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Post Lockout To Do List
By Dave Kolonich
OBR Reporter
Posted Jul 4, 2011
In a locked-out NFL, pieces like the following will either quickly become recycled news or will retain an expiration date far beyond their natural life span. In either case, recent reports have suggested that the NFL’s protracted labor dispute may be coming to a resolution in the next several days – or at least before the next phantom deadline is reached.
If such is the case, then the following is an example of how the Browns can navigate the first few weeks of the league’s official offseason. Or, if the labor dispute continues to trickle into August, everything contained here becomes wishful thinking.
1. Sign the Rookies.
This one seems simple enough. GM Tom Heckert’s mega-tradedown with the Falcons relieved the Browns of having to chase dollars with a Top Ten draft pick. In a year where getting rookies signed and delivered to training camp takes on a whole new level of urgency, the Browns should have an easier time with a largely pre-slotted Phil Taylor deal.
Taylor, taken with the draft’s 21st overall pick, is sandwiched between fellow linemen Adrian Clayborn and Anthony Costanzo. Taylor’s rookie deal should be set by Clayborn and may be slightly more than what 2010’s 21st overall draft pick, Jermaine Gresham, received. Gresham signed a five-year deal with guaranteed money in the 10 million dollar range.
After Taylor, the rest of the Browns’ draft picks should fall into place. Although obscene rookie salaries have been a cornerstone of the league’s labor negotiations, most draft picks beyond the first round settle into an easy to follow slotting system – something that probably drives Drew Rosenhaus crazy. This system should allow for the quick signing of Jabaal Sheard and Greg Little – each of whom could challenge for early playing time.
2. Reevaluate Free Agency.
Depending on what a new collective bargaining agreement actually looks like, some players could suddenly find themselves as free agents in what will be a frenzied week or two of auctioneering. The Browns’ D’Qwell Jackson could become one of those players, along with about a few dozen others around the league. Once an afterthought earlier in the offseason, free agency could prove to be a salvation for the eternally rebuilding Browns.
Some of the bigger names available include Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, Joseph Addai, Sidney Rice and DeAngelo Williams. More importantly, some of the names who could fill a major void among the Browns’ roster are Ray Edwards, Stephen Tulloch, Jeromy Clary, James Jones and Darren Colledge – or insert your own free agent name here.
Again, assuming that free agency is opened up towards the middle of July, the Browns – like every other league team – have to establish their priorities. Since multiple team visits will be lessened, the Browns will likely have to target players from teams already familiar with the Browns and their coaching staff. Or, in an oddly contradictory manner, introduce themselves to the likes of Matt Roth, Lawrence Vickers and Abe Elam.
3. Find a free safety.
It seems like years ago, but after April’s draft, Tom Heckert offered the following regarding the Browns’ safety situation.
"Right now, Mike Adams is penciled in as a guy who's going to play almost all safety for us, but we'll see. There's a few guys in free agency and we'll see what happens with the undrafted rookies, so we still have a couple of options out there."
Mike Adams has been one of my favorite Browns since his arrival in 2007. Adams has served as a solid Special Teams and Dime defender, and has played capably when asked to start – both at safety and cornerback. However, Adams is not a full-time starter and the Browns’ secondary depth is worn thin during the times that he is.
Earlier in the offseason – back before football optimism was swallowed up by a league of litigators – some Browns’ talk was focused on adding a player such as Buffalo’s Donte Whitner to replace Elam. Whitner’s connection to the Browns was evident, as he was one of Dick Jauron’s first Buffalo draft picks. However, other names such as Roman Harper, Melvin Bullitt and Eric Smith could also be available depending on what the new CBA looks like.
Also, in an idyllic framework, the Bengals may have given the rest of the league a gift by placing a high tender on cornerback Jonathan Joseph. Since restricted free agency could become non-existent, Joseph could become unrestricted. A Browns’ addition of Joseph could solve both cornerback and safety issues, as Sheldon Brown could shift to free safety.
4. Name a starting quarterback. And settle the backups.
As I wrote last week, Pat Shurmur needs to distinguish himself from the litany of expansion era Browns’ coaches who have mindlessly shuffled through quarterbacks. Regardless of his eventual choice, Shurmur needs to make a statement from the start of training camp. If Colt McCoy is the guy, then so be it. If not, Shurmur needs to move on to someone else.
