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I did this alot last yr. during the offseason and will try to keep it up this yr., It's a pretty slow news time and while alot of this is old news,..... at least it's news. Team Report: Inside Slant The Browns are prepared for attempts to sign Derek Anderson and Jamal Lewis to contract extensions before free agency begins to go right down to the deadline of Feb. 28.
Various reports have the Browns and representatives for Anderson deadlocked because the quarterback wants a five-year deal and the Browns want to sign him for a shorter term, but both sides, while not wanting to be quoted, say the reports are untrue. General manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel have said they want Anderson and Brady Quinn on the roster next season and that Anderson would begin training camp as the starter. Anderson threw 29 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions last season.
Anderson was much better in the first half of the season, which no doubt the Browns are reminding Anderson's representatives in negotiations. After throwing three touchdown passes and no interceptions in a loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Nov. 11, Anderson threw nine touchdown passes and 10 interceptions the rest of the season.
Anderson would be a restricted free agent without a new contract. If that happens the Browns will tender him a high offer, which means he would either be back with the Browns earning $2.562 million or the Browns would get a first-round and a third-round pick from the team that signs him.
It is unlikely the Browns would match an offer, considering the offer would have to be huge if a team was willing to give up two high draft picks to get Anderson. With all their insistence on wanting both quarterbacks, it would not be a surprise if Anderson is not back. His trade value (or draft compensation value) might never be higher than it is now.
Lewis is looking for a three-year contract, according to his agent, Mitch Frankel. The Browns are offering a two-year deal. Lewis rushed for 1,304 yards last season -- the most by a Browns running back in 42 years.
Lewis will be 29 in August and is looking at this as his last chance for a big payday. If the Browns cannot come to an agreement with Lewis they will have to alter their offseason plans to find a running back through the draft or free agency. If Lewis does re-sign they can concentrate on fortifying the defense.
Team Report: Strategy and Personnel General Manager Phil Savage and Coach Romeo Crennel have been big on continuity since the day they started working together in 2005. They were able to maintain that continuity in the coaching staff, so going forward into 2008 both the offensive and defensive systems remain the same.
Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was fired, but the continuity was maintained when Mel Tucker was promoted from secondary coach to defensive coordinator. He is more of a hands-on teacher than Grantham, but the key for Crennel as the Browns try to take the next step to the playoffs is they do not have to start over from a coaching aspect.
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The Browns have always been active in free agency and will be again, but their first priority is re-signing quarterback Derek Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis so they could concentrate on bolstering defense in the early days of free agency.
Securing the services of Lewis is more important than signing Anderson because they are confident Brady Quinn will be fine as a starting quarterback. They do not have that player off the bench to replace Lewis. If they lose Lewis, the Browns could go heavy after Chargers running back Michael Turner.
1. Running back: This will change if the Browns can come to an agreement with Lewis. As aggressive as offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's scheme was in producing 29 touchdown passes, the reason it worked is defenses had to respect Lewis, who rushed for 1,304 yards and nine touchdowns.
2. Outside linebacker: The Browns finished 10-6. The Giants finished 10-6. The Giants won the Super Bowl because they pressured Tom Brady relentlessly. The Browns want to do get after opposing quarterbacks, but they won't get there until they find a left outside linebacker to team with Kamerion Wimbley on the right side.
3. Left defensive end: Stopping the run goes hand-in-hand with pressuring the quarterback in the Browns' plan to get better in the offseason. Finding an end in a 3-4 is tricky, which is why they have been looking for one for two years.
MEDICAL WATCH: Tight end Kellen Winslow is due to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at an unspecified time ... Wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and linebacker Antwan Peek are recovering from knee surgery ... Nose tackle Ethan Kelley is recovering from microfracture surgery on his right knee. All but Kelley are expected to be ready for minicamp in June.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--CB Gary Baxter: Baxter has made a bold effort to come back from tearing both patellar tendons in 2006, but he is unlikely to be re-signed.
