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Browns unlikely to hold that line
Revolving door on O-line to keep spinning as up to six blockers might not be back in '07
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The Browns' merry-go-round on the offensive line figures to continue next season.

Two starters and the line's top backup are potential unrestricted free agents. They are guards Cosey Coleman and Lennie Friedman, and center Hank Fraley. Also, both backup tackles - Kelly Butler and Nat Dorsey - can be restricted free agents.

To date, the Browns have done little to re-sign any of the players. Once free agency begins in March, it's doubtful any will return to the Browns.

There is also uncertainty about the return of center LeCharles Bentley, whose comeback from a torn patellar tendon was set back by a staph infection.

So the makeup of the 2007 Browns' offensive line is anyone's guess at this point.

Other Browns scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season are cornerback Ralph Brown, defensive ends Nick Eason and Alvin McKinley, punt returner Dennis Northcutt and safety Brian Russell.

Russell is hoping to return, but there has been no substantial contract talk between the Browns and Russell's agent, Mitch Frankel.

This is the time of year teams get a head start on the 2007 business season by re-signing core players before they get on the free agent market. The only thing the Browns have done is ink special-teamer Joshua Cribbs to a six-year contract. Cribbs was a year away from restricted free agency and the Browns were under no pressure to re-sign him.

Brrrrrrrr:

The cold war between Bill Belichick and protege Eric Mangini that existed before the first Patriots-Jets game is still prevalent.

Asked on the conference call with Jets writers, "What's going on with you and Eric Mangini?" Belichick first offered seven seconds of silence. Then he asked for the question to be rephrased.

Finally, he answered: "We're two head coaches in the same division playing a big division game this week. That's how I would characterize it."

Mangini is having a little more fun with the weird feudHe said he expected a chilly reception for his first return to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

"I guess if they can boo Adam [Vinatieri], there might be one or two for me. I hope he didn't use them all up," Mangini told reporters.

Leftwich, exit stage right?

Speculation is mounting in Jacksonville that the Jaguars will try to trade quarterback Byron Leftwich after this season and turn the team over to super-sub David Garrard, who is 7-1 as Leftwich's backup.

Coach Jack Del Rio has benched Leftwich even though the quarterback insists he could play with his sore ankle.

Leftwich, whose immobility has resulted in numerous leg and ankle injuries, is signed through 2007. Garrard is signed through 2008.

Wide body:

Only in the NFL can a man weighing 350 pounds get praised for being in good shape.

That's how much Toniu Fonoti weighed when he was signed recently by the Miami Dolphins. The former San Diego guard weighed over 400 pounds when he was traded from San Diego to Minnesota a year ago. Fonoti is 6-4.

"We were pleasantly surprised by his weight," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said to reporters. "Even though he may not be game-ready conditioning-wise, we were pleased with the conditioning level."

Bye-bye blue:

Before the Carolina Panthers broke for their bye and five days off, they had two players-only meetings - one on offense and defense - to discuss their disappointing 4-4 record.

"It's really instinct and just the fact that you're talking to every other player on the defense and saying that we need to talk to one another and get this thing together and right this ship," said safety Mike Minter. "Because, right now, being in the middle of the league is not where we want to be."

Count them out:

Tampa Bay embarks on a brutal schedule of three games over 11 days.

The Bucs play at Carolina Monday night and then have short weeks leading to games against Washington on Nov. 19 and at Dallas on Nov. 23, Thanksiving Day.

This is the fourth time since 1978 that an NFL team will play three games in 11 days with two on the road. The previous three teams went a combined 2-7.

"We thank the NFL for our schedule," coach Jon Gruden said to reporters. "They did quite a good job."