From a front office perspective, both Heckert and Mike Holmgren need to follow suit. Since Shurmur is tackling a nearly impossible situation in assuming control of the Browns after the lockout, all parties need to be mindful of the cohesion required to achieve any early success. Having said all this, let’s hope that Heckert was genuine in stating the following.
"Whenever the thing opens up, we'll sit down with Jake and talk to him and decide what's the best for him and for our organization. We have to wait until that happens."
Regardless of the names involved, another return to indecision will again derail a coaching switch in Cleveland. Even harmless statements that Holmgren may make about quarterbacks around the league can kill any momentum that Shurmur – hopefully – creates for himself.
5. Evaluate the defensive ends.
Much of what was stated earlier regarding the safety position and free agency can be applied here. However, there aren’t many defensive ends floating around the free agent market this year – simply because such players hold a tremendous value. Those who may be available, such as Ray Edwards and Ray McDonald, will soon find themselves signing extraordinarily inflated free agent deals.
Knowing this, the Browns have to figure out who on the current roster can actually play defensive end. Unfortunately, the prospects are pretty slim. Currently, Sheard and occasional pass-rusher Marcus Benard would appear to be 2011 starters. Add in a collection of 3-4 linemen left over from last season and the frightening prospects of Brian Schaefering and/or Robaire Smith starting the season is only a few months away.
6. Find a kick returner.
Did I just commit a sacrilegious act with that heading?
For those who didn’t notice last season, Josh Cribbs’ production plummeted due to a lingering toe and foot injury. In an ideal sense, Cribbs has healed and should return to his electrifying play of the past. However, the league’s rule committee hasn’t done Cribbs any favors, by moving up the kickoff spot five yards in an attempt to reduce the effectiveness of kick returns.
So, perhaps the third time will be the charm for Cribbs in finally establishing himself as an offensive threat. Or at the least, in terms of three, maybe Shurmur will be the first Browns’ coach to figure out how to best utilize Cribbs.
In the process, the Browns may finally have to look towards a future without Cribbs. The prospects of landing one of the fastest players in the draft in Buster Skrine could prove to be a revelation for a team that is still one of the slowest in the league in all three phases.
7. Pay Joe Thomas.
Remember the endless crusading that both players and fans performed in 2009 on behalf of Cribbs receiving a much-deserved new contract? Let’s hope that what Holmgren eventually gave Cribbs will be doubled or even tripled when it comes to paying the Browns’ most valuable player in Joe Thomas.
Thomas’ 2007 rookie contract features a sixth year, which can be voided – ultimately making him a free agent after the 2011 season. Thomas has proven to be one of the top left tackles in the league and more importantly, has solidified what was a glaring weakness prior to his arrival. Regardless of any progress the Browns make in 2011, keeping Thomas long-term should quickly become a high priority.
8. Find some backup linebackers.
Over the past few weeks, there was a local story written about 2009 draft pick Kaluka Maiava, detailing his injury rehabilitation. Because of the lockout and tri-annual coaching change, I had completely forgotten that Maiava was still on the Browns’ roster. However, since the Browns will likely operate with injury-prone starters Jackson and Scott Fujita, the value of Maiava skyrockets.
Although past Maiava – who played all of two games in 2010 – the linebacker depth is beyond thin. As of now, special teams talent such as Jason Trusnik, Eric Alexander and Blake Costanzo are all that stand between defensive respectability and complete chaos.
9. Raise the stakes for Greg Little.
Let’s see if Shurmur is a man of his word, or at least a follower of a local reporter’s tweets. A couple of months ago, it was implied that Little could become the Browns’ “number one receiver.” In theory, such an event is almost impossible in the NFL, as wide receivers normally take 2-3 years to fully develop. However, in Cleveland, Little may have a great chance to immediately contribute – especially given the limited resources currently available at his position.
Entering 2011, both Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie could experience the often mythical “third-year leap” that has historically occurred around the league. However, given the installation of yet another new offense, such a potential advantage could be negated. As for Little, he is beginning on the same page as his veteran counterparts and as such, could be expected to perform at a higher level than an average rookie wideout.
If such an idea is relevant, than it needs to be quickly expressed to Little.
9A. Or get some other receiving help.
Following April’s draft, Heckert gave the following slightly tepid response regarding his team’s pass catching talent.
"We added a tight end, and added a fullback that can catch the ball, so I think we did help our receiving as a group. But if we think somebody can improve us, we'll do it."
