DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Joe Horn??

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Could Horn, Browns be a match?

August 27, 2008 1:30 PM


Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Thirteen-year veteran Joe Horn is in Atlanta waiting for a phone call and, perhaps, a little symmetry.

Before the 1996 NFL draft, a small-school receiver met with a young, up-and-comer from the Baltimore Ravens by the name of Phil Savage, who was the first scout willing to spend time and visit with Horn coming out of Itawamba Junior College.

Four Pro Bowls and 603 receptions later, Horn says he's never forgotten that day working out for Savage in North Carolina.

"Actually, he didn't have to work me out," Horn said in a telephone interview with ESPN.com. "He came down there and I think my agent got in contact with him. Phil worked me out, shook my hand, and talked to me about the league and what I need to do to get to the NFL and stay in the league. I just appreciated him for giving me that opportunity."

A dozen years later, Savage is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns -- a team in need for a veteran third receiver to complement Pro Bowler Braylon Edwards and Donte' Stallworth.

Veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius, who was expected to be the No. 3 receiver, was put on the physically unable to perform list Tuesday after contracting a staph infection following minor knee surgery this offseason.

Also, a dozen years later, Horn is a free agent in search of a contending team. He recently asked for his release from the Atlanta Falcons and sees Cleveland as an attractive destination, where Savage is the boss in addition to a former pupil in Stallworth that Horn mentored as members of the New Orleans Saints.

Do we have a match?

Horn certainly thinks so.

"I would love to get with those young guys and help them win, because I know they are right at the next step of getting to the Super Bowl," Horn, 36, said. "I would love to be a part of Cleveland's organization and help them get to that next level."

But the stars do not always align in reality as they do on paper.

The Browns are in no rush to make any additions to their team, particularly with final cuts approaching that will reduce the roster from 75 players to 53 by Saturday.

Yet injuries and spotty play this preseason have exposed some holes where the Browns could be looking for help by the Sept. 7 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to receiver, Cleveland also lacks quality depth in the secondary and that may be the most pressing issue.

Receivers such as Travis Wilson, Steve Sanders and Syndric Steptoe provides strength in numbers, yet remain unproven. Cleveland also did well last season with former third receiver Tim Carter as a virtual non-factor in 2007 and the team has other options with versatile players on offense.

"Our third receiver caught eight passes last year," Savage said. "With a healthy [tight end Steve] Heiden, the expectation is that Braylon, Donte' and [tight end] Kellen [Winslow] would be our three 'receivers' with others in a support role. At least until Joe Jurevicius comes back."

Savage said in June that the Browns were "at their budget," but the team remains under the cap and has the ability to make another quality signing/trade or two, if needed.

So where does that leave Horn?

In addition to Cleveland, expected playoff contenders such as the Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars all currently lack healthy and/or proven receivers. Horn, who caught 64 passes the past two seasons, said he has "no doubt" that he can help a contending team right away.

"Am I shocked that another team hasn't scooped me up right now? I'm kind of shocked," Horn admitted. "I see where there's some needs where teams could use me to get to the next step. But that's just my personal opinion. If they don't feel that way, then I understand that, too."

Horn added that he's content if retirement and watching his kids play football turns out to be the next phase of his life. His money is properly invested and his desire to play football is only for competition and the love of the game.

But Horn continues to lift weights and workout in Atlanta regularly because, in the NFL, he remains just one injury or phone call away.

At the moment, it doesn't appear that call will come from an old, familiar face. But Horn still looks back fondly on the time Savage connected with him and wouldn't mind a chance to return the favor.

"Things went well for Phil," Horn said glowingly. "He's a general manager now. Obviously he did his homework...He made sure he got the job he wanted to have and I'm elated for him.

"I did some great things during my career, also. So I'm sure he still remembers that kid he worked out down there that made it."

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This is the guy who dialed a cell phone after scoring a touchdown to show-off.

NO THANKS!

He can go somewhere else.

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In addition to receiver, Cleveland also lacks quality depth in the secondary and that may be the most pressing issue.

