DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Free Agency II

I guess. Little is at his best in the slot though. If we could somehow have Gordon and Mike Wallace with Little in the slot we would be gold.

How long have we been hoping for solid receivers?

Don't see us paying Wallace what he's going to want, and I certainly wouldn't blame them for hanging back on a #2 WR with mediocre route running abilities and a good portion of quit in him. I'd rather go after Cruz.

Just clicking, not sure if this has been posted.. but from Grossi on ESPN Cleveland..

Of 18 Browns free agents, few -- if any -- are expected to return
Mar 01, 2013 -- 6:00am

By Tony Grossi


The Morning Kickoff …

Let freedom ring: The Browns have 18 free agents – 13 unrestricted (four years experience or more), two restricted (three years), and three exclusive rights (two years or less). There is no indication they will re-sign any of them.

At the NFL combine in Indianapolis last week, I asked CEO Joe Banner if the team has determined what they intend to do with their free agents.

“We do know and we won’t say,” he replied.

Why not?

“Let’s say we’re trying to sign them and we want to bring them back – that wouldn’t be a very smart thing to do from a negotiating perspective. And we don’t need to help other teams know who’s going to be free and not be free,” Banner said.

Let’s take a look at the prospective player losses facing the Browns.

Unrestricted free agents

Sheldon Brown, 33, cornerback: As president of the Eagles, Banner traded him to the Browns in 2010, so he already has rejected him once. Brown was a great example to young players. His imminent departure requires the Browns to acquire a starting cornerback. Nobody on the roster can ascend to that position.

Josh Cribbs, 29, special teams/receiver: Holder of more than a dozen franchise return records, he was fourth in kickoff returns and sixth in punt returns in 2012 – but didn’t score. His frustration with losing and watching teammates drop balls often boils over. Heir-apparent Travis Benjamin is 40 pounds lighter, doesn’t play on coverage teams like Cribbs and has question marks about durability and ball security.

Phil Dawson, 38, kicker: Probably the most popular player of the expansion era, he holds the franchise record with 305 field goals and is 78 points shy of Lou Groza’s scoring record. The Browns’ only full-time kicker is coming off his first Pro Bowl berth. He won’t be given the franchise tag a third year in a row and hopes to end his career with a winning team.

Scott Fujita, 33, outside linebacker: He ended his third straight Browns season on injured reserve and is trying to avoid neck fusion surgery. He will go on to bigger and better things after retirement.

Reggie Hodges, 31, punter: Achilles surgery in 2011 resulted in a severe drop-off in gross average (41.8 yards) and net (37.1) in 2012. The recent signing of 2012 camp punter Spencer Lanning was the tip-off that Hodges won’t be back.

Brandon Jackson, 27, running back: He played two games and had eight rushes in two years. Not one of the productive free agent pickups in Browns’ history.

Josh Johnson, 26, quarterback: A late-season pickup when injuries hit the position. He could end up rejoining Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco.

Kaluka Maiava, 26, linebacker: A special teams core player who was forced to start 13 games at outside linebacker in 2012. One of three players left from the 2009 Browns draft.

Mohamed Massaquoi, 26, receiver: Another departing member of the 2009 draft class, he averaged 29 catches in four seasons. Injuries the past two years caused him golden opportunities to slip away.

Juqua Parker, 34, defensive end: A very productive role player who was second in sacks (six) despite being fifth in snaps among linemen. He may have another year left as a situational rusher in a 4-3 – but not here.

Alex Smith, 30, tight end: You’d think the fondness for tight ends among the new coaches might earn him a one-year deal to return. Probably not.

Ray Ventrone, 30, defensive back: An Eric Mangini favorite who survived one coaching change but isn’t expected to make it through another.

Ben Watson, 32, tight end: He averaged 51 receptions in three years but the numbers working against him are 32 (age) and three (number of concussions the past two seasons).

Restricted free agents

The Browns can reserve the right to match any offers by tendering them a qualifying offer.