Unless anyone thinks the Browns’ current level of talent is comparable to past Super Bowl winners, I’m guessing that more improvement is needed. Only quantum leaps by Massaquoi, Robiskie and Carlton Mitchell can improve the Browns’ receiving production.
However, the risks involved in signing a free agent wide receiver complicates what could be viewed as an easy decision. While there is talent available, such as Malcolm Floyd, James Jones and Santonio Holmes, the price tag for even the most marginal of players will prove extraordinarily high.
10. Be realistic.
Browns fans know the drill by now.
A new head coach equates to a renewed sense of faith in the Browns. And for the fifth time in a dozen years, the Browns are once again starting over. However, in defense of the current version of management in charge, at least Shurmur is arriving a year after the installation of Holmgren and Heckert.
Yet, patience will once again become a virtue for Browns fans. The reality of the situation is that the Browns are installing both a new offense and defense in the warped training camp time frame of a post-lockout league. As of now, it’s not even clear which players will be in Berea over the next month or so, let alone who will break through once the season begins.
As a whole, the league will probably display a pattern in which defenses are further ahead of offenses – particularly those whose moving parts are not yet settled. In the Browns’ case, both phases of the game will be lacking.
So, before the howls for endless quarterback changes and coach and coordinator firings commence, we should all prepare ourselves now.
Go Browns!!!
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I think it's more or less everything we need. Not sure about the importance of settling the right side of the O-Line ... but technically we could be playing anyone from Pashos, Yates, Womack, Pinkston, Lauvao ... who else is on our roster at this point?
Good read though - I buy most all of it.
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IIRC, D’Qwell Jackson signed a one year 'contract'. Quote:
The Browns’ D’Qwell Jackson could become one of those players, along with about a few dozen others around the league.
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LIbertatem Defendimus!!
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Thanks, I thought so 
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Was thinking about how much work our roster truly needs.
Backfield
Hillis, Hardesty and Marecic
atleast 2 more to be added
QB
McCoy and Wallace
I could see us just going with two and adding a practice squad QB
OL
Joe Thomas, Steiny, Mack, Lauvao, Pashos, Pinkston
should carry 8 and I still have doubts if Steiny (trade bait to the skins) will be here come opening day. Hope we can bring back Yates and Womack.
Receiver
Mo, Robo, Cirbbs, Little
should keep 1 more, Haggerty, Mitchell most likely although one to PS maybe but there have been Simeone Rice to Cleveland rumors for some time.
TE
Watson, Moore, Cameron
probably all we will carry at TE
DE Sheard, Benard
2 more likely to be added Jayme Mitchell is a FA
DT Rubin, Taylor,
Should carry 3 more Travis Ivey, Schaefering, Robaire major questions on DL
LB Fujita, Gocong, Maiva
probably carry 4 more, DQ is a FA rest are special teamers. this is where I pimp Titus Brown lol
DB
Mike Adams, TJ Ward, Skrine, Hayden, Sheldon Brown,
Should carry 4 more and starters are needed. Also have Coye Francies and Hagg.
ST Dawson, Pontbriand, Hodges
So about 19 more spots to be earned and then you have the free agents in DQ, Elam, Vickers, Roth, Jayme Mitchell, Chansi Stuckey so lots of decisions to be made.
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I thought he had only signed his tender. Good to know. Hopefully he can rejuvenate his career and get some of that quick burst back.
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Quote:
DE Sheard, Benard
2 more likely to be added Jayme Mitchell is a FA
A rookie and a pass rush specialist.
I think this would be my 1st priority
if I were Heckert.
Heckert really had high praise for Mitchell, so I think he will most likely be offered a contract by us, but he is still considered somewhat of a specialist.
I think Brian Sanford can add depth at DE for us, but I would really like to see us bring in a veteran 43 DE the rest of our 34 ends will be DT's in this defense.
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Quote:
IIRC, D’Qwell Jackson signed a one year 'contract'.
Quote:
The Browns’ D’Qwell Jackson could become one of those players, along with about a few dozen others around the league.
You have to wonder if some of those deals will become voidable. These guys signed under the assumption that they would be restricted ..... and if they aren't ..... well, maybe then we can dump Jackson after all. (of course, who we'd replace him with is beyond me)
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Quote:
Quote:
IIRC, D’Qwell Jackson signed a one year 'contract'.
Quote:
The Browns’ D’Qwell Jackson could become one of those players, along with about a few dozen others around the league.