--CB Ricardo Colclough: The Browns picked up Colclough in midseason to take a look at him. He is not likely to be back.
--OT Nat Dorsey: Dorsey is slow, but he can back up left or right tackle. With Ryan Tucker moving to guard, Dorsey could be re-signed at the right price.
--OL Lennie Friedman: Friedman is a reliable and can play all three interior positions, plus he is on the blocking wedge on kick return. The Browns would like to re-sign him.
--NT Ethan Kelley: Kelley is at least a backup nose tackle until the Browns find someone better. The issue is he is coming off microfracture surgery. He won't command a high salary, so the Browns would like him back.
--RB Jamal Lewis: Of all the unrestricted free agents, signing Lewis is the highest priority. He runs hard in December.
--OL Seth McKinney: If McKinney returns it would be as a backup. He is recovering from shoulder surgery. Re-signing him would be a low priority.
--OLB Matt Stewart: Stewart spent the season on injured reserve from a shoulder operation. The Browns need an upgrade and are unlikely to re-sign him.
--LB Chaun Thompson: Thompson has never lived up to being a second-round pick, but the five-year veteran is versatile and he plays on special teams. The Browns would like to re-sign him.
--NT Ted Washington: Washington will not be re-signed. He was slow and unproductive before being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 31.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--QB Derek Anderson: The Browns want to go into 2008 with Anderson and Brady Quinn at quarterback. If they cannot re-sign him, they will tender Anderson $2.562 million so they can get a first- and a third-round draft choice from a team signing him if they do not match the offer.
--DE Simon Fraser: Fraser is a valuable backup. Fraser does not want to be tendered a contract, but the Browns might go against his wishes because they are thin on the defensive line.
--LB Kris Griffin: Griffin was among the leaders on special teams tackles before a knee injury shortened his season. The Browns would like to have him back if he is not overwhelmed by another team.
--DB Daven Holly: Holly is smart and has a nose for the ball. Earning playing time might be difficult with the success rookie Brandon McDonald had, but the Browns would like to re-sign Holly.
I left our the Notes and Quotes, but if you want to read them as well........here's the link: Fox Sports Link
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That is a pretty good article. I agree w/most---but not all--of it. I'll comment on it later. Thanks for posting, nc.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
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hmm, lemme guess...you don't agree with this part Quote:
it would not be a surprise if Anderson is not back. His trade value (or draft compensation value) might never be higher than it is now.
...for me, it's this line
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Fraser does not want to be tendered a contract, but the Browns might go against his wishes because they are thin on the defensive line.
I should think they'd sign just about anybody off the street so that they don't have to sign him back.
![[Linked Image from members.cox.net]](http://members.cox.net/flyinc5/smallsigpics/frcburnout.gif) AL 29 76 14 R_K
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It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
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It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
Yeah, let him go. It's a bad sign for our defense if he's still on the team next year.
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It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
Yeah, let him go. It's a bad sign for our defense if he's still on the team next year.
And I so much agree with this. good article pretty much to the point. And we all know what we need, just like Phil and RAC.
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Quote:
It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
Ha,,, if that happens I'd be surprised.. have you not seen over the years how true the statement is: One mans trash is another mans treasure! Well don't be surprised if someone snaps him up if we don't.
#GMSTRONG
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thanks for the news, definately a slow time of year.
I would like to see Thompson and Holly resigned. Sure, they are not the core players put they have a good roll with the team. Can get by with them in a pinch. Would like to see Friedman back as well, good depth for the interior line and plays a part in special teams. Dorsey just never materialized, i would like to see a new body in the back up tackle postition, maybe a flex guy for tackle and guard.
