|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,234
Hall of Famer
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,234 |
Since Mack now has his own thread . . . Browns | T.J. Ward likely to hit free agency Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:38:52 -0800 The Cleveland Browns are likely to let S T.J. Ward hit the open market now that they have tagged C Alex Mack as a transition player in free agency. Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport He specifically wrote: "More fallout from #Browns C Alex Mack getting the transition tag? TJ Ward hits the market, as expected. And Jairus Byrd enters CLE’s view"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635 |
All this talk about Mike and Kyle flying to Cali to meet with Alex and etc etc etc, it's been quite calm and quiet on the TJ Ward homefront.
Been more talk of Byrd and Cleveland than there has of TJ and Cleveland.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693 |
Again this seems cheap to me. Why not get a contract worked out, keep TJ, add Byrd if we can get him, and them field one the the fiercest safety tandems in the league? If I'm the FO at this point with $50M in cap space, I look to get greedy and field the best players I can find. Swapping a thumper for a cover guys is ok, but keeping the thumper with the cover guy is better.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635 |
Dishing out big bucks for the safeties would be a pretty bold move IMO. We have so many needs other than at safety, I don't see in any way possible that they'd sign both Byrd AND TJ. Not when we have gaping holes elsewhere and not just on the defense.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232 |
While I like Ward and he does have his strong suits, I believe that the point that has been brought up as to Pettine's scheme may leave Ward as someone who simply doesn't fit the scheme he has in mind.
If you plan to put 2 safeties into coverage or allow each safety to patrol an area of the field, I could see Wards lack of coverage skills as simply not being a great fit for such a scheme.
Not saying that's correct, but I do see that as a very strong possibility.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 330
2nd String
|
2nd String
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 330 |
I fully agree. If we have Byrd and Ward at FS and SS passing on us will be much more difficult. They are big play guys and the defense would be a big impacter.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,284
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,284 |
Quote:
Again this seems cheap to me. Why not get a contract worked out, keep TJ, add Byrd if we can get him, and them field one the the fiercest safety tandems in the league? If I'm the FO at this point with $50M in cap space, I look to get greedy and field the best players I can find. Swapping a thumper for a cover guys is ok, but keeping the thumper with the cover guy is better.
Who's to say we haven't talked with him? Just because the media hasn't leaked anything doesn't mean they didn't meet in private? Maybe TJ wants to go through the free agency experience?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,950
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,950 |
Quote:
Maybe TJ wants to go through the free agency experience?
I have to agree...Player not being re-signed isnt always the Teams fault, sometimes the player wants a chance to see whats outthere, cant blame anybody here in this situation, lets see where the chips may fall and if Ward wants to come back to Cleveland and we want him back then maybe something can be worked out.
Being a Cleveland fan for 51 years I've figured out a few things.
1. Even tho the player says I love this Town & team dosent mean they dont love money first.
2. Players say things they really dont mean to say when theres a camera in thier face, good and bad.
Does seem intresting We dont tag Ward and Buffalo lets thier safety enter free agency, and our new coach is his old coach...Mummmmm, I'm no Columbo...but... 
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
Quote:
While I like Ward and he does have his strong suits, I believe that the point that has been brought up as to Pettine's scheme may leave Ward as someone who simply doesn't fit the scheme he has in mind.
If you plan to put 2 safeties into coverage or allow each safety to patrol an area of the field, I could see Wards lack of coverage skills as simply not being a great fit for such a scheme.
Not saying that's correct, but I do see that as a very strong possibility.
I think that Coach Pettine has alluded to that, in a way, when asked about the Safety play. He has mentioned that the Safeties have to be pretty much interchangeable, and able to cover half the field, right/left. That's really not Ward. Ward is a 5th LB in the box kind of Safety, a thumper, who will hit everyone as hard as he can guy. He does not have really great coverage skills though.
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.
|
|
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
What we can't have happen is for us to lose all three...Mack, Byrd, and Ward. There is still a possibility of this happening, but it appears that we will have Mack's services, which is huge. Mack and Hoyer probably managed to develop some report last year, and it's safe to say that both Hoyer and Mack are both intelligent players. Having Mack is huge, BUT we still need Byrd or Ward in my opinion.