This and that:

Think the Browns' offense has stunk in the first quarter? Tampa Bay has scored only seven points in the opening period all season. The Browns have 12. . . . The Patriots will suffer the loss of safety Rodney Harrison, who is out indefinitely with a broken shoulder blade. They used five different players at his position last year when he tore a knee ligament and went 4-4 without him. . . . Houston rookie linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the first player taken in the second round of the draft, has emerged as the Texans' best player on defense. Unofficially, he leads the NFL with 58 solo tackles, and has added 2? sacks and six quarterback pressures. . . . The 7-1 Bears have only one win against a winning team. Now they have five games in a row against .500 or better teams. . . . The Vikings have seven offensive touchdowns in eight games. . . . Terrell Owens has six dropped passes. Three would have been touchdowns. . . . According to Stats LLC, the Eagles lead the league in dropped passes with 27 in their first eight games. . . . Washington became the first team in NFL history to score 22 points three games in a row

[img]http://[image]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/thepitdog/topdawg.jpg[/img][/image]

Doubtful?

Wonder where he got that information from?



I know I'm one of the few, but I really would like for the Browns to keep Northcutt.




I love statements like this. He states it as a fact w/out any qualifications. Arrogant [censored].

..." Wonder where he got that information from? "

................................................................................

.. That was the first thing I thought when I read the article ???? I admit being a Fan of the young man ( Leffty ) Now you want to talk about delivering a strike <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> .. I have always thought he was the wrong QB. with the wrong Team & Coach ! .. Opinion ????

Butler and Dorsey are RFA so why does he say that thier return is doubtful? I mean I suppose some other team could come along and make an offer to them we don't want to match.

As for Coleman, isn't Sowells being targeted for that slot? So that leaves Fraley as the guy that I would love to have back.. I like his play. Second would be Friedman.. I like his play so far also. Shaffer, Bentley and Tucker are staying put, or so it seems.

This might turn out to be a big opportunity for us.. We'll have some cap room with Coleman and either Friedman or Fraley gone. So perhaps we can pick up a couple of other guys that may be better... Then for Crying out loud Phil,,,, Use some picks on the lines please <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Leftwich? I really don't have a clear-cut opinion on him.

A few observations:

Positives:

+ He really does have a gun.

+ He's accurate on the intermediate routes and blazes the ball in there.

+ He seems to be a pretty tough guy.

+ He seems to be a good person.

Negatives:

- His teams seem to struggle offensively.

- He is injured a lot, and always seems to be nicked up.

- He is not mobile.

- He has a long delivery.

I don't know about the guy. I thought he was going to be the best QB from that class, but he has been mediocre. I don't think he sucks, but he has been a bit disappointing. I wish I could give you more, but I just don't know.

I'm not a cap guy, so I'm not sure about this.........but, I don't think any of those guys are making much. I remember that we signed Coleman for a very low price. Perhaps someone like DnD or YTown can tell us how much they are making and how much we would save if we don't keep them.



This is precisely the problem that I have been complaining about the last two years. Because Savage has not drafted offensive linemen in the past two drafts, we will be forced to go out and sign more free agents to replace the free agents we lost. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I agree w/you on that he has to draft some o-linemen this year, but I'm afraid we are already behind and the team will suffer for awhile.

Vers, Leftwich sure does have a cannon for an arm, but the writer of the article is saying that his lack of mobility is what's gotten him injured alot... I'm not sure that's true, but if it is then the only thing I can say is if we want him, we gotta get him a better line <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> And I guess if your going to improve the line, then there really isn't strong evidence that we even need a new QB... Kinda funny how that works isn't it <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Let me show you what Grossi actually said:




The word "resulted" bugs me. No way is that the only reason he has been injured. I wouldn't have had a problem if Grossi had used the word "contributed."

It just bothers me when reporters manipulate language in order to get their readers to agree w/them. Hmmm...let me clarify that. All good writers manipulate language, but you should not distort the truth through language.



LOL..........yes, it is.

Coleman---900K and a FA to Be...

Fraley---Took the Philly contract @ 650K and a FA to Be...

Friedman---Took the Lion contract @ 585K and a FA to Be...

Thanks. Those are kinda low numbers, aren't they?

Nah...

Coleman got his SB from us...And low salaries...

