DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum 5 Possible QB/RB Browns Free Agent Targets (PD)

These five free-agent halfbacks and quarterbacks could be Cleveland Browns' targets | cleveland.com
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss..._special-report


CLEVELAND, Ohio – There’s little question quarterback and running back are two of the Browns’ biggest off-season needs.

But will they find a starter at either position in free agency? Probably not, although the possibility is more likely at running back. Instead, they almost certainly will draft players at both positions, with a chance of taking each in the first three rounds.

Even in a league dominated by passing, new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likes to run the ball behind his zone-blocking scheme. The Washington Redskins ranked among the league’s top-5 running teams the past two years, while helping to contribute to the growing belief that you can find quality runners later in the draft. Sixth-rounder Alfred Morris has totaled more than 2,800 yards in two years and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.

“One thing we can really hang our hat on and stay true to is that Kyle has demonstrated in a variety of places that he’s been, he’s taken a variety of different people and found success,” General Manager Ray Farmer said. “So for us it’s a matter of finding a young man who has talent, has the work ethic and the drive and the things we’re looking for to have that success and finding a way to get them.”

The Browns' rushing attack produced more frustration than yards last season, finishing tied for 27th at 86.4 yards per game. After the Trent Richardson deal, the team’s best back emerged late in the season in the form of Edwin Baker. The 22-year-old Baker is the best of a bunch that includes Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whittaker. Dion Lewis, 23, will return from a broken leg suffered in preseason.

Should the Browns consider free agency -- remember, many of the top draft prospects come with question marks -- here are some choices:

Ben Tate (25), Houston Texans – The backup to Arian Foster rushed for 771 yards and caught 34 passes before broken ribs slowed him late in the season. Tate was linked to the Browns last season after the Richardson deal. He’s looking for a multi-year, multi-million payday and likely will get it from someone. In an ESPN conference call, former NFL GM Bill Polian cautioned about overspending in free agency.

“The best players are signed,” he said. “So these are essentially ‘B’ players whose agents are looking for ‘A’ money.” Tate had a salary cap hit of $899,250 last season.

Knowshon Moreno (26), Denver Broncos – He helped the Broncos reach the Super Bowl by rushing for 1,038 yards while catching 60 passes from Peyton Manning for 548 yards. The concern with Moreno (and Tate) is wear and tear. NFL halfbacks age like U.S. presidents. It’s why teams prefer to draft running backs – they're younger, fresher, cheaper. Moreno had a cap hit of $3.28 million last year.

The Browns have been looking for a franchise quarterback since the moment Tim Couch’s very first pass was intercepted in 1999. It’s hard to imagine they find one in this free agent class, but it’s worth noting their best two quarterbacks a year ago, Brian Hoyer and Jason Campbell, were free-agent signings. Of course, that was in the Brandon Weeden era.

Hoyer, Campbell, Weeden and Alex Tanney remain on the roster, but that will change in the coming weeks. Hoyer, returning from a torn knee ligament, is the only one certain to be on the roster as training camp opens.

Here are some free-agent alternatives:

Josh McCown (34), Chicago Bears – He did a nice job replacing an injured Jay Cutler last season. But was he the product of Marc Trestman’s system, which included an outstanding pair of receivers, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey? Polian stressed the importance of system fit during his conference call. McCown had a $580,000 cap hit last season.

Rex Grossman (34), Washington Redskins – The veteran knows Shanahan’s system very well, having spent the past five years in it. He had a $575,000 cap hit.

Matt Schaub (32), Houston Texans – He isn’t a free agent yet, but is due to make $11 million next season. Schaub enjoyed his best seasons (2008-09) when Shanahan was the Texans’ coordinator.

I agree that we'll take a QB in this draft.. Just not sure it's going to be any of the top three.

I also wouldn't be at all surprised if we cut Weeden and/or Campbell, then either keep Tanney or add another seasoned vet like a Grossman or Schaub.

Would we be on the hook for 11 million if we were to acquire Schaub? If so, I wouldn't consider that option unless the Texans release him outright.

Quote:

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The Browns have been looking for a franchise quarterback since the moment Tim Couch’s very first pass was intercepted in 1999.

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That is one painful statement.

J/C

My first impression of this article is that it's woefully superficial. Way too often the PD staff who should have more access than anyone to sources, spews back obvious blather. The PD wants to write multiple articles that say very little.

Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal does a more insightful and concise breakdown of free agency and the options at every position.


Nate's FA breakdown

Ohio.com > Sports > Cleveland Browns >
Nate Ulrich: What will Browns do with millions in cap space with NFL free agency opening? Here is a breakdown
By Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writer


The Browns’ new regime of General Manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine must be cautious because it’s entering dangerous territory.
That’s exactly what NFL free agency is — dangerous. Sure, treasures can be found, but many more bad deals will be made in coming days than good ones.
Teams are permitted to begin negotiating with agents today, even though contracts cannot be executed until free agency officially starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Browns entered the weekend armed with $49.9 million in salary-cap space, according to NFL Network, so they certainly have enough financial flexibility to address some needs before the draft May 8-10. But Farmer and Pettine should use a buyer-beware approach in free agency if they want to avoid getting burned.
ESPN analyst and former NFL GM Bill Polian nailed the primary pitfalls of free agency during a conference call this week.
• The homework typically isn’t as thorough: “You don’t know the player as well as you know a player who’s coming out in the draft and certainly not as well as you know a player who is your player.”
• The prices are all out of whack: “The best players are signed. So these are essentially ‘B’ players whose agents are looking for ‘A’ money.”
• Previous production might be a byproduct of a specific role or system: “When the player changes teams and changes systems and changes locale, he’s going to have an adjustment period. Football is not a seamless transition.”
So keep those warnings in mind when considering the Browns’ needs.
The positions listed below are not ranked in order of importance to the Browns. Instead, they’re ranked from what appears most likely to be addressed in free agency to what appears least likely to be addressed in free agency.
Safety
Under contract for 2014: Josh Aubrey, 22; Johnson Bademosi, 23; Tashaun Gipson, 23; Jordan Poyer, 22; and Jamoris Slaughter, 24.
Soon-to-be free agent: Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward, 27.
Analysis: If the Browns don’t re-sign Ward, they must find a new starter opposite Gipson. Instead of using a traditional strong safety and a traditional free safety, Pettine wants his safeties to be interchangeable. Buffalo Bills three-time Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd, 27, is better in coverage than Ward and more versatile. He also spent this past season with Pettine, who was the Bills’ defensive coordinator for a year, so he could be a prime target of the Browns. Antoine Bethea (29, Indianapolis Colts), Chris Clemons (28, Miami Dolphins), Louis Delmas (26, Detroit Lions), Malcolm Jenkins (26, New Orleans Saints) and Donte Whitner (28, San Francisco 49ers) are among the other options.
Cornerback
Under contract for 2014: Royce Adams, 25; Pro Bowler Joe Haden, 24; T.J. Heath, 26; Brandon Hughes, 27; Leon McFadden, 23; Julian Posey, 25; and Buster Skrine, 24.
Analysis: In an ideal scenario, the Browns would sign someone to replace Skrine in the starting lineup opposite Haden. That would allow them to move Skrine to a nickel role in which he could excel covering slot receivers. Sam Shields (26, Green Bay Packers) has been linked to the Browns. Vontae Davis (25, Colts), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (27, Denver Broncos), Aqib Talib (28, New England Patriots) and Alterraun Verner (25, Tennessee Titans) are other starters to consider. But even if a new No. 2 corner isn’t in the cards, the Browns must secure a No. 3 because McFadden couldn’t hold his own last season as a rookie.
Offensive line
Under contract for 2014: Tackles — Reid Fragel, 23; Chris Faulk, 24; Mitchell Schwartz, 24; Pro Bowler Joe Thomas, 29; and Martin Wallace, 23. Guards — Garrett Gilkey, 23; John Greco, 28; Jason Pinkston, 26; and Jeremiah Warren, 26.
Soon-to-be free agents: Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, 28; starting right guard Shawn Lauvao, 26; backup tackle/guard Oniel Cousins, 29.
