DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Rogers to the Browns?

I thought that this might help explain Bodden's inclusion in the deal .......

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/03/02/cleveland/1.html

The Browns offered a third-round pick plus cornerback Leigh Bodden. Now, on his own, Bodden, at $1.75 million in 2008, was as valuable to the team as the terminally inconsistent Rogers. But Bodden wanted more money. Lots more money. And Cleveland wasn't willing to pony up.

This might help explain it a little more:

Shaun Rogers gives Lions assist with trade to Cleveland Browns
by Tom Kowalski
Sunday March 02, 2008, 6:48 PM

Shaun Rogers agreed to postpone his roster bonus to join the Cleveland Browns, but refused to do the same for the Cincinnati Bengals, according to sources.

ALLEN PARK — In his last act before leaving town, Shaun Rogers did the Detroit Lions a tremendous favor.

According to two sources close to the situation, it was Rogers himself who helped nullify a so-so trade with the Cincinnati Bengals and then engineer a much more lucrative deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Rogers' motive was completely self-serving but he helped out the Lions nonetheless. Detroit, which had originally agreed to a deal with the Bengals for a third- and fifth-round draft choice in exchange for Rogers, ended up trading with the Browns for a third-round pick and starting cornerback Leigh Bodden.

Here's how the situation unfolded on Friday:

Early in the day, the Lions were in discussions with the Browns about a possible trade involving Bodden but the Browns were hesitant. Not only did they not want to give up Bodden but preliminary talks with Shaun Rogers' agent, Kennard McGuire, about a possible contract restructuring didn't go well. As a result, that deal fell apart.

The Buffalo Bills, another team that had shown strong interest in Rogers, decided to go in another direction and were trying to work a trade for Jacksonville's Marcus Stroud, which they eventually did.

The Bengals entered the picture later in the day and the two teams worked out a deal for the two draft picks. The trade was agreed to by the 4 p.m. deadline, but there was a delay over the legal language in the deal that took it beyond the deadline. As a result, the Lions were responsible for paying Rogers a $1 million roster bonus that was due on Saturday (because Rogers would still officially be on the Lions roster at the start of the day).

To work around that, the Lions and Bengals agreed to a provision in the trade that said the Bengals would pay the Lions the $1 million. In addition to that, if Rogers subsequently failed his physical, Rogers' rights would revert back to Detroit and the Lions would have to reimburse the Bengals the $1 million. The Lions agreed to those terms.

According to both sources, the league office rejected those terms because there was no language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that allowed for an accurate accounting of that money for salary cap purposes. That's what led to all the confusion Friday afternoon. Both teams had agreed to the deal - and that's what was being reported - but there was really no deal.

While the Lions and Bengals were pleading their case to the league office to agree to the contract, the Browns - one of Cincinnati's division rivals - got wind of the impending trade.

Shaun Rogers' agent contacted the Cleveland Browns after the league rejected an earlier trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to sources.

It's not completely clear who initiated the contact, but Rogers' agent was in touch with the Browns and the long-term contract situation no longer appeared to be a problem. The Lions were then contacted and asked if they were still interested in doing business with the Browns. Leigh Bodden was back on the table and the Lions leaped at it.

But there was still the issue of the $1 million roster bonus and that wasn't going to change. However, Rogers was willing to do something for the Browns, one of the league's up-and-coming young teams, that he wasn't willing to do for the Bengals -- agree to postpone the due date of the roster bonus. That effectively made it a non-issue with the league and opened the door for the trade with Cleveland.

The Bengals were stuck. They didn't want to continue with a trade which might end up costing them $1 million for nothing. Rogers held the hammer because he was the only one who could dictate the terms of the roster bonus payout.

By Rogers pulling his power play, the Lions effectively traded a fifth-round pick for Bodden, a 26-year-old starting cornerback who is entering the prime of his athletic career. He's a three-year starter who had a career-high six interceptions last year and fills one of the biggest needs the Lions had going into the offseason.