Fraley apparently signed an extension and got his SB from Philly with that low salary...No idea what his SB was...Danielle???...lol...How much are ya' worth???...lol... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Friedman got his SB from Detroit...Typical League Minimum salary for a back-up...

Maybe not Peyton ( who is ) , but out of the shotgun this kid is unreal . When he was at Marshal , I watched him just pick apart " D's " like a surgeon. I was afraid when he came into the NFL. that with the wrong team he was going to suffer ... Bingo ! .. The kid took the team to what , 12-4 last season ? <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Maybe Savage thought he knew this was coming so he'll fix it when it happens.

But it does look like he's backed into a corner. Is it on purpose or not?

Ha Ha,,, Yeah. Well all I can say is that I didn't buy into his bull... I commented that I wasn't sure that it was true....

"Two starters and the line's top backup are potential unrestricted free agents. They are guards Cosey Coleman and Lennie Friedman, and center Hank Fraley. Also, both backup tackles - Kelly Butler and Nat Dorsey - can be restricted free agents."

Woe is me,that's really bad.Or is it.Coleman and Fridman will be part of the churn that all teams go thru.Butler and Dorsey are restricted,which means if another team wants 'em bad enough,we'll get something in return.Fraley is NFL caliber,and would be good to keep.All things considered,only one these guys,Coleman,was starter at the beginning of TC.

Why does it feel like Grossi has been trying to take Roger Brown's place now that he's gone?

I used to like reading Grossi's stuff. I'm not saying this is poor because it's negative news. I'm saying it's poor because it's a ton of speculation. We have a lot of time until the end of the season, and who really knows what kind of talks the FO has had with players.

It just seems to me that a lot of Grossi's stuff lately has been aimed more at stirring the pot than really reporting news.

JMHO

[color:"orange"] This cannot be said enough! [/color]

As far as cap room goes, I saw an article (I think on NFL.com - I'll post it if I can find it) that said there are something like 5 teams with over $30 million in salary cap projected for next year and another 10 with over $20 million. I don't remember the Browns being listed in that group so relatively speaking we are not going to be in as good a cap posiition as a lot of other teams are.

[color:"white"]
No D, they can be restricted if we so choose because of their tenure in the league. With the way Dorsey played, I'd be shocked if we made a qualifiying offer to him. Butler isn't much better, but he is better. [/color]

[color:"orange"]We'll probably make the 600+grand offer...doesn't mean we can't waive them further down the road. But we might see them get a tender cause maybe Savage would like the extra draft pick especially with Dorsey.

JMHO

Here is a section of the article I reference above regarding salary cap room. Link

[color:"orange"] Spending spree in store for coming offseason


By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Adam Schefter's "Around the League" reports and commentaries can be seen regularly on NFL Total Access.

(Nov. 9, 2006) -- When the NFL's free-agent signing period kicks off in March, it will do so in a way the league, its players and its fans never have witnessed.

A remarkable eight teams are a startling $30-plus million under the salary cap and another eight are $20-plus million under it, according to financial projection sheets witnessed Thursday.

More teams will free up even more money once they start trimming players from their payroll in February. But even if no players get cut, more teams than ever have money to burn.

Leading the way are the Arizona Cardinals, who are projected to be an incredible $38 million under the salary cap, though the team has only 46 players signed for next season.


Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney figures to make some cash in 2007.
Right behind the Cardinals are the San Francisco 49ers at $37 million under the salary cap, the Tennessee Titans at $35 million, the Minnesota Vikings at $35 million, the Buffalo Bills at $33 million, the St. Louis Rams at $31 million and the Green Bay Packers at $30 million, according to documents.

With the salary cap scheduled to increase to $109 million, and with teams managing their financials in more prudent ways, more organizations will have more room than ever before. Now the good players who hit the market this winter will cash in.

The list includes Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and linebacker Cato June, Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, Bengals defensive end Justin Smith, Bills cornerback Nate Clements and Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez.