Analysis: Mack wants to listen to offers from other teams, but the Browns have the power to match any offer because they placed a transition tag on him. Assuming Mack ultimately signs the tag, which would lock him into a one-year, $10.039 million contract, the Browns still must find a starting guard to replace Lauvao, and they might also look for an upgrade over Schwartz at right tackle. Guards to watch include Jon Asamoah (25, Kansas City Chiefs), Zane Beadles (27, Broncos), Chad Rinehart (28, San Diego Chargers), Rodger Saffold (25, St. Louis Rams), Geoff Schwartz (27, Chiefs) and Travelle Wharton (32, Carolina Panthers). The crop of tackles includes Branden Albert (29, Chiefs), Anthony Collins (28, Cincinnati Bengals), Austin Howard (26, New York Jets), Eugene Monroe (26, Baltimore Ravens), Michael Oher (27, Ravens), Zach Strief (30, Saints) and Jared Veldheer (26, Oakland Raiders). New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan wants athletic big men who can move down the line swiftly and who reach the second level of defenders in his zone-blocking scheme.
Inside linebacker
Under contract for 2014: Tank Carder, 25; Darius Eubanks, 22; and Craig Robertson, 26.
Analysis: There will definitely be one new starter here and probably two. Cutting defensive captain D’Qwell Jackson, 30, last week created an obvious void. Robertson was the other starter last season, and the Browns brought him back as an exclusive-rights free agent. Robertson, though, proved to be a major liability in coverage and could be forced into a backup role. So it would make sense if the Browns looked for one starter in free agency and another in the draft. Arthur Moats, 25, spent this past season with Pettine in Buffalo, so he would be a logical free-agent target. Pat Angerer (27, Colts), Jon Beason (29, New York Giants), Desmond Bishop (29, Minnesota Vikings), Karlos Dansby (32, Arizona Cardinals), Erin Henderson (27, Vikings), Perry Riley (25, Washington Redskins), Darryl Sharpton (26, Houston Texans), Daryl Smith (31, Ravens) and Brandon Spikes (26, Patriots) are among the others set to be available. Keep this in mind: Pettine prefers speed rather than size at this position.
Wide receiver
Under contract for 2014: Travis Benjamin, 24; Josh Cooper, 25; Pro Bowler Josh Gordon, 22; Tori Gurley, 26; Charles Johnson, 25; Greg Little, 24; and Conner Vernon, 23.
Analysis: Gordon is an All Pro, though no one else in this group poses a consistent threat. Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron is certainly another formidable target, but the Browns still need a No. 2 receiver and a slot receiver. One could come from free agency and another from a draft class deep at this position. Players to watch on the open market include Eric Decker (26, Broncos), Golden Tate (25, Seattle Seahawks), James Jones (29, Packers), Julian Edelman (27, Patriots), Emmanuel Sanders (26, Pittsburgh Steelers), Ted Ginn (28, Panthers), Hakeem Nicks (26, Giants) and Dexter McCluster (25, Chiefs).
Running back
Under contract for 2014: Edwin Baker, 22; Jamaine Cook, 22; Dion Lewis, 23; Chris Ogbonnaya, 27; and Fozzy Whittaker, 25.
Soon-to-be free agent: Willis McGahee, 32.
Analysis: Securing a proven starter at this position should be one of the top priorities because if the Browns add a bona fide featured back to the mix with Baker, Lewis and Ogbonnaya, they would suddenly have a legitimate stable. Knowshon Moreno (26, Broncos) and Ben Tate (25, Texans) fit the description, and they have been linked to Cleveland. The Browns, though, might rather look for a bargain back in the draft who fits Shanahan’s scheme best. Under Shanahan’s guidance, sixth-round pick Alfred Morris rushed for 1,613 and 1,275 yards the past two seasons with the Redskins.
Quarterback
Under contract for 2014: Jason Campbell, 32; Brian Hoyer, 28; Alex Tanney, 26; and Brandon Weeden, 30.
Analysis: Hoyer is the only QB on the roster with a realistic shot to become the starter heading into next season, and he’s trying to bounce back after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in October. Even if Hoyer’s knee holds up and he wins the job, the Browns need a long-term solution. With two first-round draft picks (Nos. 4 and 26 overall), they could stop the bleeding at the most important position if they make the right choice. Still, using free agency to secure a veteran capable of aiding the transition to Shanahan’s system can’t be ruled out. The Texans are expected to part ways with Matt Schaub, 32, who’s scheduled to make $11 million next season. Schaub had two of his best seasons when Shanahan was the Texans’ offensive coordinator from 2008-09. Rex Grossman, 33, spent the past five seasons with Shanahan (one with the Texans and the last four with the Redskins). He’ll be a free agent.

