DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum 11 Best Available Free Agents (Article and GM Thread Challenge)

11 Best Available Free Agents from CBS.Sportsline

I didn't make the list, so don't shoot the messenger. I'll post the list and then empower you be the Browns GM for the day. If the contract was right ("1-yr show-me type of deal") and you had to pick one of these guys, who do you sign?

Offense
QB: Colin Kaepernick
RB: DeAngelo Williams
WR: Anquan Boldin
TE: Gary Barnidge
OL: Nick Mangold

Defense
DL: Jared Odrick
MLB: DeAndre Levy
OLB: Elvis Dumervil
CB: Sam Shields
S: Darrelle Revis

Special Teams
K: Dan Carpenter

You can click on the link to read what the writer said about each guy, but I wanted to make this a "choose your own adventure" thread.

Me? I'd go Boldin or Revis. As much as I'm worried about our QB, I'm just as worried about our receivers. I think Boldin would help our young crew on and off the field. He's got 40 catches in him, probably most on 3rd down.

Revis could help Peppers a lot, assuming he's the type of guy that would coach up his teammates. I'm not 100% sure how he'd play at safety, but I'd bet he'd do fine. I read he was one of the worst CBs last year.

I'd probably lean towards Revis, but I'm no talent evaluator. I'm probably very wrong.

I think you did a nice job.

I like Boldin. Yes, he's older, but out WRs are young and not very good.

I'd love Barnidge, but I know that isn't happening. LOL

I thought D'Angelo Williams was awesome two seasons ago when Bell got hurt, but he had knee issues last year.

Odrick is someone I'd look at. He's not that old yet, might be a good pickup. Not sure how he fits with Williams scheme

None of the above.

There are some FA FS out there that I would kick the tires on tho...

Question:

Why don't you think Boldin could help our WR corps?

Odrick does sound like a good pickup there.

Odrick.. outside of that, I'd rather our younger guys get PT.

Darelle Reevis today. Julius Peppers 4 years ago.

Yes I think that sack leader from Carolina was a free agent about 4 years ago, and the Browns didn't get discussed.

I think Revis would be cool for a couple years at FS until we fine the long term solution, preferably in the draft.

I'd kick the tires on:

Boldin - he could be the offensive version of McCourty

Levy - If he can play MLB in our 4-3, why not take a look? I know he's been hurt...but I don't care for D Davis' play.

Revis - I'd call / visit-with him to see where his head is at this time regarding a move to FS.

If I had to choose one guy from that list? Boldin.

I remain perplexed that we released Barnidge.

I'd sign Boldin right now. He had almost 600 yds & 8 TDs last year. Name our #3 WR, and tell me their stats. (And yes, I'm aware we had crappy QB play. BTW - It was Duke with 514 yds & 0 TDs, Coleman was behind him with 413 ads & 3TDs. Louis & Higgins barely register.) The least Boldin would do would be to add leadership & skill sets to a very weak room. Sign the man. If he's not the clear #3 by the end of camp, cut him.

Building the Browns via free agency is not the stated goal of this rebuild. For every free agent we sign, it means a draft pick is moved down the depth chart.

Coaches have been hired to teach the young players according to the standards and methods established by the Browns offensive and defensive coordinators.

Anquan Boldin ?...The Browns just got rid of veteran WR, Andrew Hawkins and opted to bring in veteran Kenny Britt rather than sign 2nd yr wr, Terrell Pryor.

The Browns front office drafted 4 wrs last year and now is the time to find out if our front office hit or missed on those picks. Put all of the young wrs on the field..only way to find out if these young men can fill the team's needs at wr..play'em!

Adding veterans to the roster after cutting veterans from the roster, just doesn't make sense to me.

I don't think we'll be paying Revis what he wants, even if he's willing to play safety.

Outside of that, nothing really stands out. Perhaps Boldin but I think they're pretty set on giving the young guys a chance here.

Fixed it for you Mac.

When I consider things in the context of what I believe the plan for the team to be, I don't think I'd bother with any of these guys.


We have a foundation and we're letting it simmer and mature and going forward with the youth that we have to grow them. They'll take their lumps, but they'll be better for it.

Fixed it again.

Well...you are no fun.

Seriously, I think you are correct though. I doubt we go after any of those guys unless we have an injury along the way. Maybe not even then.

If you HAD to pick one guy, who would it be? Hold your nose and point if necessary.

All these guys have been available for a little while now. I don't see much in the way of a rush to get them by any team.

But, for sentimental reasons, Mangold would be a someone I'd look at.

As for Bolden, Maybe we think that having him here would take away snaps from the younger guys who are clearly our future.. not sure.

Barnidge is a guy we know, clearly he's not wanted here but I bet they bring him back (if available) if an injury occurs.

Kaepernick carries too much baggage. He's an emergency guy to me.

Revis may just be done. Really don't know. But if he's not done and doesn't want a boat load of money, why not take a look. Having him may take reps away from the young guys that are more than likely our future..

The Browns have a stated goal of building through the draft, bringing these guys now kind of goes against that goal.

I've always been a fan of Boldin. Dude is tough as nails.
I agree that Boldin can still be a productive receiver.

If they go WR i want an veteran receiver with a skillset similar to Coleman (i would have been on board with Cruz for example). Someone that can show him how to be that explosive, deep threat receiver. Boldin's skillset is based on toughness and i would prefer a receiver that the younger receivers can watch run routes, separate, beat press to get open deep etc.


********

here are some available S. (caveat: i am not vouching for any of these S, just passing on information)
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2017-free-agency-tracker/


Isa Abdul-Quddus 80.5 S 28 Dolphins 952 UFA

Jairus Byrd 78.1 S 30 Saints 900 UFA

Marcus Gilchrist 77.1 S 28 Jets 819 UFA

Aaron Williams 74.4 S 27 Bills 340 UFA

Daimion Stafford 74.1 S 26 Titans 614 UFA

Rashad Johnson 70.4 S 31 Titans 555 UFA

Roman Harper 48.6 S 34 Saints 300 UFA

This goes for every player on the team...find out who fits and who doesn't. Once they are on the team, draft position should mean nothing.

Regarding the WRs...we drafted (1) in Rd 1...(1) in Rd 4...and (2) in Rd 5. The hand-wringing over 4th & 5th Rd players - at any position - is ridiculous.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000821644/article/robert-griffin-iii-works-out-for-la-chargers

j/c:

Does anyone really believe that draft position is meaningless to NFL teams in regards to making decisions on making a roster and/or playing time?

Nick Mangold should be invited to tryouts and camp