There is absolutely no guarantee that we will get Byrd on our team, none. It does sound to me that since he turned down such a lucrative offer from the Bills, he might have other plans. While it's true he could just be testing his worth in free agency, I think he might actually want to play for the Browns (I know, insanity). Getting Byrd would be a huge boost to our defense that simply could not get off the field on third down. Do you guys remember that? NEVER getting off of the field? Byrd would help with that, immensely. Ward was more of a run stopper, but Byrd can assist more on passing downs.
Now, back to Ward....we have too many good players that we will have to pay in the next two years, so paying Ward a boatload of money doesn't make sense. He's good, but he's not great. Still...we do need all of the "good" players we can get, as we obviously suck and never win. It would be nice to have BOTH Ward and Byrd, and possibly have something that resembles the Seattle defense. A run stopper, a secondary star, and good corners...man, that'd be sweet.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,582
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 13,582 |
If it's true what people are saying about Pettine's system using 2 safeties doing the same job (instead of SS and FS), then a pairing of Byrd and Gibson (?) makes a lot of sense.
The only thing I don't like about it is it's risky. There is a very real risk of not landing Byrd. If that happens, and we watch Ward leave, we're kind of screwed.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
-PrplPplEater
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
The thing that was really telling about what Pettine said yesterday was something along the lines of, that you have to figure out if a guy fits or not .... because the best player at the position may not fit at an extreme contract, and the best contract may not fit either. If they have determined that Ward doesn't fit this defense, then keeping him, at any premium price, would be foolish ...... no matter who else is available.
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961 |
Impossible,, Nobody wants to play for the Browns  Welcome to the board... 
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693 |
Quote:
Who's to say we haven't talked with him? Just because the media hasn't leaked anything doesn't mean they didn't meet in private?
You're right, I'm addressing the rumor and hope it's not true.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693 |
Quote:
While I like Ward and he does have his strong suits, I believe that the point that has been brought up as to Pettine's scheme may leave Ward as someone who simply doesn't fit the scheme he has in mind.
If you plan to put 2 safeties into coverage or allow each safety to patrol an area of the field, I could see Wards lack of coverage skills as simply not being a great fit for such a scheme.
Not saying that's correct, but I do see that as a very strong possibility.
If it were to happen, I'm assuming that would be the reasoning. I understand it schematically, just not sold on whether it would be the best move practically.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,229
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,229 |
j/c
If they think both Mack and Ward are a good fit...
My thinking is that the Browns probably talked to Mack and Ward prior to the tag. They may have felt that Mack had no interest in resigning with Cle and there was a chance they could resign Ward before he hit FA.
If that is true... that explains the transition tag on Mack and they had to pick their poison with Ward.
Hopefully, we can resign Haden and Ward to long term deals at the same time before FA.
I have a feeling if Ward hits FA... he's as good as gone.
Hunter + Dart = This is the way.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232 |
j/c
You can only use one tag. And I would agree with this regime that Mack would be the most logical target to use the tag on.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,753
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,753 |
Quote:
Since Mack now has his own thread . . .
Browns | T.J. Ward likely to hit free agency
Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:38:52 -0800
The Cleveland Browns are likely to let S T.J. Ward hit the open market now that they have tagged C Alex Mack as a transition player in free agency.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
He specifically wrote: "More fallout from #Browns C Alex Mack getting the transition tag? TJ Ward hits the market, as expected. And Jairus Byrd enters CLE’s view"
I've read in a several places that with the potential of Ward leaving, it brings Byrd into Cleveland's picture. I guess this confuses me a little - Ward is SS and Byrd is FS. If Byrd is in our view, he is in our view, and it isn't positional. Unless, the point people are trying to make is around money.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961 |
Quote:
Quote:
Since Mack now has his own thread . . .
