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This appears to be the most recent with Tags applied...

There's still some solid DL available...

http://www.draftdaddy.com/nfldraft/freeagentdefense.cfm

Interesting you mentioned Scott. I have always liked the kid going back to his college days.

A tough player. I think he would do well in our defensive system as he is a guy who will do his job and fill his role.

Finally somebody else is looking at him and Scott...those 2 guys are my sleeper 2nd tier guys. There just isn´t something better out there...

I think Douglas could play on R.Smith-level...probably more consistent at that

My wishlist-FA pool:

DL

Douglas
Scott
Sopoaga

FS

M.Williams (too expensive)
G.Wilsom (too expensive)
E.Wilson (realistic)

WR
a) Hackett
b) B.Johnson
c) A.Davis
d) J.Gage
e) Wilford
f) D.Carter
g) Colbert

also for depth

RB M.Moore
G/C R.Hadnot
S Y.Bell

I know that Corey Williams was franchised but I still wouldn't doubt us trying to make a deal (not two 1st's) with the Packers to obtain him. I think a lot of people in NFL circles were surprised he got the tag.

I was really hoping we could land at least one stud D Linemen, and 2 more rotation guys. I think "IF" we had been able to land one stud it would have helped the balance of the D line, as is we have to settle for rotation guys. It's going to be costly even to land those guys given the needs of not just the Browns but several other teams as well.

The good news is we will be better along the line, theres no way we can be worse. The bad news is they won't improve as much as I had hoped..

Brown to the Bone

I am interested in...this doesn't mean sign everyone on this list:
WR:
Bernard Berrian-I like Bernard and I think if we can put him in as the #2 WR, and allow Joe J. to play in the slot.
Guard:
Jason Brown- I know we would have to give up a 4th round pick( I think if I understand the Restricted) but there isn't a 4th round player that would be equal to his talent and after this is our future RG. With this addition there is no need for anymore offensive live help.
2nd) Justin Simley- I know some don't like him but I think he would be a good replacement for Tuck.

Choose 1;
Lance Briggs or A. Samuel: There is no reason to have 30 mill dollars in cap space. I will change my opinion if anyone can convince me on of these two players would not improve our defense.
Calvin Pace: We need to add another play making LB
Ian Scott: We need defensive line help
Marques Douglas: We need defensive line help
Any DT available: We need defensive line help
Madieu/Eugene Wilson: We need someone to take a leadership position in our secondary. I think either one of these two could do that. I might say though I think we are more likely to get Eugene than Madieu

My wish list:
1) Lance Briggs/ A. Samuels
2) R. McDouglas/Ian Scott
3) Madieu/Eugene Wilson
4) Bernard Berrian
5) Jason Brown

Draft:
2nd:Ahtyba Rubin
3rd: Steve Slanton

Boss Bailey......

I'm remember the hype around him coming into the draft. Haven't heard much of anything from younger brother of Champ. Hahaha....what the hell was mama on when she named those 2 kids.....anyways.....

There's not much out there this year. Hopefully due to lack of talent, we don't overpay for second tier guys.

Some of the more intriguing names are in the LB's.......wouldn't mind signing 2 of those top guys on there.

A couple of CBs there, too.....but they're going to command a lot more than I'd like to pay. What do you guys think about Florence?

Browns could have interest in Bengals DE Smith
Comment: Where do you think Justin Smith will end up next season?
Click-2-Listen
By Carlos "Big C" Holmes

Staff Writer

Monday, February 25, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS — The Cleveland Browns lured Cincinnati Bengals prized OL Eric Steinbach away from the club last year during free agency with a lucrative contact and could be at it again this year when Bengals DE Justin Smith hits the free agent market.

According to a league source, the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are two teams who are expected to express serious interest in acquiring the veteran defensive end when free agency begins February 29th.

The Bengals have gone on record stating that they would like to have Smith back for the '08 season, but the organization better be prepared to empty its pocketbook because he's expected to draw lots of interest on the open market.