There were a lot of reasons why head coach Rod Marinelli was going to be glad to see Rogers leave town - and Rogers just gave him one more.

Source

However, Rogers was willing to do something for the Browns, one of the league's up-and-coming young teams, that he wasn't willing to do for the Bengals -- agree to postpone the due date of the roster bonus. That effectively made it a non-issue with the league and opened the door for the trade with Cleveland.

I hope he's also willing to go 100% with his output..

Methinks it will be a lot easier to go fully and give effort for the Browns than it was for him to provide for the Lions. If you are on a team where the mindset is and has been "we suck" then you aren't going to play balls to the wall.....

I agree, and I believe in RAC's motivational ability, I also believe that being surrounded by high motor guys like Robaire & Williams will help his mind set. I still wonder though how he will fit in the rotation. Does he go in on passing downs mainly? I don't see him as a guy acquired primarily to eat up two blockers on running downs.

Obviously, only time will tell....there are quite a few angles in which he could be utilized.

I agree as well...I don't worry about good players who "take a play off" once in a while on a crappy team.

First....it isn't hard for a player to start thinking he is the only guy trying to do anything.

Second...when you are the only guy who makes plays on a regular basis, all of a sudden, if you don't, people think you are loafing.

Face it.....players aren't going to make plays all the time.

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Methinks it will be a lot easier to go fully and give effort for the Browns than it was for him to provide for the Lions. If you are on a team where the mindset is and has been "we suck" then you aren't going to play balls to the wall.....

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That's where I start in my optomistic conception of how Rogers is going to respond now that he is a Brown.

He left a team, (of which he was the most dominant defensive lineman), for which all seemed hopless. He took plays off and was lax in his fitness and preparation. Perhaps the losing was taking it's toll.

His team didn't want him; the fans called him "Big Baby". Fans of a losing team put a lot of unearned responsibility on their name players. Like many players before him, from any number of teams, he became believed to be a big part of the "reason" for the losing.

Although given the rap for taking plays off and complaining, he is no Gerard Warren. Garard Warren never did anything worthwhile in the NFL. Rogers, on the other hand, was voted to the Probowls in '05 and '06 and was an alternate in '07. (see Roders thread for complete bio on page 5). That's not Garard Warren-like.

I think what we have traded for is possibly a defensive lineman who, even while being disappointed with his surrounding and subsequently not giving his best effort, still made the most recent 3 Probowls. What could this player be capable of while NOT being disappointed and putting forth a great effort?!

He is young at 28 years old. He should still have 3 to 4 very productive seasons left in the tank. When you think of the Browns hopeful Superbowl run, it is in these next 3 to 4 years that the window will be open. Meanwhile, his replacement can be drafted next season and have 2 to 3 years to develop. That's yet another reason trading for Rogers at the cost of a 3rd round pick doesn't hurt us in this draft. We would not have gotten his kind of production from that slot this season, and, we can replace him using that same slot next year. Or the one after.

It all depends on the risk of Rogers giving effort. If he gives the same and no more effort than he did in Detroit, and if the Browns are again a winning team viewed positively by fans and the media, he could make the Probowl a fourth year straight.

I'm hoping that some things fell into place for him as an individual that will rejuvinate him into a better attitude, work ethic and committment.


He joined a team on the rise who wanted him. The players here have already bought into the system and know they can win. That's a different locker room from where he came. RAC is a good coach deserving a lot of respect. RAC is like Rogers; a big defensive lineman who understands. He's been there, done that and has been the coach of one of the best defenses in recent years. Superbowl defenses. That can mean a lot to a defensive player as to his attention span, and willingness to learn and put forth his best effort. Winning can do even more to bolster it.

Are these some of the things he was thinking when he posponed the due date on his bonus so the Browns could get him staying within the rules?

With this change of scenery I'm hoping, even believing, that Rogers will experience an resurgence in his entire approach to the game. This guy could be the steal-deal of free agency this season.