Browns | T.J. Ward likely to hit free agency
Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:38:52 -0800
The Cleveland Browns are likely to let S T.J. Ward hit the open market now that they have tagged C Alex Mack as a transition player in free agency.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
He specifically wrote: "More fallout from #Browns C Alex Mack getting the transition tag? TJ Ward hits the market, as expected. And Jairus Byrd enters CLE’s view"
I've read in a several places that with the potential of Ward leaving, it brings Byrd into Cleveland's picture. I guess this confuses me a little - Ward is SS and Byrd is FS. If Byrd is in our view, he is in our view, and it isn't positional. Unless, the point people are trying to make is around money.
Just a guess on my part, but I believe Byrd is in the picture no matter what transpires with Ward.
JMO of course.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,507 |
Quote:
Quote:
Since Mack now has his own thread . . .
Browns | T.J. Ward likely to hit free agency
Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:38:52 -0800
The Cleveland Browns are likely to let S T.J. Ward hit the open market now that they have tagged C Alex Mack as a transition player in free agency.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
He specifically wrote: "More fallout from #Browns C Alex Mack getting the transition tag? TJ Ward hits the market, as expected. And Jairus Byrd enters CLE’s view"
I've read in a several places that with the potential of Ward leaving, it brings Byrd into Cleveland's picture. I guess this confuses me a little - Ward is SS and Byrd is FS. If Byrd is in our view, he is in our view, and it isn't positional. Unless, the point people are trying to make is around money.
Pettine does not play SS/FS ..... he plays left/right, with both having significant, and interchangeable, coverage responsibilities.
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475 |
Not 100% sure but I am thinking more n more that Ward who was excellent for the Horton attack scheme is not as good a talent in the Pettine D scheme. This of the Ravens...one Safety back safety in the true sense and Reed roaming free to ball hawk in the passing game.
Last year we saw Ward attacking the LOS a lot even a few times lined up as the ILB.
So Possibly he sees Gipson as the Free Safety sitting back and Byrd as the Ball hawk Ed Reed type???
Or we have an offer on the table and Ward would like to explore the FA market before signing. I haven't seen a commitment nor a Thank You TJ but we are not interested been put out there yet. Just no reports. Usually you would have heard the Agent saying the Browns won't even make an offer or something.
I think he could just want to see what is offered. Unlike Mack he has an injury history so that the price we want to offer is lower than what he think he is worth. JMHO
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
I love T.J. Ward and have been one of his biggest supporters.
I think he is a goner.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 742
All Pro
|
All Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 742 |
Quote:
j/c
You can only use one tag. And I would agree with this regime that Mack would be the most logical target to use the tag on.
Can we use both the transitional tag and the franchise tag? Or just one of either?
I agree Mack should be a higher priority, but if we have the option of franchising Ward I would prefer that over letting him walk. Especially with $50 million.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 75,232 |
An NFL team can only use one of the two tags.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,753
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,753 |
Thanks Ytown, I didn't know that, that certainly makes those articles make sense.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,447
Dawg Talker
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,447 |
I didn't see this when I scrolled though a while ago. My apologies if it's been posted. Official Statement from Ward's agent Browns Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward is scheduled to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.m. March 11. The NFL’s deadline for teams to use franchise or transition tags passed at 4 p.m. Monday without Ward, 27, receiving one. It would’ve cost the Browns $8.4 million to franchise Ward or $7.2 million to make him a transition player. Instead, the Browns placed a transition tag on Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, 28. The cost to transition Mack is $10.039 million, meaning he’ll become the highest paid center in the NFL if he plays under the tag. The Browns have $56.9 million in salary-cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. Josh Arnold, Ward’s agent, released the following statement today to the Beacon Journal regarding his client’s contract situation: “After receiving numerous requests from local and national media outlets, fans, and several others connected to the Cleveland community we felt it necessary to provide a statement with respect to T.J.'s current contract situation. Detailed contract discussions with multiple front office executives of the Browns began last month at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Since then several conversations have occurred in an attempt to secure a new deal for TJ, but we've yet to agree on terms that work for both sides. “T.J. has proven himself to be not only an elite NFL safety, but an elite and top NFL player league wide which is evidenced by him earning both All Pro and Pro Bowl recognition this past season. With the passing of the franchise/transition tag deadline, we remain open to further discussions with the Browns in working towards a long-term deal and look forward to that possibility. However, if things don't work out in Cleveland, we likewise look forward to the opportunity that can coincide with becoming an unrestricted free agent. Several factors will be considered before making a final decision that will provide best for T.J. and his family.” Looks like we want him, but not for the price they think he's worth. Sounds like his agent wants the top safety deal.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
Quote:
Looks like we want him, but not for the price they think he's worth. Sounds like his agent wants the top safety deal.
