DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns FA Signings...UDFA & UFA...It's Time!!!

Time to get stoked folks...It's ON...

List em' here and after 2 hours someone will need to start a new thread Part 2...lol...

Fast & Furious...

Does anyone have a list of Browns players that are UDFA/UFAs?

if the players approve the deal later today as expected, then the UDFA and internal signings will start tomorrow (not today as reported in the other thread)

real FA will start Friday

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- NFL owners and players agreed early Monday to the terms of a deal to end the lockout, and players were expected to begin their voting process later in the day, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the process was supposed to remain secret and no formal announcement had been made.

The NFL Players Association's executive committee was to meet at its headquarters in Washington on Monday so it could be presented with the finalized agreement. NFLPA president Kevin Mawae arrived shortly after 9:30 a.m.

Owners overwhelmingly approved a proposal last week, but some unresolved issues still needed to be figured out to satisfy players; the owners do not need to vote again.

The sides worked through the weekend and wrapped up talks Monday morning, one of the people told the AP.

The league's old labor deal expired in March, and the owners locked out the players, the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

"We have every reason to believe it's going to be a good day," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an email to the AP.

If players sign off on the agreement Monday, NFL clubs would be able to start signing 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents on Tuesday. Conversations with veteran free agents also could start Tuesday, and signings could begin Friday.

Under that tentative schedule, training camps would open for 10 of the 32 teams on Wednesday, 10 teams on Thursday, another 10 teams on Friday, and the last two teams on Sunday.

The major economic framework for the deal was worked out more than a week ago.

That included how the more than $9 billion in annual league revenues will be divided (about 53 percent to owners and 47 percent to players over the next decade; the old CBA resulted in nearly a 50-50 split); a per-club cap of about $120 million for salary and bonuses in 2011 - and at least that in 2012 and 2013 - plus about $22 million for benefits; a salary system to rein in spending on first-round draft picks; and unrestricted free agency for most players after four seasons.

Should the players' executive committee vote to accept the deal, it then would go to the 32 team representatives to approve, perhaps later Monday. After that, the total membership would need to vote, with a simple majority required for passage.

The 10 named plaintiffs in the players' lawsuit against the league - including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees - must officially inform the court in Minneapolis of their approval of the pact, too.

Even after that, while training camps would be opened, a formal collective bargaining agreement can't be fully set in place until the NFLPA re-establishes itself as a union. The NFLPA said it was rejecting its union status in March and becoming a trade association; that allowed the players to file their antitrust suit.

Players will need to vote to OK re-forming the union even as the sides put the finishing touches on a deal. Legal protections will be put in place so the NFLPA can start negotiating such items as the league's personal conduct policy and drug testing as soon as Monday.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/07/25/nfl-labor-deal.ap/index.html#ixzz1T7zBTJO1

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Boooo!

It's like waking up on X-Mas morning ready for the present unwrapping bonanza to being only to realize it's actually X-Mas Eve. Doh! 24 more hours.




It's actually funny....I'm reading some comments around the net about how a small portion of fans can't forgive the owners/players for this lockout and they think NFL is unwatchable now. Really? What did we lose? ONE preseason game (the HOF Game). No other games....that's it! The lockout was the longest in NFL history but it really didn't impact a single thing. Why would people be mad?

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if the players approve the deal later today as expected, then the UDFA and internal signings will start tomorrow (not today as reported in the other thread)

real FA will start Friday

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Not what i'm reading. Says we can sign our own FA today. Just not other team's UFA's

ESPN Article

Eric Wright
Jayme Mitchell
Abe Elam
Phil Dawson (IF Franchise Tag is Lifted)
Chansi Suckey
Floyd Womach
Billy Yates
Robaire Smith
Matt Roth
Jason Trusnick
Lawrence Vickers
Evan Moore

Vickers?

I'd like a lot of these guys back. But I'd also like to know who else we're looking at.

Things will be very interesting these next couple days. Unless we're looking at other guys at their positions, I'd like Eric Wright, Jayme Mitchell (who could be resigned as well as a good veteran), Abe Elam, and Robaire Smith back (pertaining he meets our requirements in a physical). For one year contracts, I'd like Yates or Porkchop back too.

I'm just going with Mitchell based off what I've heard about him and his ability. As for Eric Wright, he had a tough year last year but improved through the season. I've heard something about most of the big plays coming off him playing slot (which I remember him playing but don't remember if this was a pattern). Whatever the case, I do think he's good enough to be a number 2 corner. He's a competitive guy and has shown better in the past. I dunno what that means for Sheldon Brown, who would sub in and play nickle I guess (but I dunno if he's quick enough for that either).

I've always wanted to try Sheldon Brown at FS. This might be the season to try that. He's just not that fast anymore.

I think Abe Elam isn't that bad and is a versatile safety. I dunno what he's looking for, but he's servicable and could at least be a backup. I just would like to know who is the upgrade to him. Not Mike Adams..... Sheldon Brown? Some other FA ALA Eric Weddle?

