laurinatis, do you think they dump Dansby?

I have no idea what they would do, but I would play both Laurinatis and Dansby and put Kirksey on special teams, which is where he belongs.

I agree. And I think part of our problem was how we used the personnel. With a solid NFL arm, we have a better offense the Jackson offense is vertical. It could be exciting if passing succeeds on its own or opens up the run. We can help ourselves there a good deal with a more aggressive scheme perhaps.

Signing older free agents to expensive deals rarely works out favorably for teams.

Example: Trammon Williams

What about Charles Woodson and the Packers?

Signing older FA's who are on the downside of their careers rarely works out favorably.

For years now, the argument has been made "Who would want to come to the Browns other than big money for talent that is on the downside of their career" Well, Sanu is not going to command mega bucks, He's going to be motivated by respect, winning and other things. I'm interested in seeing if players that have played for Hue are going to seek him out and want to play for him.

Might be a new feeling for the Browns.

Hue will be able to recruit guys like no other coach we've had since 1999.

Thats what I want to see.. from your lips to God's ears cfrs.

Maybe. I think it's fairly common for coaches to end-up signing players that used to play for them somewhere else.

Ten likely NFL salary cap casualties

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 2/22/16


Veteran cuts around the NFL have started to trickle in with just a couple weeks remaining until the start of free agency.

While teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams have already trimmed a nice chunk of change off their 2016 caps, other squads will be releasing high-profile players in the coming days.

From two former highly-heralded quarterbacks to a couple Pro Bowl wide receivers, here are 10 of the biggest names likely set to become salary cap casualties in the not-so-distant future.

1. Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Washington Redskins

Set to make $16.2 million next season, it’s already a foregone conclusion that RGIII will be cut by Washington at some point over the next month or so.

Zero of that salary is guaranteed, which means the Skins can get out from under his contract without a penny counting against the team’s 2016 cap.

A healthy inactive for all but two games last season, there’s little doubt that this former Heisman winner doesn’t fit into Washington’s long-term plans.

The interesting dynamic here is that Washington has to release RGIII by March 9 in order to rid itself of the remainder of his deal, meaning a move will have to come relatively soon.

2. Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers


We have absolutely no idea whether new head coach Chip Kelly is intent on going into the 2016 season with Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert competing for the starting job.

What we do know is that San Francisco can save $8 million against the cap if it were to release a healthy Kaepernick by April 1.

The primary sticking point here outside of Kelly’s philosophy is the fact that Kaepernick himself has gone through multiple surgeries over the past several months, including one on his injured right thumb in early January.

If he doesn’t pass the necessary physical in April, Kaepernick’s full salary of $15.9 million becomes guaranteed for the 2016 season. That’s way too much to pay for a quarterback that threw six touchdowns in eight starts last year.

3. Arian Foster, running back, Houston Texans

After missing the first three games of the 2015 season with a groin injury, Foster was lost for the remainder of the year due to an Achilles injury he suffered in just his fourth game back.

Couple with injury-plagued 2013 and 2014 seasons, Foster has now missed 23 of a possible 48 games over the past three campaigns.

At 29 years old and with an $8.9 million cap hit for the 2016 season, it’s highly likely that Foster will find himself seeking employment at some point in the not-so-distant future. This becomes more likely once we consider the Texans would save over $6.6 million against the cap if they were to release him.

This wouldn’t necessarily be bad news for Foster, who would garner some interest on the open market. A team like the New England Patriots would assuredly come calling should the seven-year pro become a free agent.

After all, we are talking about a running back that is averaging 115.1 total yards per game in his career. If healthy, he’s still going to be a difference maker.

4. Vincent Jackson, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off an injury-plagued 2015 campaign that saw him put up just 33 receptions in 10 games, the 33-year-old Jackson has quickly become expendable in Tampa Bay.

And while rumors have persisted over the past year-plus that the Buccaneers might have considered parting ways with him, that’s a stronger likelihood than ever before.

Jackson is set to count $12.2 million against the cap in 2016 — the ninth-highest number for a receiver in the NFL. Add in the fact that Tampa Bay boasts a true No. 1 option in Mike Evans, and it becomes readily apparent that Jackson is on the outs here.