Smith's agent, Jim Steiner, said that his client will wait and see what his options are, and will make a decision about his status after giving it careful thought.

Browns have bucks

The Browns are believed to be the team with the most interest and perhaps the most money under the salary cap to afford the price tag that Smith will command. It was said that the organization wouldn't get into a biding war or overpay for the pass-rusher, but is prepared to look into the situation. The remark was also made that some team out there might overpay to get Smith.

The Browns are looking to improve their pass-rush after finishing the season ranked No. 27 in sacks with 28.

The return of DE Orpheus Roye to Cleveland is up in the air at this point and the draft is limited with 3-4 defensive ends. The Browns do not pick until late in the second-round when the premiere pass-rushers are expected to be off the board.

Smith played in a conventional 4-3 defense his entire career with the Bengals, but has the versatility to play the inside rusher in a 3-4 defense. In fact, he may be better suited for the 3-4.

Smith has 466 tackles and 43.5 sacks for his seven-year career making him a solid contributor on defense.

OLB Kamerion Wimbley and Smith would provide the Browns defense with a nice one-two punch when getting after the quarterback as well as tracking down the run due to Smith's non-stop motor.

It will be interesting to see if the Browns raid the cupboard of their in-state nemesis back-to-back years.


• The Browns, who are looking to add stability and depth to the offensive line, appear to be enamored with Pittsburgh OL Mike McGlynn. McGlynn was interviewed by Browns' scouts at the Senior Bowl last month and interviewed with offensive line coach Steve Marshall his first day in Indy.

McGlynn worked out well at the Combine during position drills and did 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. A visit to Cleveland could also be in the works for McGlynn. Stay tuned!

link


It would appear from where I sit that JS will be the best available DE in the upcoming FA period, so I hope we can land him, and get at least 2 rotation guys to go along with him. He would be a huge ungrade over what we got at this point.. IMHO


Brown to the Bone

This one I'm callin' BS on...

At 275 he's too damn light for the front 3 and he's not even close to being able to drop in coverage...

Rather see Pace here with a Douglas/Kelly...

IF we do spent the bucks for Smith...And they'll be big bucks...Apparently Crennel sees enuff to tap him MGinest's replacement...I certainly will not question Crennel on Front 7 pick-ups...The dude's been runnin' a D like this for years...I just don't see it...

This is gonna be interesting...If we make a Day 1-2 splash with an End...We're gonna find out right away how important that "Close to 300" weight is for a 3-4 End...

These guys are throwin' me off as of now with the Smith and Samuels stuff...

Quite frankly...I don't care if we get a Samari Wrestler...I don't care if it's a WOMAN...I don't care if it's red green or pink...As long as we STOP THY RUNNING GAME....

I'm sick and tired of seeing 140 yards a game from these guys...

Yup JS is light in the ass to be sure for a 3-4, and I think the writer is making a great deal of this up. Are the Browns looking at JS ? I would bet on it, then again I would think their looking at every available DE and T out there, and will try to figure out who will be the best fit. I hate like hell to settle for less then what we really need, but it appears that JS is the best of the lot. And if he were rotated I think he could be quite effective in rushing the passer, and would provide the Browns with someone that can consistantly get after the QB. One thing the writer did say that I agree with JS is a high motor guy...

So while I do not think JS is a long term solution for the DE position he does bring something to the table that we sorely lack, namely a pass rush. In a rotation situation I think he would serve the Browns quite well, light in the ass or not the guy is a solid football player that would improve the Browns front.. I guess it really comes down to what the price tag is, and does RAC think he would afford the Browns real improvement along the line..

As for the article I think the writer made a good 95 percent of it up.. Go figure a writer making something up...

JMHO

Hate to ruin to the surprise...but it's Roland "Champ" Bailey, and Rodney "Boss" Bailey.

I have always thought Smith was overhyped..he gets a occasional sack and thats it..
I'd rather get one DT and plug him in at DE..