Robaire Smith, Yates, and Porkchop are all getting kind of old on a team that probably wants to get younger. I'd be surprised if any of these three were resigned. But for one year contracts or even two year contracts, they might be a better option than whoever we would go ahead with instead

And Evan Moore

I wonder how many of the players, on all teams, are going to feel compelled to sign quickly and take the first offer?

I could see teams saying they aren't going to keep the offer on the table for very long.

ok, apparently that's not clear yet then (FoxSports and CBS had the same as CNNSI, but that could just mean they have the same source).

either way, the players need to vote before anyone can start anything. hopefully we get the all-clear on that and then we can start signing our own guys (and UDFA and draft picks)

either way, a few days until the real fun begins.

Keep em' coming...Edited to add Vick's and Moore...

Yeah Peen...I believe alot of this will be via PHONE versus multiple trips around the country...

Gonna be a wild ride...And a quick one at that...

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but I don't think we should expect a ton of news to come flooding in just yet. . .

First thing that popped into my head was the fake report about us picking up WR David Patton years ago. Was that on the old board or this one? It looked exactly like it was from the Browns website and everybody went nuts over it . . .

Apparently they can begin negotiations with free agents tomorrow but cant sign until thursday or friday. This makes sense also because players will have to come in and pass a physical before you give them that huge signing bonus. So we will begin finding out who is going where tomorrow and not just our own players.

Get ready for the verbal agreement term being tossed around nonstop. Then the term backed out of a verbal agreement lol.

Repost;

FA shopping list; ( in no certain order)


QB, Matt Hasselbeck Age: 35 < Replacement for Delhomme and he could really help Colt McCoy with the new offense and end his career with the man who gave him his shot.
He could go else where and still start for another team if he so desires too, but at 35 his years as a starting QB are numbered.

DE, Ray Edwards Age: 26 < He could be out of our price range with so many other needs.
Edwards has been a consistent force for Minnesota, but he also might have benefited from playing with two all pro’s on their front line.

DE, Charles Johnson Age: 25 < Can he put together another double digit sack season? Johnson is also strong against the run and can play the strong side, but might be out of the price range we are looking for.

DE, Mathias Kiwanuka Age: 28 < Is he medically cleared to play after a season ending neck injury? That would be my first question/concern.

DE, Jason Babin Age: 31 < I wouldn't bid too high on his services at his age and the with question, is he a one hit wonder?

DE, Vernon Gholston Age: 25 < A bust at OLBer in the Jets 34 defense, but he might be a second option to the above options to play DE in our new 43 and he is only 25, but he still needs to prove he belongs in this League and should not coast us too much..

DE, Jayme Mitchell Age: 27 < I would be shocked if Mitchell was not resigned and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of our 3 day resigns.

DT, Robaire Smith Age: 33 < His veteran presents and experience is something we are lacking and I would like to see him finish his career here with the Browns. We are looking for depth behind Rubin and the rookie Taylor and have Guys like Brian Schaefering and Travis Ivey who could provide some depth, but we really won’t know until we see it on the field. I would not expect any big name DT to be signed as they will be looking for starting jobs for the most part.

DT, Antonio Johnson Age: 26 < The light seemed to finally come on last season and he showed some pass rushing abilities too. He could resign with the Colts.

DT, Tony McDaniel Age: 26 < Tough against the run and had 2.5 sacks playing DE in the Dolphins DL rotation last season.

DT, Martin Parker Age: 22 < Developmental UDFA prospect who will need to improve his lower body strength at the this level, but he showed good range and a quick first step from the DT position and he use’s his hands well to shed tackles and he locates the ball fairly quickly.

OT/OG, Marshal Yanda Age: 26 < Baltimore will attempt to resign him and he could be priced out of our range, but if he clears the 3 day signing period I would be very interested in bringing him in, because he could solve our problem at RT for the near future and he has the versatility to play OG, although after showing he can handle himself quite well at RT, I don‘t see him going back to OG if he signs else where then Baltimore. He won’t get LT money but It will take close to that to sign him.

OT, Jeremy Trueblood Age: 28 < The Bucs probably have the availed cap space to resign him if they so which. He has been a pretty solid RT for the Bucs.

OG/OT Floyd Womack Age: 32 < we know his worth and at his age he might not get much action in FA otherwise I hope he is one of our 3 day resigns.

RB, Darren Sproles Age: 28 < Mr. do it all might not be what he was a couple of years ago, but he could be a nice change of pace back and could take over the PR duties from Cribbs.

RB, Tim Hightower Age: 25 < A pretty solid RB who excels at receiving out of the back field.

RB, Derrick Locke Age: 22 < The Top UDFA RB who would be a change of pace to the power backs we have.

WR, Lance Moore Age: 28 < He would be our slot receiver and would give Colt another important 3rd down option. He has had a history of injury and still could chose to resign with NO. I don’t expect much action with this position in FA. Still I would like to see us bring in a proven SWR.

