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The Browns cut four guys so they have added more cap space.
Here is a list of the top 50 free agents.
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/nfl-free-agents-2020-top-50-overall-free-agents#slide-11
There are a number of these guys who could really help the Browns.
I wonder how the new front office will handle free agency.
If they walk from Vernon would Clowney be an option?
Offensive line? There are a number of guys on this list who could help.
Safety? Corner? WR? LB? DT?
Lot of different directions to take.
We have the money the question is where do we spend?
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The last time we had this group of people in charge of the front office we spent a bit in free agency. In the 2017 off-season we signed Kenny Britt, Jason McCourty, Kevin Zeitler, and J.T. Tretter.
My guess would be that we try to sign at least one starting tackle, some depth at corner, and some guys to play behind Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon.
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not "Real" football players, except Britt.
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1. Fix the offensive tackle situation. The moves the Browns made to try to replace Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz have failed. Right tackle Chris Hubbard, signed as a free agent from the Steelers, has been a disappointment. Left tackle Greg Robinson traded sacks allowed for holding calls in 2018 and then gave up both in 2019. Austin Corbett, who was drafted by former general manager John Dorsey with the 33rd pick out of Nevada, wasn't able to play anywhere on the line and was dumped by Dorsey to the Rams after 15 offensive snaps.
Cleveland's biggest priority this offseason needs to be fixing its tackle problems. Robinson is a free agent, and Hubbard could be a cap casualty to free up $4.9 million in space. This is a free-agent class that has more solutions on the right side than on the left, but this team should be interested in even a short-term option such as Jason Peters on the left side while it figures out its long-term plan. If Browns fans can head into the 2020 season feeling confident about their tackle situation, new general manager Andrew Berry will have completed his first big task in charge of the team.
2. Figure out a plan at safety. It seemed the Browns were set at safety for the next couple of years with former Packers Damarious Randall and Morgan Burnett. As was the case with just about everything related to the 2019 Browns, however, things went poorly. Burnett tore his Achilles tendon in that fateful Thursday night game against the Steelers, while Randall was left at home for the Pittsburgh rematch by the old coaching staff for reasons unknown. The old football brain trust is almost entirely gone, but the new organization appears comfortable letting Randall hit free agency.
New defensive coordinator Joe Woods spent the 2017 and '18 seasons with the Broncos and would surely love to bring in free agent Justin Simmons, but Denver will likely franchise its star safety after a career season. Woods was with the 49ers in 2019, and bringing in Jimmie Ward as a free safety and occasional slot cornerback would make sense for a Browns team that could use help in both places. A cap casualty such as Reshad Jones or even former Chiefs star Eric Berry, who sat out the 2019 season, could make sense at strong safety. Cleveland also has an extra third-round pick from the Duke Johnson trade and could address safety there.
3. Replace Joe Schobert. The Dorsey regime also passed on offering a contract extension to the linebacker, who made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and posted a 74.6 passer rating while picking off four passes in coverage last season. Schobert has missed three games in four seasons and racks up plenty of tackles in run support, although those tackles aren't always close to the line of scrimmage.
After accounting for draft position, Schobert was probably the best draft pick of the Sashi Brown era, which might be why the Dorsey regime didn't want to re-sign him. And now, with the more analytically inclined Berry taking over football decisions, the Browns might very well see a relatively fungible off-ball linebacker when Cleveland already has Christian Kirksey signed to a long-term deal. I like Schobert as a player and wouldn't fault the team for bringing him back, but the Wisconsin product's future might be elsewhere.
4. Pick up Myles Garrett's fifth-year option. With Garrett reinstated for the 2020 season, the 2017 first overall pick isn't going to be leaving Cleveland anytime soon. The Browns would be smart to pursue an extension with him now, given that his price tag is likely only to rise when he returns to the field.
Garrett had 10 sacks and 18 knockdowns in 10 games last season before his attack on Mason Rudolph and is unquestionably one of the league's best pass-rushers. I would expect him to top whatever Jadeveon Clowney gets when the former Texans standout signs a massive deal in free agency this offseason.