You have to wonder if some of those deals will become voidable. These guys signed under the assumption that they would be restricted ..... and if they aren't ..... well, maybe then we can dump Jackson after all. (of course, who we'd replace him with is beyond me)
He didn't sign a tender offer. He is signed to a 'contract' so I don't see how that would be reversed by a new CBA.
I think only Eric Wright was tendered as far as our 4 year players go, so other then possibly losing him to FA, I don't see us getting hurt to bad by FA this time around.
Stuckey, Elam and Vickers will most likely not be brought back.
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Yeah ... just wishful thinking for me ....... 
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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I agree with you Mour ... but I think there's a difference.
The post I just commented on - the article on "priorities" is more about what needs to be done ASAP. But, you are right in that we do have holes to plug in addition to the most important to address.
In my opinion... settling the starting QB dilemma and adding a starting free safety is much more important than adding the 3rd string running back / backup fullback / 5th corner will be ... but they are still pretty important - just not "priorities." Especially because we can probably find a decent backup fullback or a backup OLB who are special teams players even going into camp when rosters are trimmed ... but finding another starting caliber D-End or Safety is a day one of Free Agency priority.
I think overall ... I would not be surprised to see about about halfd a dozen undrafted free agents and maybe closer to 10 going into camp with real potential of making the team - as in not just camp fodder.
I think we're getting real younger.
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@pstu24
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Quote:
I think we're getting real younger.
Who's he?? Wasn't he one of the Younger brothers who hung out with the James gang??
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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To be serious, I agree with #7.....get Joe Thomas signed.
He is our legit star and we need to keep him.
Sure, we can franchise him....I assume that will still be a provision of the new agreement....but if you are doing that you are dealing with a unhappy player who is either telling you he isn't happy with the pay offer or not happy being on the team.
In most cases it is a statement about the team IMO because at some point, while you may not think the pay is equal to the value, you indeed have enough money and more isn't going to make a significant improvement in your life.
Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
We need to beef up, or at minimum bring in a few more bodies to burn a few minutes here and there.
If we aren't going to do it via FA, trading is about the only other way. First, football isn't like baseball which is a trading league since baseball runs a minor league program and most trades there involve prospects.
Second, we don't really have that many guys we could trade who's back-up could fill the void. Weakening one area to build another doesn't do anything but shuffle your weakness around.
We need 2-3 linemen on D, and at least 1-2 more backers.
On O we can probably go with what we have, though I wouldn't mind a nice receiver addition. While I liked the Little pick, in no way am I expecting him to catch a ton of balls and run wild through other teams defensive backfields.
It just isn't realistic. Reality is he catches 39 for a little under 500 yards with 3-4 TD's.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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I think we will address safety, but it may not be the "sexy" pick in Whitner or any other vet..
I still think Deunta Williams of UNC will pan out to be a pretty good starter in the NFL. Then we can also add Kendrick Burney too @ corner.
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Great read! Taking care of vets early will help; I want to keep Joe Thomas here and happy. But this is a pretty comprehensive list. Just can't wait to take in the season. 
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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Quote:
8. Find some backup linebackers.
so finding backups is on the list, but finding starters isn't? (outside of Fujita of course)
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Quote:
Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
That seems to be the case. I think his stance has more to do with him believing that you build your core through the draft and Free Agency is where you find the occasional starter but more for depth.. JMO
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Quote:
Quote:
8. Find some backup linebackers.
so finding backups is on the list, but finding starters isn't? (outside of Fujita of course)
Isn't that what we typically do? In FA, we pick up average at best players and depth players and then when they don't come here and make the pro-bowl, we complain and want them gone... 
yebat' Putin
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Quote:
Quote:
Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
That seems to be the case. I think his stance has more to do with him believing that you build your core through the draft and Free Agency is where you find the occasional starter but more for depth.. JMO
I think most gm's agree with that, but I don't understand not trying to keep improving past the draft.
Why wouldn't you??
I suppose what he means is we won't be big players for the big name players and concentrate on guys a bit under the radar.
I don't really count signing your own free agents as being active and would be surprised if we didn't sign at least a couple of guys.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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Hillis and Joe Thomas are likely to get extended this year. That would be a good chuck of money paid out but still leaves enough wiggle room for 1 big name possibly and a couple of the Watson/Fujita types.
There are also a ton of guys out there with big potential that are still relatively young but havent had a great deal of opportunity and then you have the undrafteds. Heckert also loves to work the trade market. I would not be shocked if we have 12 to 15 new additions that end up making our final roster.