Chris Ogbonnaya, 26, running back: A favorite of former coach Pat Shurmur, he may appeal to new coach Rob Chudzinski as a facsimile of Jason Wright, who had his most productive season under Chud in 2007.

Eddie Williams, 25, fullback: We’ve never seen him play in a game.

Exclusive rights free agents

These players can be retained by minimum salary contract tenders.

Auston English, 25, defensive end: He has the body type to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but new coaches usually bring their own developmental players to camp.

Emmanuel Stephens, 26, defensive end: See above.

Christian Yount, 24, long snapper: He was fairly flawless as Ryan Pontbriand’s replacement.

Did you watch any steelers games last season? He half @zzed the whole season.

Right. Just saying that now he can't be franchised.

Cruz is a restricted free agent.

Just for stats per www.steelers.com/team/roster/Mike-Wallace/

2nd cincy game 1 catch 13 yds
1st cle game 1 for 9
KC game 3 for 14
Phil 2 for 17
Looks like he didn't play week 17

4 or fewer catches in 9 games

But go back and pull up the games and re-watch them. Poor effort blocking in the run game. Not running good route and not always full go.

To the best of my knowledge...

Wallace and the Steelers were in negotiations for a long term deal last spring. He turned down a 4yr 50M offer and the Steelers basically said "go pound sand" and gave the same contract to Antonio Brown.

That created bad blood between Wallace and the front office. And it probably affected his play.

If I were a betting man I'd bet he winds up here, on a healthy contract, and he tries to stick it back to the Steelers twice a year.

Didn't Wallace have quite a few drops, too? Maybe not as bad as I'm thinking if Jester didn't post any.

I'm thinking Miami lands him.

He did. I didn't post any because I don't know where to find those numbers.

As for candy's assertion that he has never been a run blocker, well that is true. And another example of his lack of effort. Run blocking for a Wr is about desire, selflessness and devotion to team because while important it receives little praise.

Candy - you suggest that there could be a lot of factors. I am saying go watch the games. One of my best friends is a steelers fan. We get together at my house every Sunday and put 2 tv's in the living room hooked up to the NFL package. One tv with the Browns game and one with the steelers game so I see a lot of steeler football (which was nice this year - for a change). The proof is in the video.

There was a lot of talk from the Steelers organization that he dogged it quite a bit last year. Even he admitted that he'd lost focus at times during the year.

I think that Wallace is a supremely, physically talented guy. I also think that he can sulk if not made to feel like the special one ...... and will protest with his play if he feels that he isn't getting the ball enough.

I am really torn on this one. I feel that his talent could really help this team ...... but his lack of discipline, focus, and consistent top end effort are a major concern when discussing a guy who could make north of 12 million per year. I realize that many receivers are prima donnas ...... but this guy intentionally sabotaged his own team because he felt unappreciated. That was fine when he did it to the Steelers. I don't want him doing it here.

And the Giants seem to value Nicks more.

I would disagree with them. Nicks is way to injury prone. At this point in time I would prefer Cruz over Nicks (though admittedly I am sick of his Salsa).

And when I say watch film, don't just look at highlights because he is still explosive and will have some remarkable plays. Also, start with watching 2011 games to see what his baseline performance is. Then look at 2012 games and notice the difference.

Browns expected to pursue one or two big-name free agents
by Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
3/2/2013 3:58 PM Email | Print

The Browns are expected to pursue one or two big-name free agents when teams are permitted to begin talking to players Mar. 9.

Their biggest needs are a pass-rusher, a quarterback to press Brandon Weeden, a receiver and a cornerback.

The Browns have about $48.5 million in cap space -- second-most in the league behind the Bengals -- and CEO Joe Banner said at the NFL Combine last week that he expects the Browns to be participants in the free agent market.

Depending on which players get the franchise tag by Monday, some intriguing big-name free agents include Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger and Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace.