5. Pick up David Njoku's fifth-year option, too. Nobody will benefit from a fresh coaching regime more than Njoku, who was buried deep in Freddie Kitchens' doghouse last season and seemed likely to leave the organization this offseason. Instead, when Kitchens and Dorsey were fired, Njoku was given a new lease on life under coach Kevin Stefanski. During his only full season as Vikings offensive coordinator, Stefanski used two or more tight ends on 56.6% of the offensive snaps, the second-highest rate in football. Njoku is a tight end!
There's some risk in picking up Njoku's fifth-year option and being stuck with an unwanted player if he can't pass a physical, but the price tag isn't going to be exorbitant, and the upside of what he might be able to do when healthy outweighs the risk. The Browns will likely add to their tight end room in the draft, but it makes sense to pick up the option and give the oft-frustrating Miami product one more chance before moving on.
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The last time we had this group of people in charge of the front office we spent a bit in free agency. In the 2017 off-season we signed Kenny Britt, Jason McCourty, Kevin Zeitler, and J.T. Tretter.
My guess would be that we try to sign at least one starting tackle, some depth at corner, and some guys to play behind Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. Going after either Anthony Harris or Justin Simmons would not surprise me. A cheaper safety to target that had a very good year last season and Joe Woods is familiar with would be Jimmie Ward.
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The last time we had this group of people in charge of the front office we spent a bit in free agency. In the 2017 off-season we signed Kenny Britt, Jason McCourty, Kevin Zeitler, and J.T. Tretter.
My guess would be that we try to sign at least one starting tackle, some depth at corner, and some guys to play behind Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. We also signed Reiter (the center who got hurt bad right away and we cut him when he eventually got healthy), iirc. Analytics told them C,Gs are the real positions along the line that they needed to spend on (because it's tougher to hit on draft picks there, and pressure up the middle gives QBs the most trouble). Armed with that knowledge, spend they did. IMO, it's one of the bright spots from that regime. They not only showed how the analytical decision-making worked well, but they also showed that they were fine with dropping some coin.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
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We also signed Reiter (the center who got hurt bad right away and we cut him when he eventually got healthy), iirc.t They signed him but it wasn't a real free agent move as we would normally classify it. He was signed after being cut by Washington. He missed our final cutdown in 2018. He started all 16 games (and the playoffs) for the Chiefs in 2019.
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Analytics told them C,Gs are the real positions along the line that they needed to spend on (because it's tougher to hit on draft picks there, and pressure up the middle gives QBs the most trouble). Armed with that knowledge, spend they did. I don't know if any of the above is true. It sounds good though!
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I'm looking for the/an article. I remember reading. Hard to find at this point, though. Still looking.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
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Two things I think will become relevant in the coming weeks:
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De'Vondre Campbell is a guy I wouldn't mind seeing signed on a cheap contract.
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Why?
I'm not all that familiar w/him, but his PFF grade was 50.1. That doesn't seem very good.
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Baltimore linebacker Josh Bynes would be a huge upgrade vs the run.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
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How about against the pass?
Also, I have mentioned this a several times........but, it's a lot harder for a LBer to make tackles while trying to disengage from an offensive lineman as opposed to having good DTs who can keep their LBers "clean."
The Browns and Ravens employ different strategies in regards to their DT's responsibilities. Also, while Ogunjobi flashes as a pass rusher, he is light in the pants and gets blown-up way too many times in the run game.
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How about against the pass?
Also, I have mentioned this a several times........but, it's a lot harder for a LBer to make tackles while trying to disengage from an offensive lineman as opposed to having good DTs who can keep their LBers "clean."
The Browns and Ravens employ different strategies in regards to their DT's responsibilities. Also, while Ogunjobi flashes as a pass rusher, he is light in the pants and gets blown-up way too many times in the run game. Like I said earlier I like Joe Schobert but there is a reason that our former regime Dorsey was not talking to his agent. The new regime explored resigning him. But ultimately declined. He is fine vs the pass. I am assuming that as a MLB both GM's are looking for a more run stuffing MLB.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
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We don't know if Dorsey would have kept Joe or not. Many players are signed after the season. I am not saying Dorsey would have kept Joe, but to say that he wouldn't, is a bit of a stretch.