Also there is talk of an extended practice squad going up to 10 players and being able to protect those players completely for 2 years.
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
That seems to be the case. I think his stance has more to do with him believing that you build your core through the draft and Free Agency is where you find the occasional starter but more for depth.. JMO
I think most gm's agree with that, but I don't understand not trying to keep improving past the draft.
Why wouldn't you??
I suppose what he means is we won't be big players for the big name players and concentrate on guys a bit under the radar.
I don't really count signing your own free agents as being active and would be surprised if we didn't sign at least a couple of guys.
I get the impression that it's more a "time and place" kinda thing. Meaning that if you got all your pieces pretty much in place to make a run and maybe you are short Top shelf LB or WR or RB.,.. Then you go out and get them in Free Agency.
But when you are where we are, which is still a pretty far piece from being on the brink, taking the "building through the draft" approach is better.
At least that's the way I THINK they view it.. Dunno for sure of course.
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Something to consider is that, even with extending JT, we may HAVE to sign a bigger free agent in order to meet our obligations under the new CBA. There has been alot of talk of teams having to spend almost all of the salary cap figure. The last I heard, the Browns were substantially below it.
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Geez. I must be the only guy interested in improving the right side of our Oline. Some of the available FA's are much better than what we have. Why would you not want to improve a position?
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Quote:
Something to consider is that, even with extending JT, we may HAVE to sign a bigger free agent in order to meet our obligations under the new CBA. There has been alot of talk of teams having to spend almost all of the salary cap figure. The last I heard, the Browns were substantially below it.
yessir, we went from 3rd highest payroll in 2010 to currently the 5th lowest due to expiring contract obligations and cuts (Rogers and I believe they presumed Jake Delhomme though its not official yet).
anyways, it's still TBD how they enact the salary floor or if it's really 90-95% of the salary cap (and if so what counts towards it, etc.). therefore, it's tough to say for certain today how much we "have to" spend.
either way, I think it's safe to say due to our penchant for having a pretty high payroll that we will be players in the free agent market. it's just wondering which guys we will target and what restrictions might be on some of the players (that could still be tacked on at this stage of course).
hopefully, they get this contract ironed out and we can start getting the details to how this will all work so we can get to the important business of posting who we want on our team
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
That seems to be the case. I think his stance has more to do with him believing that you build your core through the draft and Free Agency is where you find the occasional starter but more for depth.. JMO
I think most gm's agree with that, but I don't understand not trying to keep improving past the draft.
Why wouldn't you??
I suppose what he means is we won't be big players for the big name players and concentrate on guys a bit under the radar.
I don't really count signing your own free agents as being active and would be surprised if we didn't sign at least a couple of guys.
I get the impression that it's more a "time and place" kinda thing. Meaning that if you got all your pieces pretty much in place to make a run and maybe you are short Top shelf LB or WR or RB.,.. Then you go out and get them in Free Agency.
But when you are where we are, which is still a pretty far piece from being on the brink, taking the "building through the draft" approach is better.
At least that's the way I THINK they view it.. Dunno for sure of course.
Then again, this could be a Heckert/Holmgren smoke screen and they have plans to sign a boat load of Free Agents...
Absolutly nothing would suprise me 
#GMSTRONG
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I agree with the "build through the draft" philosophy as a rule but we still have a number of glaring holes.. we have traded out of the high dollar spot a couple times over the last few years and taken a lower pick at a position that doesn't command top dollar, we've saved a bunch of money and dumped some old contracts.. from what I understand, we have the money.. what is the problem with getting a 4th or 5th year guy that has proven he can play in this league at a position of need like RT or safety, signing him to a nice 5 year deal and locking up that position for a while? We don't have to break the bank and go after the uber-stud to do that...
yebat' Putin
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Seems I have read Heckert has said we won't be big players in FA. I am not sure how to take that. Surely he isn't saying we are confident with the players on hand.
I don't think that I would read to much into that statement. I mean what if he said the opposite and failed to deliver on it.
All of us here know that we are not one or two players away from putting us over the top so to speak, but we also know that there is no way we can become the team we need to be without exploring all of the possibilities such as FA. I also feel that we (H&H) want to start turning this thing around sooner then later (5 year plans do not apply these days) and we can't rely solely on the draft to get there at this point.
I think that the differences in our approach to FA will be somewhat different then say the Colts, but no team wants to over pay for players who maybe past their prime years.