As for Lewis, him wanting a 3 year deal and the browns a 2. Sounds like they are close. The last year of the deal is most likely the "voidable" year anyways. Probably comes down to the signing bonus/roster bonus amounts. It does change the FA period though if Lewis goes elsewhere. But if the money is close, why would he leave? I don't see this large need for runningback, the draft is full of them. He is on a playoff caliber team now, why leave to go to a losing team for a few more bucks. I suspect plan 1b is Turner (and i'm not so sure the gap between the two is far apart). IF Lewis' demands are too much, Turner enters the equation. Continuity would be there to some degree, Turner would have familiarity to Chud's offense.
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Quote:
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It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
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Ha,,, if that happens I'd be surprised.. have you not seen over the years how true the statement is: One mans trash is another mans treasure! Well don't be surprised if someone snaps him up if we don't.
I think there are some 4-3 teams that would him up in a heart beat. I'm NOT saying he becomes a starter or gets some big offer. I just believe there are teams running that system that would be wise to bring him in and see how if fits at DE in that scheme. He had the total wrong build for our 3-4.
"He who buys what he does not need steals from himself."
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I agree that keeping Thompson, Holly and Friedman are good ideas.
Lewis is by far the most important FA signing. I am very leery of signing Turner. He will require a high dollar contract and in my opinion durability issues. As a part time player he sure is nicked up a lot and seems to miss a lot of games to injury. I just don't think he can hold up as a bell cow Rb.
Am I perfect? No Am I trying to be a better person? Also no
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I agree that keeping Thompson, Holly and Friedman are good ideas.
I only agree with re-signing them if we cant up grade the position.
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Quote:
Quote:
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It's going to be funny when Fraser gets his wish and is released only to find no offers from other teams.
Yeah, let him go. It's a bad sign for our defense if he's still on the team next year.
And I so much agree with this. good article pretty much to the point. And we all know what we need, just like Phil and RAC.
Simon Fraser , for an undrafted free agent, has done us well. He is a tough run stopper, and if he just had a little help next to him, might just be VERY GOOD. I like Fraser and am glad he is on the team. 
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Thanks for the read...  JL is the biggest and most important signing this off season for the Browns. One of the big reasons for our teams success last year was JL. On the field and off. He got better late in the season when it counted. In lousy weather. His work ethic and attitude are critical leadership benifits to the organization. One of the big reasons the Browns were such a threat on O was JL. The O- Line was the biggest, IMO. But JL made them look good too... D's had to respect the running game. That helped open up good opportunities in the passing attack. If JL is not resigned, (which IMO, he will be), it will have a huge effect on what the Browns do this off season in FA and the draft... Turner is not the same animal... Carry the load, 25 or so carries for 14-16 games, cold weather, get better late in the season in the AFC North??? Hum...  The Browns would probably have to over spend on less value for Turner... IMO. Not signing JL would be a huge setback/drawback at this point for the Browns. I hope we sign Friedman and Griffin if he's healthy. The rest, only if we can't upgrade or the value is outstanding.
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Quote:
Simon Fraser , for an undrafted free agent, has done us well. He is a tough run stopper, and if he just had a little help next to him, might just be VERY GOOD
Actually "IF" Fraser is still a Brown next season we are in deep deep do-do. And "IF" you had a honest to goodness handle on what Fraser does well you would know he is a liablity in run support. "IF" he does anything truly well it would be bringing pressure, and he isn't very good at that either. Perhpas you have Fraser mistaken for someone else, or your an OU fan that routes for one of the OU X players.
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I agree that JL is one of the BIGGEST priorities of our FA'gents. I will even venture to say he is a bigger need than DA  . (as I cringe waiting for the backlash).  With that in mind though, I still believe we need another RB either through the draft (preferably) or FA'gency. Jamal turns 30 (?) next yr. and he has ALOT of mileage on those legs. Can he carry the load again next yr.? Even if he can, getting a young RB in camp to witness Jamal's work ethic and leadership can ONLY help his development. Is getting fresh legs in a priority? It depends on what you consider a priority, but if we go RB in the 2nd or 3rd round (depending what happens in FA'gency), I wouldn't be upset at all. Especially if it's Mendenhall, I really like what I have seen of this kid. But I would like to see some more of some of the other guys also.
