DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum FA discussion thread

dang, you guys are bringing me down. I already got 3 beers in from reading about the Fraley signing.

I was hoping for one of the big dawgs by 12:30 though

well i still have about ten minutes

I guess I'll just sit here and down this 12 pack of Coors Light. If I haven't heard anything by then, I'll go to bed lol.

Still no *official* word on Fraley. Wonder what's up with that?

I don't know. I hope nothing happened to make that deal fall through

I hope we didn't put the cart before the horse on this one.

I'm a firm believer in Murphy's law if you can't tell. Especially when it comes to the Browns.

I saw that even if the Browns agree to a deal with Clements, it may not be announced until this afternoon. I don't know when they would announce Steinbach, IF he signs.

Hopefully there is no official word because the front office is busy signing other players to go with Fraley.

it's official... everyone is in the chat room btw...

Updated: March 2, 2007, 12:21 AM ET
Poised for free agency, Browns agree to terms with Fraley

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2785163

Dolphins | McKinney released
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:23:02 -0800

MiamiDolphins.com reports the Miami Dolphins released C Seth McKinney Thursday, March 1.

The Dolphins might be a team we need to look out for in Fa and the Draft. They cut another OL. Bennie Anderson. Plus their line is horrible so it isn't really news we need to watch out for them. Not sure they're cap situation though.

what is this chat room you guys are talking about.?

Post deleted by Referee2

I'm assuming you're over 17... go into your profile and add in your birthday.
You should then see a link to the chat room. The link is hidden by default as it is unmoderated and uncensored in there.

in the link at the top of the page. click on dawgtalkers chat

Yeah this thread is getting full and I don't mean to keep doing it but i'm bored and haven't really noticed it.

Sorry guy's. I'm sure all of you keep looking in here because it keeps getting posted in. I will refrain from posting in here unless we sign someone.

Thank you all three of you.

My dumb butt noticed after I posted.

you three wre on top of things as I was going to delete my post.

you......your good

http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash/bro...list=brownsnews

Browns agree to deal with center Fraley3/2/2007, 12:30 a.m. ET
By TOM WITHERS
The Associated Press



CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly before trying to entice other free agents, the Cleveland Browns took care of one of their own — center Hank Fraley.

They reached preliminary agreement on a four-year contract with Fraley, who rescued the Browns last season after they lost LeCharles Bentley to a career-threatening knee injury.

Financial terms were not immediately available late Thursday from agent Ralph Cindrich.

Fraley provided stability last season, starting all 16 games after being acquired from Philadelphia for a 2008 draft pick. Before Fraley's arrival, the Browns went through five centers trying to fill Bentley's spot.

With Bentley expected to miss another season, the Browns needed to lock up a seasoned center quickly and didn't want to risk losing Fraley to another team.

Browns general manager Phil Savage was to begin sending contract proposals at 12:01 a.m. Friday to the agents for several top-flight free agents, including cornerback Nate Clements and guard Eric Steinbach.

Last year, the Browns spent more than $100 million on eight players and got little return for their investment.

That's not going to stop them from doing it again.

Coming off a brutal 4-12 season, the Browns are hoping to upgrade both lines and land a shutdown cornerback.

"If you get the one player, or one of the two available (at a position), then you feel you're doing OK," Savage said last week. "I don't know if any position is five or six deep. If you miss out on the first two or three guys at any spot, you're missing the boat on a significant upgrade."

The Browns' first target will be Clements, a Cleveland native and former Ohio State standout who made one Pro Bowl in five seasons with Buffalo. He is arguably the top available free agent in what is a thinner-than-usual market.

Clements has said he wants to be the top-paid player at his position. Denver's Champ Bailey set the standard for cornerbacks when he signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Broncos in 2004. That deal included an $18 million bonus.

The Browns may have to dish out even more.

With teams having additional money to spend under a record $109 million salary cap thanks to a new TV deal and the league's labor extension with players, Cleveland will have to outbid several other teams including Washington and Tennessee for Clements.

"You try to keep from being gun shy," Savage said. "You want to go ahead and get out there. We've got the cap room ($30 million) to do it. We're picking high in the draft. So we're going to keep working at it and try to get more right than wrong."

One plus in talks with Clements is that the Browns don't have to sell the championship-starved city to one of its sons or his agent, Todd France.

A year ago, the Browns made an early splash in free agency by signing Bentley, wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and punter Dave Zastudil — all grew up in the Cleveland area — and getting Clements would continue that homecoming vibe.