The Colts will be able to use their "franchise" tag on one player, so it's highly unlikely Freeney will be allowed to go anywhere, freeing June to land big dollars in whatever city willing to pay him the most.

Gonzalez also has been discussing a contract extension with the Chiefs for months, but those talks, for now, have hit a roadblock. Kansas City could opt to slap its franchise tag on Gonzalez, but that number still would be prohibitive. Plus, Kansas City also needs to re-sign its defensive end Jared Allen, a former fourth-round pick that has emerged into a top-flight pass rusher.

[/color]

[color:"white"]That's a possibility, but I doubt it.

The NFL is full of too many "Fowler for Dorsey" trades, hehe. You know, the ones where both teams lose (where's the shakes-head smiley when you need it?)[/color]

NOT MUCH.......... he was an UDFA, got his start from an injury in front of him and held onto the spot. He was way underpaid for most of his career. He was thankful of the contract he got, considering he wasnt drafted. He worked his way into his position and worked hard to keep it and never made any moves to re-negotiate or anything. not his style. So he will be looking to get paid on his next deal.

Good from a personal finance and player standpoint. (of course security is a good thing!)

Not good from a football business standpoint from the team perspective. (with the cap and all)

I hope we hang onto him though, he's improved as he's gotten more comfortable with the system. And I truly believe he can start and contribute positively on a good line, afterall, he's done that for years in Philly. Might as well keep the people around who aren't the problem and are part of the solution, IMO he's part of the solution.

I would like to see us resign Hank, he's proven his worth this year, and adds depth to our line.

[color:"white"]Bumpin' this back up because I don't think it's worthy of it's own thread.

A guy that I've had my eyes on for a few years now is playing, and also is, currently, scheduled to be a free agent: Vince Manuwai of the Jags. He's 6'2, 325, and he's strong like bull. He's a very strong drive blocker who's always seemed to get a good push on his guy. He's not overly atheletic, though is more more mobile than both Coleman and 'Druzzi. He hasn't missed a game in the past three seasons, and is only going to be 27. He's also very hard to drive through, which is part of the problem with our interior guys.

It's probably a pipe dream to sign him, but we need upgrades at both guard positions, and this is a guy that I'd like. Make no mistake, I'm not calling him an all-pro caliber player, but I am saying he's a very good guard who fits what we want to do when it comes to running the ball in the 2nd half. As we all know, our line can't move people at all. He's worth looking at.[/color]

You're just jumpin' on the bandwagon. You have never mentioned Vince Manuwai in your miserable life. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[color:"white"]You'd know about being miserable you stinkin' Tadpole <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> [/color]

I think Phil has a plan to add two or three O-lineman a year, I look for us to sign two FA guards or One Guard abnd one Tackle and draft the rest depending on whom we re-sign. I see our draft used mostly to buld our defence, as they say Offensive layers take a year or two, so with that in mind why not go FA, get them when thier ready to play not sit and draw a pay check, and draft Defense who can play right away.

[color:"red"] Two starters and the line's top backup are potential unrestricted free agents. They are guards Cosey Coleman and Lennie Friedman, and center Hank Fraley. Also, both backup tackles - Kelly Butler and Nat Dorsey - can be restricted free agents.
To date, the Browns have done little to re-sign any of the players. Once free agency begins in March, it's doubtful any will return to the Browns.
There is also uncertainty about the return of center LeCharles Bentley, whose comeback from a torn patellar tendon was set back by a staph infection.