I think this is the exact sentiment myself and some others have expressed. IMO, it's a smart move he's not an elite safety even if he did go to the Pro Bowl.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475 |
Detailed contract discussions with multiple front office executives of the Browns began last month at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Since then several conversations have occurred in an attempt to secure a new deal for TJ, but we've yet to agree on terms that work for both sides.
Well this is the first indication that we have shown some interest in Ward...of course its from his agent and if he's heading into to FA it is beneficial to say there was interest. But it does sound descriptive enough to actually be true.
I too was a supporter of Ward but understand with regime change so do player priorities.
jmho
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,961 |
I bet you I'll be alone in this thinking, but that little taste his agent gave out is encouraging to me.
I think he's VERY politely trying to let the fans of the Browns know that TJ wants to stay and that the Browns need to ante up.
I think in the end, they will.. UNLESS, he doesn't fit the game plan they are going to employ. Then he's a piece that is not worth the money.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
Quote:
“T.J. has proven himself to be not only an elite NFL safety, but an elite and top NFL player league wide
Is he saying he wants to be paid higher than any safety and among the top contracts in the NFL?
Hrm... 
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635 |
Quote:
but not for the price they think he's worth. Sounds like his agent wants the top safety deal.
This is the conclusion I am drawing up as' well... even if we DIDN'T sign Byrd, I don't know if I'd be willing to make TJ the highest paid strong safety. If his coverage skills were keen, then maybe (again pending on not signing Byrd). Love me TJ Ward, love watching him up in the box as he's a spectacle to see/watch, but damn...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 23,847 |
I believe the browns are thinking if we are going to pay top safety money, we will do it for a top safety like byrd. TJ is solid, but let's be honest, he will be a liability in pettine's defense..he has no range. Thats why Byrd fits better..he and Gipson are more rangy safeties and can cover sideline to sideline better.
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. -John Wayne
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480 |
jc.
so if ward goes somewhere else, and Byrd doesn't come here...
then what?
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 |
Swish........you are still here? Thought you were leaving if we cut DQ?
Hmmmm.......I guess it came down to WHO cut him? If Banner cut him...you were gone. If Farmer cut him.......it's a good move?
Ward? I have been telling you guys all year that he is vastly overrated. Let him hit the market. No big loss.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480 |
do you have some inflatable gorilla on the top of your house that gets bigger whenever you pump your chest on the internet?
did i say releasing DQ was a good move? i absolutely hated that move. hated. it.
but this is a Ward thread. so its about ward.
shut up.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
Quote:
Ward? I have been telling you guys all year that he is vastly overrated. Let him hit the market. No big loss.
He is not overrated. There are just better options (Byrd) available. If we lose Ward and don't get Byrd it is a huge loss.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52,480 |
how are we judging that Byrd is better than ward? 2 different positions, both on losing teams.
sorry if i'm not tracking why people on this board thinks he's better.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 |
Whether or not he is overrated is a matter of opinion, so please don't state it as a fact.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,363
Dawg Talker
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,363 |
Quote:
jc.
so if ward goes somewhere else, and Byrd doesn't come here...
then what?
I didn't realize that there are only two safeties in the NFL. 
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
Both Ward and Byrd are very good. They also have different skill sets with Byrd's being more unique. Ward plays closer to the line of scrimmage and is great against the run. Byrd stays back in coverage and is more of a ball hawk.
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum T.J. Ward
|
|