B/R Sources Say Browns Hot on Trail of Edelman, Shields and Schaub

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19857...elds-and-schaub

Schaub better get a hell of a lot cheaper and there needs to be a requirement that he sees a sports psychologist in his contract

Julien Edelman and Sam Shields would be great additions. The Matt Schaub interset is interesting. If they were to sign Schaub would that be an indication that the new staff is not fond of the top 3 QB's? Or do they just think Schaub is a better short term answer at QB than Hoyer wiho will hold down the position while they groom one of the young top 3 QB's?

I do like the idea of Haden and Sheilds at corner with Skrine at nickle. Play man outside and aggresive up front.

Edelman would be a tremendous up grade in the slot. With the attention Gordon and Cameron will get he will get open quite a bit on 3rd downs.

This free agent periods could be very telling as to the new staffs direction for the team heading into the draft.

Actually, Schaub signing with Cleveland does make sense, if they sign him to a reasonable contract. He provides competition for Hoyer. With Hoyer and Schaub there is less pressure to reach for a QB early in the draft. This expands the Browns options tremendously.

Adding Schaub specifically is appealing because he knows the offense and had his best production with Shanahan as OC.

I'm not married to any particular way to improve the team. Be it a high investment in a QB, if that's Farmer's strategy or, strengthening the position by adding veteran depth.

Nate Ulrich is the best writer on the Browns' beat and it is not even close.

j/c

I still believe what I said earlier may hold some value. Just a guess of course. But it would seem to me that it would be far more logical if you plan to draft a QB at #4 or move up for a QB, that you would find a much cheaper solution at the veteran QB slot to mentor your draft pick as in Grossman.

To me, if we sign Shaub, it may very well indicate a larger investment in the FA market and decrease the odds we draft a QB at #4.

Shields is returning to Packers per new Signings/Resignings thread.

Schaub reminds me of the Delhomme signing. He is not full Delhomme, only partial Delhomme.

Statements made by Farmer and Pettine have hinted that a QB might not be taken with the #4 pick. I've tried to imagine how they could approach the draft under those circumstances. Schaub fits a scenario where that could happen. I'm not automatically opposed to this. If it were to happen I'd want to judge it in the context of everything they do, free agency and the draft.

Vers, just curious, who do you want if Teddy is gone?

I agree with you on him btw, I just don't think he will be there and I don't think we should trade up for him. I know you will say we should, and we could debate that forever, but lets just say he is gone and we don't trade up.......who do you take than?

Bortles (whom I would be ok with) or Manziel (who I don't want to touch), or someone else?

I also don't think signing a FA QB precludes us from taking one of the 3 at 4. I think it just allows us room to not force a rookie into the starting role.

Just wanting your thoughts as I know how bad you want a QB this year.

I believe Vers has said it should be teddy, but if it ain't it should be johnny

Thanks, and Vers, if that is the case, I apologize, don't want to make you repeat yourself.

Anyone else want to chime in, feel free. I know the QB's have been debated in depth and don't want to get into it again, just wanting opinions.

I am just scared as hell about Manziel. I just believe that to many of his passes that were big plays in college, are interceptions in the NFL.

We need to take either Teddy. my choice, or Manzeil with our first pick. QB has been, and still is our biggest shortcoming. I would dump Weeden and Campbell and sign Rex, but IMO we definitely have to draft one of these top QBs.

I'm not that high on Grossman as a starter, but he knows the offense, and him being in the QB room would be an asset.

That being said, I want Teddy, period.

I dunno... I personally want nothing to do with the guy.... Even when he was putting up good numbers he still had a weak arm, under threw the deep ball and needed a great running game....

The guy has looked broken mentally for a season and a half.... I understand he's a vet who knows the offense but I don't want him on the browns... Nice guy but is not the answer at qb in my opinion unless he fixes some serious issues

JC

If they sign Schaub and pass on Bridgewater....well we can just count the years before Farmer and Pettine join the long lineage of failed Browns management. Presumptive?? Nah....just will prove they are clueless, and people rarely grow a brain doing OJT IMO.

He's another Dellhome....after a nice run both guys were TO machines. Man I hope this is crap.

I like Bridgewater, Manziel and to a lesser extent Bortles. I don't think signing Schaub means you can't draft one of these guys. What it does is allow you to be more deliberate with drafting a QB.