Of course, his failings in Detriot could just be his character and he will continue here as he did there. But an underachieving, Probowl defensive lineman is still a far cry from what the Browns have been putting on the field lately and all told this will be no less than a damn good move by the Browns.

I know these additions just make me get really pumped to see Wimbley coming off the edge. I mean, Wimbley is a true beast and was able to get some penetration without much of a pass rush from anyone else.

Imagine if teams have to double team someone else! Let's just say Wimbley could be a big headache for a lot of QBs.

Rogers happy with move to Cleveland

Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News

Shaun Rogers had good words for everybody -- including his old team, the Detroit Lions -- in his first meeting with the Cleveland media.

Rogers, who was traded to the Browns on Friday after seven seasons with the Lions, was looking ahead, not behind, in a press conference Tuesday.

A transcript of Rogers' comments was made available to The Detroit News.

"I just want to thank these two gentlemen for having me here, giving me a new lease on life," Rogers said, referring to Browns GM Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel. "I just want to do my part. I'm just excited to be here. They (the Lions) weren't happy with my services at the time. I'm just happy to be here."

Rogers denied that he had quashed a potential trade to the Cincinnati Bengals by refusing to push back the date of a $1-million signing bonus, which was due to be paid at 12:01 a.m. Saturday if he was still on the Lions' roster at that time.

"That type of situation is out of my hands," Rogers said.

He has no preference over nose tackle, where he played in Detroit, or defensive end, which could be his new position in Cleveland.

"I just want to be somewhere I can make plays," Rogers said. "In this scheme, outside is like a three-technique (tackle). I've done my time there. I feel I can be effective inside or outside."

Rogers was asked about getting a bad rap in Detroit, but side-stepped the issue.

"Whatever happens in the past stays in the past," Rogers said. "I'm just happy to be developing a new look, a new reputation.

"I feel I played good ball throughout, and hopefully I can lift it up a notch here."

Playing on seven straight losing teams took a toll in Detroit, Rogers said.

"I think over the long term it does, but I bear no hard feelings to Detroit," Rogers said. "I had good teammates, good coaches. It was time to move on. I bear no grudge. I wish them well."

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080304/SPORTS0101/803040462/1126/rss14

Well at least he is humble. I still think we gave up too much for him, but if he produces, I won't complain.

All he has to do it try his best and we'll be fine.

Is anybody else not getting sound through the sights and sounds part of Clevelandbrowns .com? I have been wanting to watch these clips the past several days but I can't seem to get any audio out of it.

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Well at least he is humble. I still think we gave up too much for him, but if he produces, I won't complain.

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Truth is the guy's got more potential for us than Bodden does anymore.

If he makes the most of his opportunity here I don't think there will be any complaints at all. Rogers is a big boy and hopefully will be our NT. He's very strong for his size and won't be pushed around one bit. The effects that he could bring for us are tremendous. Bigger than what Corey Williams can probably proudce.

I'm coming in with high expectations for the guy, and I expect he'll treat us and our defense very well. I've got no problem with the deal we made for Rogers.

All I ask is that he give 100% all the time.

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Is anybody else not getting sound through the sights and sounds part of Clevelandbrowns .com?  

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Working just fine for me.

Nice article... sounded pretty humble.

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I get audio, but it cuts in and out real bad and makes it very hard to listen to.

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If you're using RealPlayer to watch the videos, try changing the preference to use Windows Media Player instead. I had a world of trouble with RealPlayer but Windows Media Player works perfect for me.

Man that is one BIG dude...U see at the end when he stood up with Savage?

First off It's Wimbley not Mobley Rogers...lmao...

This is one intelligent well spoken individual...

lol, I'm thinking we probably couldn't find too many eloquent speakers in the NFL. Mr. Cribbs is living proof!

Big dude and LOUD shirt...

Finally saw the whole thing...

Thought it was a good interview.

1. LOVED the fact that he said he is happy to take up the blocks!

2. Lots of respect for RAC shown through there... and Shaun seemed very humble.... gave a lot of respect to Detroit as well.