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This is the guy who dialed a cell phone after scoring a touchdown to show-off.

NO THANKS!

He can go somewhere else.

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"Our third receiver caught eight passes last year," Savage said. "With a healthy [tight end Steve] Heiden, the expectation is that Braylon, Donte' and [tight end] Kellen [Winslow] would be our three 'receivers' with others in a support role. At least until Joe Jurevicius comes back."

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BE & Stallworth are our #1 & #2..... K2 is the #3.
On top of that, initially Wilson/Steptoe/Sanders can be the slot guy... then JJ can come back after Game 6 and take over the slot.


To bring in Horn we'd be guaranteeing him at least veteran minimum for the entire season and then only using him in the slot (not to mention whatever signing bonus he'd likely require).
I really don't think that's a prudent move given what we've already got on our roster.... especially for only a meager handful of catches

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Do you really think that JJ is going to be back after week six? I have this suspicion that his season was over before it began.

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I've had that sinking feeling as well... ever since he went public to the media to contradict the rumors that he would miss time and to say that he was doing fine and would be ready for camp, only for things to get real quiet real quick as if they hit him with a gag order and then for him to suddenly a couple of days later need another surgery and then absolute dead silence since. I'm not crying conspiracy... I'm just saying

That said, if they already know he is done, there is no value in PUP'ing him... he would be on IR.

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Veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius, who was expected to be the No. 3 receiver, was put on the physically unable to perform list Tuesday after contracting a staph infection following minor knee surgery this offseason.


Again? I used to think highly of the CC but this has gone too far. I don't know what has cost our players more time on the field - injuries or the CC?????

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If Wilson and Sanders can't step up the last game he may get a call.

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on a 1 year deal, sure I'd sign him. same with Ty Law - but I don't think either are worth screwing up cap room next year. one year deal or nada.

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Do you really think that JJ is going to be back after week six? I have this suspicion that his season was over before it began.

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This is the guy who dialed a cell phone after scoring a touchdown to show-off.

NO THANKS!

He can go somewhere else.

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He is also a guy that has shown he is a very good teammate and mentor and does whatever he can to help the community. If Wilson and Sanders don't play well on Thursday. I would give him a shot.

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NRTU

Just wanted to add a little side not here.

Adam Caplan recieved a text message from the Browns after he too wrote a story about the Browns being interested in Horn. The message stated that Joe Horns agent called the Browns to see if there was any interest and that they wanted to be clear that the Browns did not contact Joe Horn. It seems as if Horn sees playing for the Browns more appealing than the Browns do.

I feel that there will be more viable receivers after the cuts than Joe Horn.

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NRTU

Just wanted to add a little side not here.

Adam Caplan recieved a text message from the Browns after he too wrote a story about the Browns being interested in Horn. The message stated that Joe Horns agent called the Browns to see if there was any interest and that they wanted to be clear that the Browns did not contact Joe Horn. It seems as if Horn sees playing for the Browns more appealing than the Browns do.

I feel that there will be more viable receivers after the cuts than Joe Horn.

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I'd be up for anything that will improve the team. Our offense has looked pretty bad without BE in...I'd think that other teams will just key in on shutting him down if that's the case.

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That's the thing about our offense. Though BE is the stand out, we've assembled enough talent that our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th options can hurt a defense, not to mention the situational subs that can provide a little spark (Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, and we were thinking of Martin Rucker as part of that group initially).

We have the makings of a deadly offense ala the Colts where you can spread everyone out and exploit the one on ones or run the ball at the thinned out front seven. Of course this is all dependant on our OLine getting their act together...

T_

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The only thing I can think of is that he's been injured a lot since his rookie year. After a while, being banged up all the time takes its toll on some players.

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Browns | Horn would be interested in signing with team
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:45:53 -0700

James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports free-agent WR Joe Horn (Falcons) said he would be interested in signing with the Cleveland Browns. "I would love to get with those young guys and help them win, because I know they are right at the next step of getting to the Super Bowl. I would love to be a part of Cleveland's organization and help them get to that next level," Horn said.


From KFFL

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