I don't get the sense that they are committed to taking a QB at 4.

No he offers nothing really....much like Jake. If we sign him he will not make it a half season before being benched.....and he most likely doesn't beat out Hoyer in a fair competition. That's why I don't get it.....why bring in a stop gap starter when we have a better one in Hoyer? I

If they bring in Schaub we aren't drafting a QB until later, because he will be the competition for Hoyer......no way they have those two guys and a top flight rookie.

I have yet to see any realistic link between Schaub and us other than, "Shanahan coached him in Houston."

I think the decision at #4 has to be a QB or trade down to get as much talent out of this deep draft.

A franchise QB will change a franchises fortunes that is for sure. No other 1 player in the draft can offer that kind of upside. If Farmer and Pettine are convienced that Bridgewater, Bortles, or Manziel are franchise QB they must pull the trigger. I go round and around in my head about these 3. I just cannot convience myself that any of these 3 will be true franchise QB's. I think they all can have some success in the NFL. They are talented. Just not sure fire homeruns. I think NFL scouts and GM's are having the same feelings about the 3 that I am. That is why there is not a consesus top pick on the mock draft boards. One week it is Bridgwater, then Manziel, then Bortles. Then you start hearing about Houston possibly trading for Mallet. The Raiders, Browns, and other interested in Schaub.

I said during the college football season the best 2 QB's were both freshman Jamious Winston and Christain Hackenburg. If these 2 QB's were eligible for this draft they would go 1 and 2. That is what scares me about the big 3.And, I do not want to draft a QB just to draft a QB. That is how and why we ended up with McCoy and Weeden. I want them to draft a QB only if they are convienced in that player.

I would trade down once and maybe twice to get as many picks in the 2nd and/or 3rd round as possible. I think the Browns could make those trades and still possibly have a shot at Johnny Manziel yet. I think he will be the player this year in the green room that falls in the draft possibly to the 20's like Brady Quinn.

There will be many players selected in this years 3rd round that would be taken in the late first in most drafts.

Sorry about my earlier post. I wasn't directing it to you. I got a new pool table and my son and some of his friends were over and we were drinking all day while shooting pool. I should not post after I have been drinking like that.

I will try and post more rationally.

Everyone knows I really, really want Teddy and that I think the Browns should do everything they can to make sure they are in position to draft him. We have never been in a better position to move up in the draft than we are this year. We have the 4th overall, which means we won't have to move up too far. We have two first rounders. A second. Two thirds. Two fourths. I believe we have all of next year's picks. And to top it off, I feel that Teddy is going to be an elite QB.

If we don't get Teddy, I would probably go w/Manziel. I think his ceiling is extremely high. He is the guy who could really turn this franchise around. That high ceiling is intriguing. On the other hand, I understand the concern that he could get injured a lot. You can't win games from the sideline.

I would take Bortles, but it would have to be at 26 or in a trade down from 4. I just don't think he will last very long.

I want no part of Carr. Jimmy G is okay, but I don't think he should be drafted in the first. Who knows what some team will do in order to improve the most important spot on the field? Heck, we took Weeden in the first and the Dolphins took Tanny at 8. Teams reached for guys like Ponder and Gabbert. Wasn't Grossman a first round pick?

Later in the draft...........I am not a fan of Mettenberger. He is a statue in the pocket who will continually battle knee injuries because of his stiff front leg. McCarron doesn't have the arm strength to be a starter. I liked Fales, but his arm looked even weaker than I thought it was when I saw him throw at the Combine. Boyd is way too erratic for my tastes. Murray would be a guy I would take in the 4th. The question is: does he last that long?

I think it is fairly clear when you evaluate the above analysis that the Browns should do everything in their power to put themselves in position to draft Teddy.

JC

... if we didn't pursue Ben Tate, it would be a crime. If he's wanting too much, then I think we should just go to the draft then...

As for QB, then I'd be okay with Grossman on the terms we still draft a qb, and release Weeden and Campbell.

Just Clicking

Just a quick question.

I read yesterday that NFL teams were now allowed to contact perspective FA's they have interest in. But they can't announce a contract until Tuesday at some hour.

The question is, is there a place where we can look to see which team is contacting which player? Just wondering

Twitter.

Try rotoworld....they usually have info on player news.