5. Victor Cruz, wide receiver, New York Giants

Having not played since October of 2014, there are now questions surrounding Cruz’s future in the NFL.

After suffering a serious leg injury against Philadelphia two years ago, Cruz seemed primed to return this past season. Unfortunately, the former Pro Bowler suffered a calf injury during the summer and was placed on injured reserve in November without having played a game in 2015.

The Giants can save $6.1 million against the cap by releasing Cruz prior to the 2016 season. Based on his injury history and the presence of Odell Beckham Jr., there’s no real reason for the Giants to keep Cruz around. In a cutthroat industry, it’s called “what have you done for us recently?”

6. Martellus Bennett, tight end, Chicago Bears

Bennett’s cap hit of $6.3 million next season isn’t disproportionate to the production Chicago has seen from him recently. It, however, doesn’t seem to make much sense with the potential presence of Zach Miller on the roster.

The veteran tight end, earning a grand total of $660,000, recorded 34 receptions for 439 yards while catching 74 percent of the passes thrown in his direction last season.

Considering Chicago can save $5.2 million by releasing Bennett, it makes a ton of sense for the team to go with a cheaper option that was nearly as productive this past season.

7. Matt Kalil, offensive tackle, Minnesota Vikings

The idea of releasing a former top-five pick that has started all 64 games in his four-year career seems to make no sense. That’s until we realize Kalil has been among the worst starting left tackles in the NFL over the past three years and is set count $11.1 million against the Vikings’ cap in 2016.

Kalil may have improved to an extent last season, but he’s in no way worth the third-highest cap hit for a left tackle in the NFL.

That takes on a whole new meaning when we realize the Vikings can release him without a single penny of that $11.1 million counting against their cap in 2016.

8. Mario Williams, defensive end, Buffalo Bills

There’s very little doubt that Williams won’t be back with the Bills next season. We already know that there has been a disconnect between him and the organization over the past year plus.

We also know that the former No. 1 overall pick recorded just five sacks while earning $19.4 million in 2015.

With Buffalo able to get off the hook to the tune of $12.9 million by releasing Williams, it just makes too much sense for the Bills to show him the door as soon as possible.

In terms of Williams’ potential moving forward, he did rack up 38 sacks in his first three seasons in Western New York. Still just 31 years old, he would draw some nice amount of interest on the open market.

9. Cameron Wake, defensive end, Miami Dolphins

Making a name for himself for the first time in 2010, it’s simply stunning that Wake just recently celebrated his 34th birthday.

Now coming off an injury-plagued 2015 campaign that saw him miss nine games after suffering a torn Achilles, he’s quickly on the chopping block. Such is the nature of the beast in the NFL.

With a $9.8 million cap hit and only $1.4 million in dead money, the Dolphins can save $8.4 million be releasing prior to the start of next season. Considering the team has to worry about re-signing both Derrick Shelby and Olivier Vernon in March, it makes too much sense for Miami to move on from Wake.

10. Charles Johnson, defensive end, Carolina Panthers

What’s interesting here is that Kony Ealy’s coming-out party in the Super Bowl may have a direct impact on Johnson’s future with the Panthers.

The veteran is set to count $15 million against the cap with only $4 million in dead money. He’s also coming off a 2015 campaign that saw him record just one sack in nine games while dealing with hamstring injury that forced him to miss seven outings.

Having to worry about re-signing Josh Norman, the Panthers are not necessarily in the best cap situation. Add in holes the team will need to fill in free agency, and it simply can’t afford to pay Johnson $15 million 2016.

* All cap information provided by Spotrac

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/10_likely_nfl_salary_cap_casualties/s1_12680_20369341

Surprised Dwayne Bowe didn't make the list.

I like Long and Laurinatis over any of those guys. Maybe Jackson??? Not sure.

Yeah that list is uninspiring at best.

Just say no.. please.

Well they were listing players, not spectators!!

Charles Johnson should be nominated for the All Contract Year Team.

Its coached by Albert Haynesworth.

They probably forgot he was in the league.

He was expected to be, but was scratched right before the article was published

My friend, and I'm not necessarily agreeing or disagreeing, thinks the signing of Bowe alone, just that acquisition - is why Ray Farmer will never be GM again; a scout, potential assistant at best.