At the Super Bowl last month, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam tempered the fans' enthusiasm for a spending spree.

"I don’t think you’ll see us making any big, splashy, high-priced moves because I think we’ve said all along we’re going to build through the draft,” he said.

But the Browns will try to add one or two marquee players and then fill some holes with a few other key contributors. Actual signings can begin Mar. 12. That's also when trades can be completed.

As for their own free agents, they're in "constant communication'' with the agents for Josh Cribbs, according to agent Peter Schaffer, and have discussed re-signing several of their other free agents, including linebacker Kaluka Maiava.

It's not yet known if they'll try to re-sign kick Phil Dawson, who figures to receiver lucrative offers from other teams.

Other key Browns set to hit the market include receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, tight ends Ben Watson and Alex Smith, and running back Brandon Jackson.


http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1362257831-729-335/browns-expected-to-pursue-one.html

My wish list for free agency:

I think that we could possibly get all these guys most at reasonable prices.

ILb - Dannell Ellerbe - No way the Ravens can keep Ellerbe, Krugar, Reed, Williams and McKinney. Alternative none. If we don't sign him I don't see an ILB for us. Ellerbe will be the most difficult for us to sign. And the most expensive. He would be our marquee signing and bring an attitude to our D.

Olb - Victor Butler - Was not a starter but a young guy (25) who has shown flashes. 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in a backup role. Alternative Krugar Bal. If the Ravens sign Ellerbe then Krugar is gone. More likely we sign Shaun Phillips SD

Cb - Keenan Lewis - No way they can resign all their FA's. Decent cover guy, good tackler. Alternative several. Most likely we sign Tolar Ari.

OG - Kevin Boothe. Alternatives - Vasquez

TE - Jared Cook Ten - I think he would thrive in Chud/Norv's offense but I don't think the Titans let him walk. Maybe Martellus Bennett.

FS - Not sure that there is anybody out there that I want. Dashaun Goldston SF perhaps? I think he stays in SF

Wr - I would like solid veteran but like our Wr corp and hate to take too much playing time away from them. Amendola, Hartline, Avery or Hixon.

I would expect us to bring in 2-4 free agents. Always difficult to know who will be willing to sign where.

OG - I didn't specifically list Levitre because I think he will demand more money than I would pay for him.

TE - Agree that Tennessee likely to keep Cook. But will take a franchise tag because I think that he wants to leave because he doesn't like how little he is used there. Big question is that he is arguing to be franchised as a Wr because he was split out on 70% of the offensive plays. That would raise his salary from just over $6 mil to just over $10 mil.

Olb - I am not certain Avril would thrive as a 3-4 Olb

I hope if Goldson is released, we can get him. Plug him right in at that free safety spot, and instantly have an upgraded secondary.

Since others have given their lists of preferred free agents I'll name mine.

There are a lot of areas where the Browns have deficits but throwing money at the problem hasn't worked for other teams so I'd hope Banner could strike the perfect balance between value and demand.

Anthony Spencer, OLB,Quinton Groves, OLB
Kenny Phillips, S, William Moore, S
Martellus Bennett, TE, Anthony Fasono, TE
Greg Toller, CB, Keenan Lewis, CB
Vasquez, OG, Schwartz, OG

It would be great to sign one at each of these positions. Then maybe a veteran WR if they felt the need.

Levitre article

From a Buffalo publication. Once again my smartphone isnt allowing me to copy the text.

Here you go:

Jerry Sullivan: Bills must be on guard with payroll

It’s fashionable to ridicule Russ Brandon as a football personnel man, to dismiss the Bills’ president as a marketing genius who was out of his element during his two years as the team’s general manager.

But it’s not as if Brandon was an utter flop. In his last draft as GM in 2009, the Bills drafted Eric Wood with the 28th overall pick, Jairus Byrd at No. 42 and Andy Levitre with the 51st pick.