I also think that a LBer who is good against the pass and can still play the run is far more valuable than a run-stuffing LBer who might only be on the field for 1 out of the 3 plays in a possession. The days of pure run-stuffers are passe.
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We don't know if Dorsey would have kept Joe or not. Many players are signed after the season. I am not saying Dorsey would have kept Joe, but to say that he wouldn't, is a bit of a stretch.
I also think that a LBer who is good against the pass and can still play the run is far more valuable than a run-stuffing LBer who might only be on the field for 1 out of the 3 plays in a possession. The days of pure run-stuffers are passe. I have read many articles that stated Dorsey did not seem to favor Schobert. It was actually thought that he had a much better chanc to return once Dorsey left.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
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Why?
I'm not all that familiar w/him, but his PFF grade was 50.1. That doesn't seem very good. One of the things that makes me question PFF's grading. There were games where Taylot and/or Wilson had a grade that was 30-40 points higher than Schobert's. Ridiculous.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Many articles, huh? How many quotes from Dorsey that said something like this: Joe has earned the right to explore free agency?
Man, no shame!
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Why?
I'm not all that familiar w/him, but his PFF grade was 50.1. That doesn't seem very good. One of the things that makes me question PFF's grading. There were games where Taylot and/or Wilson had a grade that was 30-40 points higher than Schobert's. Ridiculous. Maybe I am misinterpreting you, but you would be in favor of letting Joe walk and signing De'Vondre Campbell?
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Were all of those independent reports? Or, were they all written from one comment?
Do all teams give offers to players DURING the season?
Are there times when teams negotiate after the season?
Look man, I don't know if Dorsey would have kept Joe or not. You don't either. What we do know is that Berry has said that Joe has earned the right to test the FA market and we also know that it's been reported that the Browns are not going to re-sign him. I will add that we don't know if that latter statement is true or not.
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Why?
I'm not all that familiar w/him, but his PFF grade was 50.1. That doesn't seem very good. One of the things that makes me question PFF's grading. There were games where Taylot and/or Wilson had a grade that was 30-40 points higher than Schobert's. Ridiculous. Maybe I am misinterpreting you, but you would be in favor of letting Joe walk and signing De'Vondre Campbell? I didn't get the chance to see a lot of Falcons games, but I was unimpressed with their defense when I did. I don't remember seeing any of their LB making explosive plays. What I am saying is is that PFF, using stats like they do, show an incomplete, or sometimes completely wrong picture at times. I am looking at the PD';s list of final 2019 grades for the team. Who is rated higher by PFF for 2019 ..... Schobert, or Bryan Cox? How about Schobert, or Porter Gustin? Takitaki or Schobert? According to PFF, Schobert was graded out lower than all of those guys. To my eyes, watching the games, that's absolutely wrong. That's all I'm saying.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Understood.
I think PFF grades are a useful tool. I don't think they are an end-all. They value some things higher than others and I have some questions about their value system........especially DBs.
I think the guys you listed probably had a higher grade due to a limited number of snaps, but I could be wrong. I will say that Cox played well in my eyes. I know he seems like a scrub, but he was pretty active and had some sound technique when it came to maintaining outside containment.
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I think the impending CBA will have an effect on how FA negotiations happen.I think many front offices and agents are in a wait and see mode.
RIP, Jim
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Why?
I'm not all that familiar w/him, but his PFF grade was 50.1. That doesn't seem very good. I know his PFF grade (Schobert's was 59.1). Campbell is a freaky athlete who showed up a bit toward the end of the season. I think he's worth a look on a very cheap contract.
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We don't know if Dorsey would have kept Joe or not. Many players are signed after the season. I am not saying Dorsey would have kept Joe, but to say that he wouldn't, is a bit of a stretch.
I also think that a LBer who is good against the pass and can still play the run is far more valuable than a run-stuffing LBer who might only be on the field for 1 out of the 3 plays in a possession. The days of pure run-stuffers are passe. I have read many articles that stated Dorsey did not seem to favor Schobert. It was actually thought that he had a much better chanc to return once Dorsey left. Dorsey had two years and all the authority he needed to re-sign Joe. He did not do so. That is a fact. It's a lot more of a stretch to think Dorsey would have signed him now (in free agency) than it is a stretch to think Dorsey had no intentions to sign Joe for a contract acceptable to Joe.