I think that the Dogma around here was that we over payed for an over the hill JD last year and that it's probably not in our best interest to think that any one player could move us closer to being a contending franchise and yet we did just that.
I think that there are some really solid FA who still have their best years in front of them and it would be prudent for us to pursue them when ever the opportunity presents itself. No matter what the rhetoric has been from the top.
At the end of the day we might not be able to land all of the best players available, but imo it would be derelict to not try.
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Quote:
I agree with the "build through the draft" philosophy as a rule
I do too and would just like to note that this free agency period is likely one of those times where you should break rules. it's 2-3 years of free agency all in one shot (due to the wacky leadup to the new CBA) + a union of players that wants to claim victory on the new CBA (and yes, they will puff out their chests with a bunch of player movement as a sign they won whether it really is or not)
#gmstrong
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Quote:
I agree with the "build through the draft" philosophy as a rule but we still have a number of glaring holes.. we have traded out of the high dollar spot a couple times over the last few years and taken a lower pick at a position that doesn't command top dollar, we've saved a bunch of money and dumped some old contracts.. from what I understand, we have the money.. what is the problem with getting a 4th or 5th year guy that has proven he can play in this league at a position of need like RT or safety, signing him to a nice 5 year deal and locking up that position for a while? We don't have to break the bank and go after the uber-stud to do that...
I agree
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I agree with the "build through the draft" philosophy as a rule
Unless you happen to be one of the teams who do not draft well like some of the fools we had prior to last year
I think that there are players who get picked off in the draft that you might of had rated pretty high and after 4 years of apprenticeship else where could possible add to the 'Core' of this team or any other team.
It's not like we have all of our core peaces in place and if you have to spend the $ anyway then why not go all out for a big name player?
It seems to me that in the past we would bring in lesser named talent in FA and or trades and at the end of the day they were of less value then if we would have payed for the big names who have gone on to be productive.
After all these big name players have proven themselves in most cases and hopefully the rookie salaries will be put in check with a new CBA.
I really do believe in building threw the draft too, but with an (*) to Drafting correctly and then keeping those who deserve to be payed to stay.
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Legend
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Quote:
I agree with the "build through the draft" philosophy as a rule but we still have a number of glaring holes.. we have traded out of the high dollar spot a couple times over the last few years and taken a lower pick at a position that doesn't command top dollar, we've saved a bunch of money and dumped some old contracts.. from what I understand, we have the money.. what is the problem with getting a 4th or 5th year guy that has proven he can play in this league at a position of need like RT or safety, signing him to a nice 5 year deal and locking up that position for a while? We don't have to break the bank and go after the uber-stud to do that...
I still really believe that once we get the core players heckert wants in place, then you will see a different attitude toward Free Agency.. For the most part, I really believe that Free Agents are like Rent-a- players that come and go quickly,,, and most don't leave much in the way of memories..
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Damanshot
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That makes sense.....good players don't become free until they are fairly old....on the back side of a career....and teams are pretty good at identifying talent.....mistakes are made every now and then, but not all that often.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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That makes sense.....good players don't become free until they are fairly old....on the back side of a career....and teams are pretty good at identifying talent.....mistakes are made every now and then, but not all that often.
I think for the most part that statement is true, but this year there could be many players under the age of 26 who do not fit that mold and still could have their best years ahead of them.
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This is most likely the deepest and most talented free agent class we have ever seen and will ever see. Usually, we see a jason Taylor, Willie McGinnest type of vet trying to land that last big contract before put out to pastor. That isn't what we have this year.
There will be a ton of guys that are just now entering the prime years. I believe we are in a great situation to change the entire makeup of this team. You aren't going to run out and sign a bunch of the tier 1 free agents, that never works. We can improve this roster in both starters and in depth.
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Quote:
There will be a ton of guys that are just now entering the prime years. I believe we are in a great situation to change the entire makeup of this team. You aren't going to run out and sign a bunch of the tier 1 free agents, that never works. We can improve this roster in both starters and in depth.
That's exactly how we should handle this...
These guys have 4 years left to do something with this team...And it won't be done via Draft alone...H&H know it's impossible to build a winner with draft picks alone over 4 or 5 years...
This will be a unique FA situation and we should take advantage of it...As u said...Both Top Notch Starters & Depth...Are we gonna go get Johnson/Weddle/Rice/Poz and Free???...No way...That's just flat out Washington stupidity...
H&H know alot of these guys from their draft class...Holmgren was still with Seattle and Heckert was still Philly's GM when these 4 year guys came out...They have the book on alot of these guys...