I've never been that high on him either and i was kinda of surprised that the Bengals franchised him last year but we also have to remember that Smith is easily the best player on their front 7 and thus he does see lot of double teams so maybe Phil and Romeo think if they put him at OLB where he'll see more one on one that he could be a pretty good pass rusher.

I don't want Smith personally...

Fix the D-line and add a OLB through the draft... Thats my opinion...

1) Trade up where you need to, to draft Quentin Groves for the OLB spot.
2) Draft Red Bryant, and another big guy, possibly Frank Okam, who should be available in the 3rd round.

A tweener type ?
He's never dropped down into coverage..and for that matter Wimbley really doesn't either..
He would need to do that...or he needs to add some weight playing the interior..
This is where I think KW IS under utilized..because it's a dead giveaway when he drops to a 3 point stance..
U never see KW standing up as if he's going to drop down then rush..
Smith..it would be the same stuff if he's here...3 point stance..no variation on what he does..

I'm beginning to see reports coming out of Detroit that the Lions still want to dump Rogers.

"IF" the guy can stay in shape, and not take plays off I think he could at least help the D Line. Perhaps playing for a guy like RAC and a team like the Browns could motivate the guy to be a better team player. If someone where able to unlock this guys potential he would be a great player. I think RAC could be that guy to unlock Rogers. I think the price would be along the lines of a 4th or 5th rounder, and given the state of the FA market at this time I wouldn't mind taking a shot at Rogers..

JMHO

Brown to the Bone

Just clickin,


This looks like a good place to add this:

If everyone's doing it, free-agent tampering is OK
Yasinskas

By Pat Yasinskas
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Updated: February 25, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS -- If you have ever been driving on a rural road and come across a stop sign, you probably have faced a decision similar to what every NFL general manager and agent has had to make in recent days.

In the hallways of the Indiana Convention Center and the restaurants and bars around town, they've tapped the brakes a few times, but never really come to a complete stop. Why should they? Nobody's handing out tickets.

One of the biggest half-truths about the NFL scouting combine is that it's all about the upcoming draft. Sure, there are 300-plus prospects and even more coaches and scouts in town. What happens in the workouts will be a factor in the April draft, but it won't do nearly as much in shaping the immediate rosters of teams as what's happening just outside the walls of the RCA Dome.

That's where front offices and teams have started the process of free agency, even though that process doesn't officially start until Friday morning. With lots of winks and nods, visits are being scheduled and some negotiations have begun.

Sure, it all violates the NFL's rules against tampering. But nobody cares.

"We all do it,'' said a high-ranking official for one team. "It's been going on for a long time. Up until a few years ago, there were still a few teams that wouldn't do it. But they were the last bastion and they finally gave in because they realized they were losing out on players at the start of free agency because they weren't doing it.''

The Bears recently complained to the NFL, accusing the 49ers of tampering with linebacker Lance Briggs. Chicago's allegation claimed San Francisco was trying to negotiate a contract with Briggs during the past season. At the combine, with free agency coming quickly, nobody's complaining about tampering. It's just taken for granted.

"I wouldn't say much of it really goes on until the combine,'' an official from another team said. "But, when you get here, the agents are everywhere and you're only a week away from free agency. It's going to happen.''

It's happening at least as much as it ever has, maybe more. In a year in which teams have been unusually aggressive about re-signing their own potential free agents and the use of the franchise tag has become a common practice, the crop of free agents is very thin. Most personnel workers expect a frantic early push for the bigger names in free agency and then a lull before teams start looking for role players at reasonable prices. That puts pressure on agents to get early deals for the players and creates competition for teams.

That's why there are bound to be some big signings (at big prices) in the first day or two of free agency. But that phenomenon is nothing new because the groundwork long has been done at the combine. It's not uncommon for a player who would seem capable of drawing interest from multiple teams to sign a contract eight or 10 hours after the opening of free agency.