TE, Evan Moore Age: 26 < I expect him to be resigned before FA before the League signing period begins.

OLB, Manny Lawson Age: 27 < A former first round Draft pick, Lawson is not a great pass rusher, but he is very good in coverage and making plays in the open field. I think he could benefit from a switch to a 43 defense.

OLB, Thomas Howard Age: 28 < He has the talent to start (Wil) for another team and will probably test the waters outside of Oakland.

OLB, Rocky McIntosh Age: 28 < He is miss cast in the Redskins new 34 and he could benefit by moving to a 43 (Wil) defense like ours.

OLB, James Anderson Age: 27 < He was a tackling machine last year for the Panthers from the strong side and also recorded 3.5 sacks.

OLB, Ernie Sims Age: 26 < A player Juron would be familiar with.

FS, Eric Weddle Age: 26 < Landing the top FA Safety will be no small feat. Weddle will have many bidders and he won’t be an easy sign, but he is a top 5 Safety in this league and would be worth a paycheck to match it.

S, Quintin Mikell Age: 30 < Mikell is a well known commodity by Juron and Heckert and Elam probably won’t be back. At 30 he would only be a stop gap.

FS, Dashon Goldson Age: 26 < Goldson had a down year last season for the 9ers and could be brought here at a reasonable price.

FS, Deunta Williams Age: 23 < UDFA and this would be with the future in mind, so we would still need to sign another Veteran Safety.

S, Jordan Babineaux Age: 29 < A player who Holmgren would be familiar with, who could be a stop gap option at Safety.

CB, Chris Carr Age: 28 < Can we steal him from Baltimore?

CB, Eric Wright Age: 26 < He was tendered although that will not count with a new CBA and we will most likely attempt to resign him before the League FA begins. Will he resign?

CB, William Gay Age: 26 < The Steelers have to resign their starters first and that might leave the door open for us to steal one from them.

CB, Ashton Youboty Age: 27 < If we can’t resign Wright, then Youboty could be an option.

J/C


Personally, I think a new thread needs to start when a guy is signed rather than jamming them all inside one master thread.

It makes it pretty hard to track and keep updated trying to filter through pages of talk.

Pretty sure Moore is an RFA.

Also, Dawson's tag will stick.

Maybe make a sticky one that is ONLY for signings without any commentary and then have another which is for discussion of the signings?

I like the sticky/post idea, PStu.

Don't we normally have an "Around the League Signings" thread and then a separate thread for each signing we make?

Of course, like jeep said, they all turn into QB debates anyway.

It would be a good idea to get a solid plan in place. This board will become a madhouse this week. I fully expect to come in here tomorrow at this time to see 16 new threads and 478 new posts. It's going to be FUN!

My prediction is we will see a pair of Vikings in Berea for physicals tomorrow. eric Wright, Porkchop and Evan Moore resign quickly.

Again, Moore is an RFA. We don't need to re-sign him.

Hey man, hopefully we sign Evan Moore before any other team has a chance to get after him.

If he's a RFA, we can match any offer that another team gives him. Thus, we don't have to sign him, just match what another team offers him.

I think he was kidding. And earlier the Browns tendered him at a 2nd round level, so I would be inclined to let any offer pass.

CB Coye Francies
LB Steve Octavien
LB Eric Alexander
TE Greg Estandia
DE/OLB Marcus Benard (ERFA)
DL Titus Adams (ERFA)
LB Blake Costanzo (RFA)
K Phil Dawson (franchise tag)
TE Greg Estandia
TE Evan Moore (RFA - 2nd round tender)
CB Chris Roberson
DL Derreck Robinson
DE/OLB Matt Roth
TE Alex Smith
DL Brian Schaefering
DL Robaire Smith
S Nick Sorensen
WR Chansi Stuckey
LB Jason Trusnik
OL Steve Vallos
FB Lawrence Vickers
OL Floyd Womack
CB Eric Wright (RFA - 2nd round tender)
S Abe Elam
CB Eric King
S Sabby Piscitelli
RB Mike Bell
WR Demetrius Williams
WR Jordan Norwood
OG Billy Yates
DE Jayme Mitchell
LB Titus Brown
DL Ko Quaye
DL Travis Ivey
DL Brian Sanford

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They'll all turn into a quarterback thread before it's said and done

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So your thinken Tim Couch will be signed by somebody.....

I'm ALWAYS skeptical of a guy who has his best year RIGHT before he hits FA (Let's call it: The Haynesworth Factor)

Especially at positions that are "High Motor" ones like D-Line...

Is a guy like Charles Johnson going to continue to push himself, AFTER he gets paid?

Charles Johnson, DE, Carolina Panthers:

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Leading suitor: Carolina.

Dark horse: Cleveland.



Hey, if ESPN is saying it . . .

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The anticipation is killing me

I can't wait till we sign a vet DE, a couple vet LBs and a vet FS, and we'll finally have our Super Bowl winning team set on paper...

Oh the posts will come... don't doubt it...