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"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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I don't know that we don't already have a RB here that can split or at least lesson the load on JL. That person being JH, he was pretty darned good last season in spot duty, and perhaps he could contribute a bit more so the load would be even less for JL ??
I really like the idea of using JL early and late and JH in the middle of games. I think JH is pretty good and has been under used to a degree. I understand that he isn't the blocker the Browns need in blitz pick ups. I can't help but think that at this point, (what his 3rd year here??) he hasn't gottin better ?? Don't know that part but I sure like the way that kid takes off with the Rock...
JMHO
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BttB, I like Harrison also, but only as a 3rd down back. I just don't think he has what it takes to carry a team for a whole game, or two, or three. If Lewis goes down for any significant amount of time, I think we are in trouble. We are in a lucky position in that I beleive with the O-Line we have now, alot of backs can look good. But to be a CONSISTANTLY good team, I feel we have to have a dependable running game that can keep opposing teams honest late into the yr. Jamal can do that right now, but for how much longer? I just don't feel Harrison could pick this team up and carry them on his shoulders should the need arise. At least not on a consistant basis. Jamal gets us that 2 yrds on 4th and 1, when everyone in the stadium knows he is going to get the ball. I don't know if Harrison can do that. What he CAN do is get us 15 yrds. on 2nd and 9, or 9 yrds. on 3rd and 4. But can he CONSISTANTLY carry the rock for a whole game or better yet.....a string of games should Jamal go down? I like Harrison and beleive it or not I like Wright. I just don't think either of them could be that franchise back that Jamal is, and I don't know how much longer Jamal can be that guy either. Again, I KNOW we desperatley need help on the defensive front 7, and I will NOT complain at all if we go there with our first SEVERAL picks in the upcoming draft. But I also will not complain to loudly if we go RB early in the draft either like I know several on this board will. Well........It also depends on who that RB is  .
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Quote:
Quote:
Simon Fraser , for an undrafted free agent, has done us well. He is a tough run stopper, and if he just had a little help next to him, might just be VERY GOOD
Actually "IF" Fraser is still a Brown next season we are in deep deep do-do. And "IF" you had a honest to goodness handle on what Fraser does well you would know he is a liablity in run support. "IF" he does anything truly well it would be bringing pressure, and he isn't very good at that either. Perhpas you have Fraser mistaken for someone else, or your an OU fan that routes for one of the OU X players.
Brown to the Bone
Look, B2B, I have a handle on what Fraser does. I watch him up close and personal every home game. I watch what he does on special teams and I watch what he does when he plugs up holes so the linebackers can make their plays. He gets the job done. I ain't saying we don't need a defensive end, cause we do...right a long with a real nose tackle.... But Fraser does well in the rotations. I make it no secret that I would like to see Jared Allen in the line up with his speed. I'd also like to see Haynesworth , but that ain't gonna happen. For the money...and his role....Fraser does us well. That of course, is my opinion, and I'm likely going to stick to it. 
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As I said last time, I'll keep these up to date when I can. Team Report: Inside Slant
Kellen Winslow Jr. is looking for a new contract after back to back seasons with more than 80 catches, but it is highly unlikely the Browns will satisfy him before the 2008 season begins.
To say Winslow is 'demanding' a new contract is to too strong at this point, but the Browns tight end said he has proven himself over the past two seasons and should be compensated.
"Well, when I got hurt (in 2005) the contract got re-negotiated so some things changed, but I think I've proven these past two years that I'm one of the elite tight ends," Winslow said. "My value on the field, they put an extra DB in the game, and that really changes the whole game. They have to guard me kind of like a wide receiver so, you know, yeah, gotta get that new money."
Winslow chuckled after making the remark.