Byrd was the top free safety in this year’s free agent class. The Bills slapped a $6.9 million franchise tag on him last week. Levitre is the top free agent among guards, and soon to be very rich. Next year, Wood is likely to be the top free agent center on the market.

Just imagine if the Bills hadn’t whiffed on Aaron Maybin with the 11th overall pick, if they’d grabbed Brian Orakpo, Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews instead. That ’09 draft might be seen as the best in team history. But there are consequences for hitting draft picks. Eventually, you have to pay them.

That means deciding in the next week whether to pay Levitre elite money or allow their durable left guard to test the waters as an unrestricted free agent.

The price tag will be steep. The Bills used their franchise tag on Byrd, so they must give Levitre a long-term deal or let him walk. Top guards command average salaries north of $8 million nowadays. Tampa Bay’s Carl Nicks is atop the list at $9.5 million a year. The Pats’ Logan Mankins makes $8.5 million a season. Jahri Evans of the Saints is at $8.1 million.

The Bills aren’t in any hurry to negotiate. Levitre told The News’ Tim Graham he was “in limbo” and the team should “at least throw me an offer.” Maybe the Bills have no intention of meeting Levitre’s demands. But they should find out what those demands are.

I wouldn’t pay Levitre elite guard money. He’s not worth it. Levitre is a very good player. He hasn’t missed a game in his four-year career, or rarely a play. But he’s not great. He hasn’t made the Pro Bowl. He doesn’t dominate.

It’s good to keep the line together. Chemistry is vital for an O-line. But guards are replaceable. Teams reach the Super Bowl all the time with restructured lines. The Ravens did it this year. Games are decided by playmakers; the Bills don’t have enough of them on either side of the line of scrimmage.

You like to keep your best players around. That doesn’t mean you have to overpay them. The Bills paid top wide receiver money for Lee Evans a few years back and regretted it. They overpaid for Chris Kelsay, Ryan Fitzpatrick and, of course, Mario Williams.

Levitre says he wants to stay in Buffalo. His girlfriend is from here. His agent, who isn’t returning phone calls, would likely advise testing the waters. As Levitre says, a player might get only one chance to hit the free-agent jackpot.

The Bills should make a fair offer. If they refuse to break the bank, so be it. They have many holes. They need a big No. 1 receiver (Dwayne Bowe?). They could use a tight end. Dustin Keller is a free agent. They need linebackers, a strong safety, help at cornerback, offensive tackle and quarterback.

If they won’t overpay Levitre, fine. But pay somebody. Stop the “cash to the cap” and use every resource to upgrade the roster. There’s no law that says you have to re-sign all your free agents. What matters is whether you improve the team and get closer to contention.

When you’ve missed the playoffs 13 years in a row, no one qualifies as elite.

Link

He would be a player I called to come have a chat.

Maybe if the Bills make a "fair" offer, we could make a "fair+" offer, that doesn't break the bank, but that allows him to stay close to his girlfriend ...... and that doesn't break the bank.

Man, another 5 days of this? And then 3 more before signing begins...Gettin' excited here...

Not really big on Welker at this point in his career....

"Progress" made on a new deal for Welker.

Hartline on the other hand...

Dolphins tag Starks

Dolphins place franchise tag on Randy Starks
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 4, 2013, 11:22 AM EST
Randy Starks AP

The first entry in today’s version of Beat the Clock is the Dolphins, who have placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks, according to multiple reports.

Starks’ tag will cost them a one-year deal worth $8.45 million, but gives them time to continue working on a long-term deal.

That’s obviously what he’s hoping for, as he expressed his frustrations via Twitter.

It also means that wide receiver Brian Hartline, cornerback Sean Smith and left tackle Jake Long are clear to enter the free agency market March 12, absent a new deal with the Dolphins prior to that point. A glut of tackle options might depress Long’s market, but he should still find a lucrative deal.

This is great news. Man I want Hartline to go with Little and Gordon. Perfect fit for the Browns and for him. web page

Cowboys tag Anthony Spencer