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J/C
I don't have the benefit of access to paid PPF data so I can only go off of the limited information I find scattered around the internet. Here are some ILB free agents who I would target for the money allocated for Schobert, not to exceed $8 Mill/yr. If anybody has insights on these guys I'd like to hear it.
Corey Littleton, 26 years old, Rams UFA
Neville Hewitt, 27, Jets UFA
Patrick Onwuasor, 28, Ravens, UFA
Kamelei Correa, 26, Titans, UFA
Jon Bostic, 29, Wash, UFA
David Mayo, 27, Gmen, UFA
Stephon Anthony 28, Saints, UFA (wonder what happened to him liked him, when he came out)
Preston Brown, 27, Jags, UFA. (I remember him being solid in Buffalo)
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J/c
FWIW ...
JACK CONKLIN
T, TENNESSEE TITANS
PFT's Mike Florio reports free agent RT Jack Conklin is expected to sign with the Jets.
This comes after combine reports the Jets are in "hot pursuit" of Conklin. The Jets need starters at both tackle spots with Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell free agents. Adding Conklin would give them a cornerstone to build around on an offensive line that was one of the worst in the league. Conklin could top the $18 million AAV Lane Johnson got from the Eagles last season.
RELATED: New York Jets
SOURCE: ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 1, 2020, 11:51 AM ET
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JC...
Although I hope we re ink Scho...As I believe patching up a team with less holes is always ideal.
Another option I think we may look for is Alec Ogletree (whom oddly is the same age as Scho...despite playing for 4 more years in the NFL) I know he isn't that great...(He looked much better as a Ram) If you believe in PFF grades he was graded awfully close to Scho...And he should be more affordable. And he does give you a turnover every once in awhile, much like Scho does.
I guess we will see soon what our plan(s) will unveil.
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J/c
FWIW ...
JACK CONKLIN
T, TENNESSEE TITANS
PFT's Mike Florio reports free agent RT Jack Conklin is expected to sign with the Jets.
This comes after combine reports the Jets are in "hot pursuit" of Conklin. The Jets need starters at both tackle spots with Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell free agents. Adding Conklin would give them a cornerstone to build around on an offensive line that was one of the worst in the league. Conklin could top the $18 million AAV Lane Johnson got from the Eagles last season.
RELATED: New York Jets
SOURCE: ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 1, 2020, 11:51 AM ET
Was really hoping to land Conklin to shore up our right side...Hoping we can still find a way to beat the Jets to it.
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J/c
FWIW ...
JACK CONKLIN
T, TENNESSEE TITANS
PFT's Mike Florio reports free agent RT Jack Conklin is expected to sign with the Jets.
This comes after combine reports the Jets are in "hot pursuit" of Conklin. The Jets need starters at both tackle spots with Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell free agents. Adding Conklin would give them a cornerstone to build around on an offensive line that was one of the worst in the league. Conklin could top the $18 million AAV Lane Johnson got from the Eagles last season.
RELATED: New York Jets
SOURCE: ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 1, 2020, 11:51 AM ET
Was really hoping to land Conklin to shore up our right side...Hoping we can still find a way to beat the Jets to it. It seems like I've read a lot of opinions that basically say to stay clear of Conklin due to age and contract...not my opinion as I'm no OL guru...but that's the sense I'm getting. FWIW
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Ogletree is a possibility. I bet he’ll have a good market
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
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Ogletree? Pshhh...there still a "chance" Isaiah Simmons falls to 10. 
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Conklin could top the $18 million AAV Lane Johnson got from the Eagles last season. This is where a lot of people seem to make mistakes on what they value a players worth to be. They want to base it on current contracts. The fact is that holds little to no value. The salary cap increases every year and so do players salaries. If you are signing a player to a four year deal, you have to consider what the average salary over the next four years at a players position will be to achieve an accurate evaluation. It's why you keep hearing the battle cry, "He was overpaid!"
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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I would like to see Higgins back. I hate the fact he fell out of favor with Kitchens. If he was to come back then all I think they need at WR would be a deep threat to replace (JG2) Antonio Calloway.
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money." Margarat Thatcher
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