We should go HARD after 2 of these guys for any combination of::::
DE
FS
WR
OL
Then go quality depth the rest of the way and EXTEND THOMAS...
Guys like Johnson and Weddle are still gonna be primetime players in 2 years...Adding guys like this will accelerate the process...Along with another solid draft we might just be ready for playoff football as soon as 2012...
This is a different animal...These 4 year guys aren't the 29 and 30 year olds that will be on the downside of their careers in 2 years...These are quality players just entering their primes...
Go Browns!!!
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Quote:
Quote:
There will be a ton of guys that are just now entering the prime years. I believe we are in a great situation to change the entire makeup of this team. You aren't going to run out and sign a bunch of the tier 1 free agents, that never works. We can improve this roster in both starters and in depth.
That's exactly how we should handle this...
These guys have 4 years left to do something with this team...And it won't be done via Draft alone...H&H know it's impossible to build a winner with draft picks alone over 4 or 5 years...
This will be a unique FA situation and we should take advantage of it...As u said...Both Top Notch Starters & Depth...Are we gonna go get Johnson/Weddle/Rice/Poz and Free???...No way...That's just flat out Washington stupidity...
H&H know alot of these guys from their draft class...Holmgren was still with Seattle and Heckert was still Philly's GM when these 4 year guys came out...They have the book on alot of these guys...
We should go HARD after 2 of these guys for any combination of::::
DE
FS
WR
OL
Then go quality depth the rest of the way and EXTEND THOMAS...
Guys like Johnson and Weddle are still gonna be primetime players in 2 years...Adding guys like this will accelerate the process...Along with another solid draft we might just be ready for playoff football as soon as 2012...
This is a different animal...These 4 year guys aren't the 29 and 30 year olds that will be on the downside of their careers in 2 years...These are quality players just entering their primes...
This is why I think we need to go after some of those players who are still in their prime, because this really is a special case year. Where we can add some actual 'core' components and not just some pass their prime vets. We have the past CBA and if all holds true the new CBA, that I believe has created a special situation with so many players having not been resigned to long term contracts, because of the uncertainty of what the (a) new CBA will bring.
Teams like Carolina and SD who did not want to try and resign their players knowing that they could not tag but one, could really take a hit.
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I don't disagree with you at all.. I believe it's possible that Heckert/Holmgren feel the same way.. they may just not want to let on....
#GMSTRONG
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"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I don't disagree with you at all.. I believe it's possible that Heckert/Holmgren feel the same way.. they may just not want to let on....
And as I stated in an earlier post... why would they? I think that end the end they will do what they can as they see fit.
We might not be able to land one of the prize big name FA, but it would sure be nice to know that we tried to.
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Just clicking I don't think this article by Grossi needed it's own thread since it discusses roughly the same topics that are in this thread. Refs, if you feel it needs it's own, be my guest.. http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_will_have_a_c.html Quote:
Cleveland Browns will have a combination of problems once NFL lockout ends
Published: Thursday, July 07, 2011, 1:03 AM Updated: Thursday, July 07, 2011, 1:09 AM
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer
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Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerNormally, new Browns coach Pat Shurmur, left, would have used minicamps to get the team used to his system, and General Manager Tom Heckert would have spent the off-season filling holes in the roster. The NFL lockout is a setback for both of them.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — No team has been hurt more by the NFL owners lockout than the Browns.
Of the eight teams that changed head coaches, seven of them also changed both coordinators. Among those teams, the Browns had the worst record in 2010 and, thus, have the longest road to respectability.
(Denver's 4-12 record was one game worse, but the Broncos retained their offensive coordinator and won't change their offense drastically.)
So when the lockout is lifted, the Browns have to act in hyper-speed to try to make up for lost time.
Pat Shurmur and his coaching staff are tasked with familiarizing themselves with their new players and implementing offensive and defensive systems that are new to those players.
In a normal off-season, these would have been nearly accomplished in the practices before the start of training camp. Now they have to be done on the fly, complicating Shurmur's first camp as an NFL head coach.
The No. 1 priority of every NFL coach in training camp is to get his team ready for the season. Shurmur will have to be part-Paul Brown, part-magician to reach that goal.
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PDThe Browns should release quarterback Jake Delhomme so he can rejoin Carolina.
General Manager Tom Heckert's tasks are no less daunting. His roster is incomplete and he has been blocked by lockout rules from doing the normal spade work necessary to facilitate contract deals.