"The local ties help," Savage said. "I think you have to really want to be here."

Despite Cleveland's many problems the past few seasons, Jurevicius, who signed a four-year deal with the Browns to fulfill a lifelong dream, is confident the club will be able to lure free agents.

"Honestly, money talks sometimes," he said. "If the money is there, who is going to turn that down? There's a rich history of football here and I think guys see the talent that we have."

Browns coach Romeo Crennel, signing autographs at a car show, said much of the groundwork for free agency was done during last week's combine in Indianapolis. But even the most detailed plans can go askew once the bidding starts.

"You really don't know what it's going to be like," he said. "You might feel really good about a guy and then you get shot out of the water overnight."

As the start of free agency approached, several teams unloaded big-name players, giving the market a fresh and changing look. Crennel said the Browns would consider anyone available, including Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter.

"Everybody should be interested in Joey, particularly 3-4 teams," he said. "Along with that, you also have to look at what it's going to cost for some of those guys. Joey is into it late now so we have to see how he would fit."
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
© 2007 cleveland.com All Rights Reserved.

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

Jaguars | Wilford given second-round tender
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:34:43 -0800

Vic Ketchman, of Jaguars.com, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have tendered WR Ernest Wilford at the second-round level.


Jaguars | McCray given first-round tender
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:24:26 -0800

Vic Ketchman, of Jaguars.com, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have tendered DL Bobby McCray at the first-round level.


Broncos | Graham to visit team Friday
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:23:59 -0800

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports free agent TE Daniel Graham (Patriots) is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos Friday, March 2.


Seahawks | Kerney to visit team as early as Saturday
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:16:43 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports free agent DL Patrick Kerney (Falcons) could visit the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, March 3.


Seahawks | Dielman to visit team Friday
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:13:09 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports free agent OG Kris Dielman (Chargers) is expected to visit the Seattle Seahawks Friday, March 2.


Bills | Greer re-signed
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:52:19 -0800

The Associated Press reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed CB Jabari Greer to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Giants | D. Ward tendered
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:43:52 -0800

The Associated Press reports the New York Giants restricted free agent RB Derrick Ward has received a seventh-round tender. The Giants would receive a seventh-round draft pick as compensation if he is signed by another team.


Jaguars | Scobee offered first-round tender
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:43:15 -0800

Vic Ketchman, of Jaguars.com, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have tendered PK Josh Scobee at the first-round level.


Giants | Torbor tendered
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:41:02 -0800

The Associated Press reports the New York Giants restricted free agent LB Reggie Torbor has received a fourth-round tender. The Giants would receive a fourth-round draft pick as compensation if he is signed by another team.


Giants | G. Wilson tendered
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:36:18 -0800

The Associated Press reports the New York Giants restricted free agent S Gibril Wilson has received a second-round tender. The Giants would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation if he is signed by another team.


Dolphins | Team waives Kimble
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:35:52 -0800

MiamiDolphins.com reports the Miami Dolphins waived WR Eric Kimble Thursday, March 1.


Chargers | Kiel released
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:33:48 -0800

The Associated Press reports San Diego Chargers S Terrence Kiel has been released.


Browns | Fraley signs
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:31:45 -0800

The Associated Press reports the Cleveland Browns have re-signed C Hank Fraley to a four-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Dolphins | Team releases Anderson
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:31:00 -0800

MiamiDolphins.com reports the Miami Dolphins released OG Bennie Anderson Thursday, March 1.


Dolphins | McKinney released
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:23:02 -0800

MiamiDolphins.com reports the Miami Dolphins released C Seth McKinney Thursday, March 1.


Bills | Team releases Bowen
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:09:16 -0800

Chris Brown, of the BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills released SS Matt Bowen Thursday, March 1.


49ers | Cignetti hired
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:05:23 -0800

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have hired Frank Cignetti as the team's quarterbacks coach.


Bills | Team releases Villarrial
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 21:03:02 -0800

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills released OG Chris Villarrial Thursday, March 1.


Raiders | Kelly tendered
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 20:51:10 -0800

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DL Tommy Kelly has received a second-round tender offer from the team. If a different team signs Kelly, that team would owe the Raiders their second-round draft pick.

Post deleted by Referee2

Browns | Steinbach to visit team Friday
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 23:04:18 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports free agent OG Eric Steinbach (Bengals) will visit the Cleveland Browns Friday, March 2.