A few years ago, there was a free agent who lived in Hawaii during the offseason. Seven hours after free agency opened, he was sitting in the facility of the team (on the East Coast) he was about to sign with, having a medical exam. He hadn't frantically purchased a ticket and taken a red-eye flight the instant free agency opened. He had flown in from Honolulu a few days earlier and spent the time hanging around his new team's city. The terms of his contract had been worked out at the combine.

So much for bidding wars and whirlwind tours of several cities in the first few days of free agency. There might still be a bit of that, but most of the big decisions and most crucial discussions take place in Indianapolis.

"Every agent at least knows who's interested in his client and what his market value is by the time we get out of here,'' one team official said. "If the agent didn't do that, he wouldn't be doing his job. If the teams didn't take part in that, they'd get buried in free agency.''

It may be a victimless crime and nobody complains loudly (if at all) about this form of tampering. It may be just another part of a game that's extremely competitive on and off the field. But, technically, all the premature free-agent talk still is tampering and a violation of NFL rules.

The league doesn't need to make a drastic change and completely stop all the personnel games that go on at the combine. But, at a time when Spygate has put a lot of attention on all the little tricks teams pull, maybe the NFL needs to tweak its rules for the days leading into free agency.

One team official suggested the best way to handle the situation would be for the league to make it legal for teams to start talking to potential free agents two weeks before the period opens. That's not a bad idea. It would still give teams time to re-sign their own free agents and it would eliminate a window where a lot of improprieties occur.

If not, it may be only a matter of time before some scorned team starts setting up video cameras in the combine hallways to catch its competitors tampering.

Pat Yasinskas covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Link

No real suprises for me here. it's been long said that teams contact agents and talk about upcoming FA. Why else do you think that guys schedule their 1st visit to the teams they almost always sign with??

This whole process can also give us (Browns Fans) an insight into what DA and his people have found out about his value as well. If he signs with the Browns, it won't be becuase his agents think he can get a better deal elsewhere, lets put it that way!!!

Brown to the Bone

I thought it was a little too odd. But you never know these days.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/02/pats_expected_t.html

In a move that appears to be salary-cap related, the Patriots are expected to release outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin today, according to a league source.

Colvin, a marquee free-agent signing in 2002, was scheduled to count $7.6 million against the salary cap and earn a base salary of $5.5 million. The 2008 season was the final year of his contract.

Colvin was a starter at outside linebacker in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme. His 2007 season was cut short by a foot injury sustained Nov. 25 against the Eagles, and the Patriots seemed to miss his pass rush coming down the stretch.

The 31-year-old Colvin was credited by the team’s coaches with 28 tackles last season, while adding four sacks.

Colvin...eh, I'm not a fan.


but lookin at that FA list...

he's an RFA with TB, but Jovan Haye is up there on my list.

Clark Haggans is another I'd like to see,

Boss Bailey, Na'il Diggs, Kawika Mitchell, and id like us to re-sign Chaun Thompson

Bobby McCray from Jax would also be one to look at.


Just a few names I hadn't seen mentioned, and a couple I have that i really like

49ERS KEEP SOPOAGA
Posted by Michael David Smith on February 26, 2008, 8:19 p.m.
Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the San Francisco 49ers have reached a contract agreement with nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga.

The 49ers’ fourth-round draft pick in 2004 out of the University of Hawaii, Sopoaga had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. Per Schefter, the new contract is a five-year deal. No financial details are available.

Sopoaga played in all 16 games for the 49ers in 2007, starting five and recording 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Although he has only been a part-time player for the 49ers, the 325-pound Sopoaga is a good fit at nose tackle in coach Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense, and getting a new deal done for him before free agency began was reportedly one of the 49ers’ top priorities.

http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/02/26/49ers-keep-sopoaga/

The name I'm surprised no one has jumped on is Chris Canty. He's turned into one hell of a 3-4 DE in Dallas, and may or may not be tendered. IMO he's better than Douglas, who I would also like to see us pick up. Moreover, he's five years younger; just some food for thought.