It scares me that he was allowed to come really close to trading away Joe Thomas.

j/c

(Depending on the price)
One player I would like to see us go after is Lamar Miller. He wants to be a feature back, which I would give him the chance, but I'd mostly 1-2 him with Duke. Both are great pass catchers and quick.

Yes. It is. It's about improving out team for NEXT YEAR. Unless 2-14 sounds great to you? We are running a D that DEPENDS on linebackers and we don't have any. Not really. So unless you think we should draft LB in the first second and third rounds we BETTER sign a couple. Animal JR. seems to be the best FA available. That makes him a target. Or at least it should.

I read that. Seems foolish to me. Letting a quality player go when we have so few on the roster. I wouldn't shower him with money but I'd offer him a reasonable offer for his position. We have far too many draft needs to be worrying about drafting a FS. We should be drafting a SS. Whitner isn't getting any younger either. Gipson has said he'd really like to stay, hell he might give us a small hometown discount.... sure won't get it if he hit's FA. Someone will offer him a huge pile.

Gibson is only 25 yrs old and I really don't think we lose him...and Poyer is only 25 and I thought he played pretty well last year. I dont see the need to draft a starting FS or SS this year. just depth.

I also dont think any other team out there is going to throw a "huge pile" of money at him..

He's had one good season, and one bad injury.

No one even knows if he can come back fully from that injury. He's going to have to sign a "show me" contract..

Also..

I love how if another team choses to let their FAs walk, that means those FAs suck.. but if we do it.. its completely different..

I hate to say this, but it almost seems like there is something behind the scenes with Gipson.

Not keeping Gipson would be stupid. You know, a typical Browns move.

Wasn't he the one that was upset because we tendered him with a 2nd rounder? Talked about maybe a hold out and then didn't show up for mini camp? I hope he didn't burn his bridge here. If we don't keep him, it's not because were stupid, it's because were looking for Team players and maybe the injury plus the attitude is cause for concern. Yeah, I would like to know why, everytime we let someone walk were stupid, but other Teams let someone walk and now were stupid for even looking at them, because we all know they were released because they suck....Can't win for losing with some people.

No doubt. Think about it this way. If you are a player and your old coach wants you to come play on his new team, that pretty much means you will make the team and probably be a starter.

I think you have to try to re-sign Gipson because of his history with Horton. At the same time, if he's asking to be the highest paid safety it'd give me pause. Gipson says he wants to stay with the Browns and perhaps we let him see the market thinking he'll give us the opportunity to match. If not, it'd sting in the short term, but should net a fairly high comp pick, and perhaps Tramon would look better back there. I think the "Browns" move would be replacing him with Weddle on a long term high money contract.

As far as Laurinaitis, I like him if the price is right, but his level of play really did seem to drop last year. You have to wonder if age and the wear and tear of his position and style of play are catching up to him.

I do think he is wanting to be paid top safety money and I don't think he's worth it. That being said, I want him to come back.

I don't think he is bad as he was last season but not consistently good as he was in 2014.

I'd give him anywhere between $4MM-6MM avg. annually with decent guaranteed money.

I'm a big Gipson fan but when we don't have good corner play, it's pointless to pay him the money he's likely expecting and wanting. He's good when he can roam around, when we ask him to shade or over the top help for people like Desir, Gaines, Gilbert and pretty much all our corners lol - it makes him a non factor.

I don't see excellent CB play coming this year either. Joe Haden really let us down. I actually won't get mad if we don't pay his likely big demands and let him walk.

More concerned with keeping Mitchell and Alex.

You are making things up again.

Good point. People make things up by saying Gipson had only one good year. Horton called Gipson the MVP of the defense and that was in the year Haden his best year as a pro.

Originally Posted By: Versatile Dog

You are making things up again.

Care to show me where?

While I'm waiting for a reply, this is from a story about Gipson and when we tendered him:By tendering Gipson the second-round offer, they empowered his anger.

So, again where was I making things up?

You KNOW where you made things up. Just stop w/your nonsense.

Look, you know I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so please tell me where I'm making things up. I really want to know.

You are killing this thread. I will PM you.