Buccaneers | Team has interest in Petitgout
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:59:38 -0800

Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have interest in free agent OT Luke Petitgout (Giants). He passed a physical with the team Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Buccaneers | Steinbach will visit team Saturday
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:57:48 -0800

Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports free agent OG Eric Steinbach (Bengals) will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, March 3.

Chargers | Dielman is top priority
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 22:51:23 -0800

Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports the San Diego Chargers will make re-signing OG Kris Dielman one of their top priorities this offseason. "Kris is the top priority," Smith said. "We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping we can work something out. Again, it's what's in the best interest for us. Kris will do what's in the best interest for him and his family. This is a business. We're professional people in a professional league. We'll see how it plays out, but we'll do what we can." Dielman is viewed as one of the top players in this year's free agent class.


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

Screw that. If the Buccaneers deprive us of Steinbach and/or Dielman, I'll be really ticked. Didn't they take a guard and a tackle with their first two picks last year? Didn't they already spend enough on OL? Haha, maybe I'm not used to a team spending so much on OL since we've only taken one first rounder since we've been back....or maybe I'm just too drunk heading into spring break after turning in my appellate brief.

Either way, have a great night everyone!!!!!!

49ers | Clements talking to team
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 23:36:40 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports free agent CB Nate Clements (Bills) is talking with the San Francisco 49ers.


Titans | Clements talking to team
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 23:34:44 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports free agent CB Nate Clements (Bills) is talking with the Tennessee Titans.


Browns | Clements talking to team
Thu, 1 Mar 2007 23:32:36 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports free agent CB Nate Clements (Bills) is talking with the Cleveland Browns.

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

As to Droughns, I'm willing to bet we re-sign him. I like the guy and would like to see him back. He had some personal problems last year as well as injuries, and our line was pretty poor. I'm guessing the FO will take that into account.

Also, I don't want the Browns to draft Peterson, and if we release Droughns, Peterson may move up on our boards that much more, so maybe I have ulterior motives.

The question is not whether we will resign him,as he is already under contract,the question is,whetther or not he is worth $1.75mil on top of his salary + pro-rated signing bonus.
In my opinion his value is not $2mil+,but would it be cheaper,in salary cap dollars,to keep him,or cut him.

Just clickin,

Maybe you guys have already discussed this, i haven't gone through all the posts. Anyways i saw in the transactions on NFL.com that Tampa Bay released Kenyatta Walker their RT for the last 6 years and i was wondering what anybody thought about bringing him in and if Tucker is healthy moving him to OG or having Tuck be a swing backup. I know Walker hasn't always played up to his abilities with Tampa but maybe a change of scenery will jump start him. opinions?

Quote:

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My guess is Droughns will be released before the cash

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If Rueben is handed his walking papers everybody can say hello Adrian Peterson

j/c

Daman, here's a thought. You were asking about something to do with having an agreement prior to FA starting. Here's my thought about that.....remember when Ted Washington signed with the Browns last year? He had already had an agreement in place for 2 years with Romeo. He had told RAC when he (RAC) got his own team as HC that he would come play for him. TW told RAC that when TW left the Patriots. Would that be considered tampering? I don't see it as that. I see it more as loyalty to a coach. Nolan left last season correct? Could the player you mentioned (memory fails me for the moment) have told Nolan that when he was available that he would love to play for Nolan? That wouldn't be illegal, it would be loyalty to a coach. jmho

J/C

web page

Browns take aim as free agency begins

Friday, March 2, 2007

By Steve Doerschuk
repository sports writer

BEREA While the Browns tried to make two flying tackles immediately after the free agency market opened at 12:01 a.m. today, they also stayed alert for second-line deals.

Premium free agents Nate Clements and Eric Steinbach weren't expected to stay on the market long. In fact, one source said Steinbach could sign with the Browns as early as today.

Both agents heard from the Browns, who appeared to have a legitimate shot at signing both the Ohio-bred cornerback, Clements, and the former Big Ten and Cincinnati Bengals guard, Steinbach.

In relation to team needs and how the top of the free agency market took shape in recent weeks, Clements and Steinbach emerged as the Browns' consensus Big 2.

The Browns were holding their breath, opening a wallet jammed with $30 million under the salary cap and hoping to make an announcement this weekend.

If those two sign with Cleveland, there won't be much room for bringing in other free agents. But there could be some.