The Cowboys only have about 9 million in cap room, and they need to (re)sign Flozell Adams, Marion Barber, Chris Canty, and then two first round draft picks. In other words, someone is going to get left out.

If it's Canty then we have to, and probably will, make a strong push for him in free agency. Hell, even if he is tendered we might still consider it depending on the compensation.

but, he's too oft-injured and we dont need that right now.

Look how our defense has struggled with McGinest being in and out of the rotation from injuries, and adding another guy who gets hurt often isnt going to help us enough.

If he can stay healthy, ok, thatd be a completely different story, but I just dont trust him staying healthy

Some info on our RFA.....




Browns | Team continuing talks with D. Anderson
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:37:03 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns continue to try to sign QB Derek Anderson to a three-year contract before free agency starts Friday, Feb. 29. The team will give Anderson a high contract tender of $2.562 million if he is not signed by Thursday, Feb. 28.


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Browns | Team will not tender Fraser
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:36:22 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns are not planning to give a contract tender to DE Simon Fraser, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.


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Browns | Griffin to receive tender
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:35:42 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns will give a contract tender to restricted free agent LB Kris Griffin. The team might give Griffin a second-round tender of $1.417 million.


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Browns | Holly to receive tender
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:35:14 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns will give a contract tender to restricted free agent CB Daven Holly. The team might give Holly a second-round tender of $1.417 million.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

Quote:

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Browns | Team will not tender Fraser
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:36:22 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns are not planning to give a contract tender to DE Simon Fraser, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

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BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gettin' him outta here is a key to this...Him being #3 or #4 in a rotation is beggin' for mediocrity...

Good to hear this one...

I like giving Daven a 2nd round tender.

I could easily see someone like a NO take a gamble on him, while I wouldnt want to lose him, after picking him off a practice squad, and having him play spot starter and play darn well, a 2nd would be amazing compensation.

but it sounds like we'd be happy going into the season with EWright, BMac, and Leigh. And that we'd be even happier with Daven.

Thats how i feel. I like Daven alot though, and would like to see him challenge for a starting spot. I think he's good enough.

Glad to hear we won't be tendering or offering a contract to Fraser.. That means things aren't as bad as they where last year..

It also tells me that the Browns probably have worked out a deal or 2 over the past week for FA, otherwise I think they at least offer Fraser some pocket change..

I am concerned about DH. I want him resigned, and I would have thought at this point the Browns would have gottin that done. Who knows perhaps it's in the works, I sure hope so. The guy has played well in the nickle, dime, and he can spot start. In a word he offers value, at a high value position. Get him re-sign PS, it is important, IMHO..

Brown to the Bone

Quote:

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What do you guys think about Florence?

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This is an interesting name...

I see NO WAY we will ink a Samuel's...

When you've got the talent the likes of Jammer and Cromartie...It's no shocker that Flo was dropped to the Nickel...

I like the dude...He's got good size and speed...One thing he does do that I like even tho it gets him in trouble at times (Needs to harness this) is he's extremely aggressive...Getting knocked down to the Nickel may have been the best thing for him...He's had a problem with adjusting to the speed of the game being from a small school...

Trufant is the Corner I woulda wanted IF we deemed a Corner as a need...But this guy is the one I'd go after while everyone else is outbidding each other for Samuel...Don't be surprised if we make a move for this kid...

I'm not at all convinced that Bodden's in our future plans...Injuries are killin' this secondary with him...At some point u need to make a decision...And DEPTH is necessary when u have an oft-injured Corner...Every time he sits we end up taking a MAJOR HIT at Corner...

WE ARE VERY YOUNG AT CORNER...

Quote:

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Browns | Team will not tender Fraser
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:36:22 -0800

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I'm not gonna dump on this guy like others have but this is a good move, simon has worked hard for this team, and earned what he recieved, now it's time for him to move on...thank Simon, Hopefully we upgrade enough we dont have to resign him even for pennies.