The lockout also held up the major issue of defining free agents as unrestricted or restricted. Reports now say a new collective bargaining agreement will return the free agency distinctions to previous levels.
That means players whose contracts are up qualify for unrestricted free agency after four seasons. Players with three are restricted, giving their old teams rights of first refusal.
A new CBA would void the restricted contract tenders given to cornerback Eric Wright and tight end Evan Moore. Those players would become unrestricted free agents. They could still re-sign with the Browns, but all it takes is one team to change their minds.
When the lockout is lifted and the NFL resumes business, action will be fast and furious. Heckert and the coaching staff have had time during the lockout to formulate decisions. They would have to implement them quickly.
Here is a list of things they should do.
1. Re-sign several of their own unrestricted free agents.
Browns players, besides Wright and Moore, who would qualify as unrestricted (four years or more) are: safety Abram Elam, defensive end Jayme Mitchell, linebacker Matt Roth, receiver Chansi Stuckey, fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Jason Trusnik and offensive linemen Floyd Womack and Billy Yates.
Roth wants to stay in a 3-4 defense and likely will move on. Vickers, Elam, Stuckey and Trusnik appear to be out of the Browns' plans. That leaves Wright, Moore, Mitchell, Womack and Yates as priorities.
Heckert said Mitchell was the team's best pass rusher last year even though he didn't play. Signing him would ease the urgency at defensive end. Womack and Yates are valuable linemen because of their versatility to play two positions well, their experience and their proven track records.
2. Sign a defensive end in free agency.
Even if Mitchell is re-signed and joins rookie Jabaal Sheard at the position, another defensive end is mandatory. Yes, Marcus Benard will be tried as a full-time end. But an experienced, 4-3 starting end must be added -- perhaps Jason Babin, who has played for Mike Holmgren in Seattle and Heckert in Philadelphia among his five NFL stops.
3. Sign a free safety in free agency.
T.J. Ward could be a stalwart in the secondary for a long time, but he needs a ball-hawking, center fielder beside him to cover the deep middle. Ward can't play that role. With Elam expected to depart, the Browns either add one in free agency or make Mike Adams the starting free safety.
Another possibility is converting Sheldon Brown to safety, but that would require adding another quality cornerback. Rookie draft pick Eric Hagg would be a godsend if he could step into a starting role, but that is unrealistic.
4. Sign a veteran offensive line swingman in free agency.
This move would be urgent if Womack and Yates are not retained. A swingman, capable of playing guard and tackle, is more important than adding a starting right tackle, where Tony Pashos is expected to return after a major injury.
5. Locate a third-down, change-of-pace back.
This could be done in free agency, trade or undrafted free agency. The Browns showed their desire to fill this spot by hawking Shane Vereen and DeMarco Murray before the draft. They were unable to land either.
A full off-season might have illuminated Shurmur and his staff to the possibility of converting Josh Cribbs to the backfield -- which he would welcome -- but the lockout spoiled that.
6. Make a decision on Jake Delhomme.
The re-signing of Seneca Wallace to a three-year contract before the lockout surely signaled the exodus of Delhomme. Wallace will be a better quarterback in the West Coast offense, in which he played for seven seasons in Seattle. He opens camp as the top backup to Colt McCoy and the insurance starter if McCoy stumbles.
Delhomme should be released to allow him to rejoin Carolina as a much-needed veteran backup to Cam Newton. The Browns should replace Delhomme with a developmental prospect from the undrafted ranks.
7. Sort out the receiver position.
The good offenses have clearly-defined roles at the receiver position. McCoy needs to develop chemistry and timing with all his receivers, but certainly with his main three. Identify the top three among Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Greg Little, Carlton Mitchell, Johnathan Haggarty, Jordan Norwood and Demetrius Williams and let them rip.
8. Be aggressive in signing undrafted free agents.
About 500 rookies not drafted are on the market, waiting to be signed to fill out camp rosters. The Browns should concentrate on the following positions when signing undrafted free agents -- cornerback, linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, running back and quarterback.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670
© 2011 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.
#GMSTRONG
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Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I strongly agree here and hope that our players are currently helping these guys out to give us an edge at signing them Quote:
8. Be aggressive in signing undrafted free agents.
About 500 rookies not drafted are on the market, waiting to be signed to fill out camp rosters. The Browns should concentrate on the following positions when signing undrafted free agents -- cornerback, linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, running back and quarterback.
#gmstrong
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