One free agent to watch is Brad Johnson, who led Tampa Bay to a 48-21 win over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII. The 6-foot-5, 226-pound quarterback is 38, and his last big year as a starting quarterback was 2003 (3,811 yards, 26 TDs).

He started 14 games and passed for 2,750 yards with a shaky 2006 supporting cast in Minnesota. The Browns' discussion centers around how he would fit with young QBs Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson. Some voices might argue that he is an ideal fit, a mature leader under whom Frye and Anderson can grow.

In one scenario, Johnson could be Cleveland's starter, with recent high Round 1 picks Kellen Winslow Jr., Braylon Edwards and perhaps Peterson giving him the wherewithal to produce a nice last hurrah.

In another, Frye would start, with Johnson in reserve if things went wrong. Johnson was 4-2 last season before the Vikings' season went south.

Another quarterback situation that could grow legs involves Atlanta backup Matt Schaub. If the Browns trade for him, he would be the front-runner to start long-term. Schaub is a restricted free agent who signed a "high tender" recently, but indications are the Falcons would move him for the right offer.

Soon enough, back-burner unrestricted free agents will come to the fore. For Cleveland, these include veteran guard Adam Timmerman and veteran defensive tackle Seth Payne.

Even if the Browns sign Steinbach, an elite guard, they might need more help at the position. Timmerman's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he expects to talk with the Browns.

"I think he's still a starter," Bartelstein said, "still capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level."

Timmerman, 35, hasn't been in a Pro Bowl since 2002, but he has been a durable guard for the Rams, who released him in a salary-dumping maneuver.

Timmerman could be ideal for the Browns, especially if they spend a fairly high draft pick on a guard and want an extra mentor. For that matter, Timmerman could start while tutoring Isaac Sowells, a guard prospect drafted in Round 4 last year.

The Browns are as needy on the defensive line as they are at guard, which is where Payne comes in.

"Anyone who has been around Seth wants him on their team," said Payne's agent, Ralph Cindrich. "He's a little older, but he can still play. He's a stuffer, and he's a leader."

Browns Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham was around Payne in Houston for three seasons.

Cindrich also represents free-agent center Hank Fraley, who agreed late Thursday to stay with the Browns.

"It's hard to tell where that's going," said Cindrich, noting there is "as much or more interest" in Fraley from other teams.

Head Coach Romeo Crennel said the Browns will monitor linebacker Joey Porter, who was released by the Steelers on Thursday.

"We'll see how that plays out," Crennel said.

Free agency always has some surprises. If Clements or Steinbach wind up elsewhere, the Browns could turn their thoughts to running back Jamal Lewis, who might get some support in the building.

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com

POSSIBILITIES FORBROWNS

A quick look at key free agents who could help the Browns:

CB Nate Clements Former Round 1 pick out of Ohio State would start opposite Leigh Bodden.

G Eric Steinbach Passed over by Butch Davis in favor of Jeff Faine in 2003 draft, has started 64 of Bengals' last 65 games.

QB Brad Johnson 15-year veteran started 23 games for Minnesota the last two seasons.

DT Seth Payne Run-stuffer suffered a season-ending knee injury in Houston's Oct. 15 game at Dallas.

RB Jamal Lewis Would address running back punch without drafting an injury risk, Adrian Peterson.

STEVEDOERSCHUK

I agree. Jason wright and jerome Harrison is a scary situation, but can you tell me who are NT and DE are going to be next year. We have Orpheous and big ted. Orpheous migh tbe good for 30 snaps, but i don't see ted being able to handle more than 20. This scares me even more than our RB situation.

Quote:

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I dont understand letting Rueb go for another middleof the road back. We are only talking a couple million here, that is what we are going to pay if we go out and get a middle of the road guy anyways.

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I would agree it might not make much sense finnancially, but I am not sure that he is still really welcome here. What was it week 16 or 17 where he was 3rd string behind wright and Harrison. At the bar we thought he was injured, but then we saw him on special teams and he played in the fourth quarter when wright got injured.

If he is going to be second or third string there is no reason to keep him.

But I still say our DL situation is scarier than any hole that we might see at RB.

I think this years draft is going to be all about the trenches.

TW is coming back and the prospect of having to play rookies with talent is better than having to play exeprienced stiffs.

I am thinking LT at #1 and if they get Steinbach I think we will see D from the first round out.,

An average back can look like a good back behind a good O-line
On the other hand an bad o-line can make even the best back look average.