So the makeup of the 2007 Browns' offensive line is anyone's guess at this point. [/color]
[color:"orange"] So stop guessing and look at whats happening.. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
First , NO decision will be made on Bentley until camp starts or later in the season..his recovery is going to be LONG..the Browns have to act as if he isn't around but will manipulate the roster if he is able to come back.
Second..Savage REALLY wanted to see Dorsey develop into a viable LT..THAT clearly hasn't happened and MAY NEVER happen.
So it's possible he could be gone.
Butler is a different story..I think he sticks around to backup Tucker.
I think they will resign Fraley, he really has done a good job..and he knows the system now...a offseason of conditioning will do wonders..
Lennie Friedman...I don't know..I think that will be determined as to what they do in FA..
Right now the only guy I want to see is Vince Manuwai of the Jags..POWERFUL OG who can move a DT back off the line..not extremely athletic but a UPGRADE over Druzzi who could be the backup IF this signing went down.. [/color]

Now some are debating this comment..
[color:"red"] Leftwich, whose immobility has resulted in numerous leg and ankle injuries, is signed through 2007. Garrard is signed through 2008.
[/color]

Thats actually inaccurate as he got nailed in the leg ..had nothing to do with being inmobile..McNabb has been hit in the leg several times resulting in serious injuries(the broken leg , now the ACL) and he's NOT INMOBILE...


[color:"red"] Other Browns scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season are cornerback Ralph Brown, defensive ends Nick Eason and Alvin McKinley, punt returner Dennis Northcutt and safety Brian Russell.
[/color]

Goodbye Brown, McKinley..go to Denver, I'm sure Patterson will welcome U <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
I actually think Eason should move to DE...we need to draft a HUGE NT. [color:"red"] [/color]

Our Draft will consist of Defencive lineman and a top 5 cornerback in the first 4 rounds, After that who knows.... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Where did that info come from??? Is it because the media doesnt know when agents and teams talk behind closed doors?? Seems like a quote to try and get people all frenzied over the line.............. as usual!!

so they have been talking?

I'm pretty sure the Browns would be talking to players they are interested in possibly resigning. I'm pretty sure they want to keep it low key for right now. I'm sure it will get into the media the longer discusions go on.

Grossi is speculating..he doesn't know anything..

[color:"white"]Grossi? Speculating out of the wrong hole?

Newsflash! [/color]

I never said that........ I just wonder why a reporter would report something that he can't label as fact! OH, crap they do that all the time! hehe!

Sometimes they are ALWAYS talking. Its different in Hanks case because of the situation. I can't say anyone else is or isnt talking. If the browns sign Hank it won't be to be a back-up to Bentley. ( I could have said: If Hank re-signs with the Browns it wont be to be a back-up) So they need to know going into the signing ( if there ever is one ) what their situation is, sometimes this starts talks later on in the season. Then this would snowball onto Coleman. If they re-sign Hank to play center and slide LCB to guard, etc. Also no one will know til LCB gets on a field if he can play. Its complicated. Who knows, he might be right and no one might come back. I just thought whoever wrote it was fishing in the dark for something to get some attention.

I really hope they re-sign Hank. He's been solid most of the season and with LCB still speculative on a return date, he might be a neccesity, rather than a luxury.

Of course, as was mentioned on a previous thread, Fraley is likely going to be looking for a significant amount of cash. Hence, whether or not we can afford him will play a factor as we've already given Shaffer and LCB a wad of cash and I got a hunch Ryan Tucker makes some pretty hefty bucks.

Although I love the idea of LCB shifting to guard and having him and Fraley side by side, I seriously wonder if we can afford it.

It was always come down to dollars with most of the re-signings. Fraley should get a bump in pay because he has been pretty decent and we do not know when Bently will come back. As long as he does not ask for too much, then sign the man. As far as Coleman and Friedman, it will come down to what they ask for and what they will accept because other than needing decent o-line backups with the BROWNS LACK OF LUCK, they are really not starting material. If they develop into it fine, but nothing yet has been shown. Northcutt may leave because he will want a big contract but other than returning punts, he is no more than a slot, 3rd receiver.
As far as Russel, depending on who we get in the draft( because that safety from Ohio State is one I would jump on) would depend on if we should re-sign him.

Thought it might be pertinent to this discussion

2006 Browns Salaries

If Gbax is truly done, thats potentially some good kwan back in the pocket. Not that I wish that his injury is career ending (I hope it isn;t for his sake) but I do believe that he needs to go buh-bye.