3. LOVED the weight comment where he said he was born 10lbs 1oz so he's always been big.

4. Good answer by RAC to the question about how our run defense looks now... basically siad that we're better on paper but doesn't mean anything if we're not better on the field.

5. Found it really interesting that JJ was the one to come to Savage and ask for a legit #2 guy... I thought that was a class move on his part and shows true character.

Watching his presser makes me feel a little better about his potential production. Be nice to see him get back to the Pro Bowl.

Maybe JJ is just tired of getting beat up on 3rd down!

He's the consummate professional. He knows what his limitations are and wants to do what's best for the team. I think that's just his general demeanor.

Savage said being the #2 had really started to wear on him toward the end of the season. You could see it too, late in the year whenever he took a hit he'd get up slow. I felt sorry for the guy. The more it showed, the more the Ds railed on him.

Not much new here other than a few minor things. Carter will not be back, according to Savage. Shocking! But anyway, I really like that Rogers is mindful of what the perception of him in Detroit was and how he's saying the right things and vowing to work hard to improve this team. He'll be here for the whole off-season program which begins March 17. I know there will always be some people that feel we gave up too much and poke holes through his game, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and a clean slate. Welcome to Cleveland Shaun!! We need ya.

Cleveland Browns' Shaun Rogers the team's new middle man
Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Tony Grossi Plain Dealer Reporter

In Detroit, Shaun Rogers was seen as a player with multiple issues.

The Lions were disenchanted with his attitude, health, work ethic and weight. They didn't want to pay the $17.5 million due on the last three years of Rogers' contract.

But Rogers pledged on Tuesday to make the Browns look good for trading for him.

"Whatever happens in the past stays in the past," Rogers said. "I'm just excited to get a new look, de velop a new reputation and just move on."

The Browns gave up their third-round pick and starting cornerback Leigh Bodden for Rogers on Friday. The trade became official when Rogers passed his Cleveland physical on Tuesday.

Weight has always been an issue with Rogers, he said, since he tipped the scales at 10 pounds, 1 ounce as a baby. The Lions tried assigning Rogers a prescribed weight and also tried removing that standard to encourage him to stay in shape voluntarily.

Listed as 6-4 and 340 pounds, Rogers sometimes played closer to 400 pounds, insiders said. He joked Tuesday he plays at "whatever is comfortable" to him.

"I've managed to play good football throughout my career and life," Rogers said. "I don't think it's going to be an issue here. We're all going to be in agreement. Whatever [the weight limit] turns out to be, I'm going to meet those standards and play good ball."

Rogers, who turns 29 on March 12, said he intended to participate in the Browns' off-season conditioning program at the onset on March 17.

"We're constantly working towards making sure everything is in place to lead off to a good start for myself," he said.

According to at least one report, Rogers was able to block a trade to the Cincinnati Bengals by declining to postpone the deadline for a $1 million roster bonus due him on March 1. The report said Rogers did agree to it for the Browns. He declined to comment on the report Tuesday.

On the field, Rogers has to learn the 3-4 scheme employed by coach Romeo Crennel.

"When you watch Shaun play, you see he's a dominant guy along the line of scrimmage," Crennel said. "We feel Shaun still has a lot of upside and will be a good fit in improving this defense. We were just upstairs watching some tape. Shaun has played predominantly inside and on the right side. I think we'll see Shaun playing both spots for us, because all our guys have some versatility where they play inside and at the end. We're gonna get the most out of him."

Rogers said: "I just want to be somewhere I can make plays and be effective defensively. I still think I can be effective on the outside as well as inside.

"This is going to be my first time in a 3-4. We've run variations, but that hasn't been our base defense. I've been over the nose, but not in our base. I'm looking forward to the challenges and maybe making a mark in the 3-4. I think with my size and some of my abilities I have, I can adapt well, but until I get out there and play it, I won't have a good answer for that."