The Browns' front office has more immediate concerns with free agency just around the corner. Running back Jamal Lewis and quarterback Derek Anderson, among others, remain unsigned. Obviously, General Manager Phil Savage would be more concerned with signing potential free agents than signing a player under contract through 2010, even if Winslow's health wasn't a concern. He is confident both will have new deals before hitting the market.
The timing for discussing a new contract is odd; During the Super Bowl while he was taking in the festivities in Glendale, Ariz., Winslow announced he needs more surgery on his right knee, adding: "I'm just really worried about my knee. Your legs are your life. I need my knee."
Winslow is represented by Drew Rosenhaus after switching from the Poston brothers.
It is rare for a team to tear up an existing contract and offer a new one with three years left because it sets a precedent for other players under contract who have good seasons back to back, as Winslow has. It is even rarer to give a new contract to a player with the string of surgeries Winslow has had; he has had at least one operation every year since being drafted in 2004.
Winslow caught 82 passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns in 2007 after catching 89 for 875 yards and three touchdowns in 2006.
Winslow is scheduled to make $4 million in 2008, $4.5 million the next year and $4.75 million in 2010. He made $305,000 in 2005 while missing the entire season recovering from surgery following his motorcycle accident and 542,500 in 2006 when he tied Ozzie Newsome for the Browns; franchise record for catches in a season. However, when his signing bonus is included he cleared more than $10 million his first two years while playing in two games.
Team Report: Notes and Quotes
--RB Jamal Lewis, set to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 29, signed a three-year contract Feb. 21
"I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL," Lewis said. "I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I'm excited to be a part of it for another three years. I said all year long that I wanted to get a long-term deal done to stay in Cleveland and it looks like with this new contract I will be able to finish my career as a Brown."
--Of the 305 passes completed by Browns quarterbacks in 2007, 312 of them went to Kellen Winslow Jr. (82), Braylon Edwards (80) or Joe Jurevicius (50). A total of 67 were caught out of the backfield -- Jamal Lewis (30), Jason Wright (24) and Lawrence Vickers (13).
The numbers reflect finding a third wide receiver is not a priority -- as long as Jurevicius and Edwards remain healthy. The Browns were fortunate Jurevicius, Edwards and Winslow all played all 16 games.
--The Browns were slow starters last season. They were outscored 85-60 in the first quarter. After that they outscored their opponents in each quarter -- 144-112 in the second, 87-82 in the third and 105-103 in the fourth plus 6-0 with two overtime victories.
--The wife of Browns Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, Annie Thomas, is the assistant basketball coach at Cleveland State. The former Annie Nelson played basketball at Wisconsin, where her husband starred in football.
--Opponents attempted fourth-down plays 25 times against the Browns in 2007. They were successful 11 times. By contrast the Browns went for it 15 times and were successful six times.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The best part about being in Columbus is that we were able to win and we were able to win a championship (2002). Once you're able to do that you see what it takes, what it takes to be the best, to stand at the top of the mountain." -- Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker on his coaching background at Ohio State
I highlitghted the part about our recievers staying healthy, because while I don't think a new WR is a priority this offseason, I DO think we need to look at it, and soon. I didn't post the Strategy and Personnel section as it hasn't changed from last week. Here is the link, enjoy: Link
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Quote:
I like Harrison also, but only as a 3rd down back. I just don't think he has what it takes to carry a team for a whole game, or two, or three.
I kinda thought that Harrison and Wright did a pretty darn good job the two and 1/2 games that Lewis missed due to injury,,
I thought I was seeing something special in Harrison.. What I don't understand is how he didn't earn a chance to play more.. sure looked pretty good to me.... for what it's worth.
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Quote:
I thought I was seeing something special in Harrison.. What I don't understand is how he didn't earn a chance to play more.. sure looked pretty good to me.... for what it's worth.
If I had a dime for everytime someone said this around here, I'd be on vacation. If I had a dime for everytime someone pointed out that he can't block to save his life, I'd retire.
Towards the end of the season I thought I saw a few glimpses of improvement...but that may have been wishful thinking.
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