The new Browns' defensive front will feature a combination of Rogers, newly acquired Corey Williams, and holdovers Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith. General Manager Phil Savage said the two other spots will be filled by Louis Leonard and 2007 draft picks Mel Purcell and/or Chase Pittman.

Stallworth feels at home:

The Browns are receiver Donte Stallworth's fourth team in four years, but he feels he's found a home at last.

"I'm excited. These guys won 10 games last year. They've got a lot of young talent. I'm excited to bring in what I have and be a part of it," Stallworth said in a conference call with Cleveland media on Tuesday.

Stallworth signed a six-year contract with the Patriots last year, but knew the structure of it meant he would stay only one year with New England. They made him a free agent by declining to pay a scheduled $6 million bonus last week.

Stallworth's deal with the Browns has been reported as seven years for $35 million, with $10 million in guarantees.

"I liked what I saw when I was there [to visit]," Stallworth said. "They're a hungry organization. Lot of good talent that's going to be here a long time."

Savage said after the 2007 season, Joe Jurevicius requested the team find a No. 2 receiver so he could be moved to No. 3. That was the reason the Browns pursued Stallworth aggressively.

Tim Carter, who was acquired last year in the trade for Reuben Droughns, will not be back, Savage said.

Sorensen signs:

The Browns announced late Tuesday that safety Nick Sorensen has come to terms on a three-year contract.

Sorensen was signed in October last year and performed well on special teams. He finished fifth with 14 special-teams tackles.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

pd article

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Listed as 6-4 and 340 pounds, Rogers sometimes played closer to 400 pounds, insiders said. He joked Tuesday he plays at "whatever is comfortable" to him.

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This shows a great lack of discipline on Rogers part..the inability to control his weight.

I hope the Browns signed him to an incentive based contract because my fear is this guy is going to be injured a lot carrying around the excess weight.

I hope he does not become a huge disappoint caring more about his hunger pains than helping the Browns win football games.

I will be looking at what weight he comes in at. Hopefully Crennel can pressure him to maintain a reasonable weight of 350 to 370...or less.

If he's going to play NT for us, though, wouldn't we want him big? As long as it doesn't cause the injuries, like you said, we want him to eat up some space. And it seems that he's been able to get some pressure on the QB, even with his size.

Did you read the rest of the article?

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"I've managed to play good football throughout my career and life," Rogers said. "I don't think it's going to be an issue here. We're all going to be in agreement. Whatever [the weight limit] turns out to be, I'm going to meet those standards and play good ball ."

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If he's in here all off-season working out, I'm not going to get concerned about his ability to meet weight requirements. Now, if he skips everything and shows up to OTAs weighing 400lbs, then I'll gladly join the haters. But he seems committed to doing whatever it takes to do well by the Browns at this point.

"I've managed to play good football throughout my career and life," Rogers said. "I don't think it's going to be an issue here. We're all going to be in agreement. Whatever [the weight limit] turns out to be, I'm going to meet those standards and play good ball."

Seems like he wants to be here and hopefully he stands by his word on this.

Moves pretty fast for his size.

Shotty just clicking......


I think it's time we as fans stop finding things to complane about I.E....Rodgers weight, DA contract, A.Davis in general, no draft picks...Phil spending....and just appriciate & enjoy this ride were on which isn't gonna stop until we win a Super Bowl....three years ago...now that was something to whine about......trading for S.Rodgers signing Stallworth, having two good QB's.....it's all good.....Me...I cant do anything about it, so I'm sitting back having a beer and enjoying watching Phil build my favorate team since 1962 into a Super Bowl contendor / Champion....

I agree Clay. I think it goes back to what I said earlier: We're so used to looking forward a couple years that it's difficult for us to think that we may be good right now. Plus, I think it's just the American way to find something to complain about.

But I know I'm pumped and this season can't get here soon enough!

Oh, come on Clay. What fun would it be if we all agreed and everyone was happy? I know one thing: It would make for a reeeeeally long off-season.