DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Who realistically can the Browns land in Free Agency?

This isn't a "who I want to come to Cleveland" topic
Its what players do you can realistically can the Browns sign in 2015.Dez Bryant or Demaryous Thomas,Justin Houston won't be coming here.
Unlike past Cleveland GMs,while the Browns have alot of cap space,I don't see Farmer breaking the bank for anyone or overpaying for anyone player.
The Browns need a run stopper/interior pass rusher.
Phil Taylor has been a bust. Rubin won't be back.
having the 32nd ranked run defense won't get it done.

With Gordon on his way out, A WR with good size and vertical speed is a must.
Austin is a good mentor and runs great routes. But he doesn't scare DBs.
Hawkins/Gabriel got yards but when Travis Benjamin is your leading your WRs with 3 TDS,its a problem.

You can't have too many offensive linemen. The Browns need to sign a physical bulldozer at OG.

Another pass rusher at OLB wouldn't hurt either. Jabaal Shread has been okay at best but he's not a difference maker. He's never posted double digit sack figures.

A QB upgrade is a must. The Browns have the worst QB situation in the NFL.

I think players that could come to Cleveland

Dan Williams
Jared Odrick
Cecil Shorts
Clint Boling
Pernell McPhee
Jerry Hughes

You've put too many qualifiers in your question. It's hard to respond to.

I would like to see.........

--Dez Bryant. He is the best WR in football.

--Suh is a dominant defensive lineman.

--Resigning Skrine is a MUST!

--Jason Pierre-Paul. We need a pass rusher, big time.

--Sean Witherspoon--Coming off a horrific injury, but he is a good player at a position of need.

I need to do some studying. I have been lax this year. I will get back to this.

Oh.............I am not saying we can get all these guys. I am simply saying we should make a run at them.

-- Randal Cobb

-- Cecil Shorts

-- Julius Thomas

-- Jason Pierre-Paul

-- Ndamukong Suh

-- Rolando McClain

-- need to resign Skrine and Gipson

Damn...........I forgot about Gipson. He is a must sign.

I believe that Gipson is an RFA, isn't he?

I am certain that Skrine's value to the team increased as Gilbert continued to have issues. Still, hoe much do you pay him? Will he be your long term starter across from Haden? Decisions, decisions.

I would love to make a big run at...


Orlando Franklin OG/Denver
Cecil Shorts WR/Jacksonville (from Cleveland area).
Jerry Hughes DE/Buffalo (ties to Pettine).
Mason Foster ILB/Tampa Bay
Kyle Wilson CB/New York (ties to Pettine).


I don't expect us to sign any elite, big named players honestly.

Nobody is going to want to come here.

If Justin Houston or Brian Orakpo hit the market, we need to make a big run at one of them in my opinion.

I've read some rumors online regarding the Browns making a big run at Ndamakong Suh (spelling?) and they're willing to pay him a bunch to bring him in. He's a good player but I'd rather spend that kind of money on 2 or 3 good free agents, not just one elite one. If defensive tackle were our primary concern, than sure, pay him a boat load to come here, but we need help at OLB/DE, RT, RG, and WR too...

Pay Skrine as a top slot and hope Gilbert steps it up. K'Waun has made him somewhat expendable (assuming Gilbert does improve) but he is very valuable to the team and definitely worth re-signing.

I don't see us signing Dez Bryant, first of all I don't see Jerry letting him walk, and secondly, I don't see Farmer paying what he would demand. How he values "#1" receivers is well known.

Also, I don't see us signing Suh. Money & character issues likely keep the FO from pulling the trigger. Personally, I think he's an a-hole, but that wouldn't stop me from signing him if it would help the team but I'm not sure Farmer would see it that way, particularly when trying to establish a certain culture.

(Also two reasons why PDR is probably right in that we won't go after Green-Beckham in the draft.)

JMHO

Jared Odrick, anyone?

Sorry but our track record of first and second rounders is beyond pathetic to get excited about the draft.

Not that I want him for sure, but I think Mark Sanchez is realistically someone we could go after and get. that is unless he's worried about Johnny Manziel.

After that pitiful performance against CIN, my wife shouldn't be worried about Manziel....

There is absolutely no way that Dez Bryant hits free agency, and if by some miracle of god that he does, I cannot see a scenario where he WANTS to come play in Cleveland unless we make him the highest paid player in NFL history or something crazy. I wouldn't even considering holding your breath for Dez Bryant...

I think someone like Cecil Shorts, Torrey Smith or Michael Crabtree are more likely to actually hit the market. Cecil Shorts because he's from the Cleveland area might actually WANT to come play here.

Cleveland still doesn't seem like a place where players will WANT to go...At least not with the crazy QB situation we have right now.

It's receiver purgatory....

Signing New York and Buffalo free agents seems a little more likely as we have Mike Pettine.

I think Kyle Wilson, Jerry Hughes or even Muhammad Wilkerson could end up being serious possibilities if they don't return to their teams.

Agreed. It's hard to see a respectable WR or QB with other options choosing to come to this mess. Especially if the team is really committed to Johnny.

If we could pull off some kind of crazy trade for someone like Philip Rivers, Sam Bradford or Nick Foles I think that will instantly help and could lead to at least some free agents considering an offer from us.

I remember there were some whispers that SD might want to trade Rivers before last season but I haven't heard anything since. Is he potentially on the market? He'd be tremendous in this offense.

LOL Well, there is that

Unless it's a QB that thinks he can be the GUY and who believes in himself and who believes he'll get a shot at starting.

I don't know about Gipson's contract status. I just know I want to keep him.

I would give Skrine a pretty darn good payday. He really does not get beat more than Joe. I could not stand the guy when he first came here, but he has truly developed. I can admit when I am wrong. The guy can play.

All CBs give up receptions. That is how so many WRs have such big numbers. It seems like our fans remember every pass that is completed against us or every sack that Joe T allows. The opponents get paid, too.

Skrine is young, fast, and improving. We would be taking a huge gamble by not keeping him, especially in this era of multiple WR sets.

I have no proof for what I am saying. It is simply my opinion, but I would keep Skrine, even if it meant paying him big money.

I love Dez Bryant, but he is not going to come here to play with Hoyer or Manziel or some rookie.

You weren"t really wrong, technically.

Once upon a time, he sucked. Now, he doesn't.

Nice to have you on board.

It's not a big deal being wrong. Most people will forgive another person if they 'fess up. As a teacher, I know that first hand. I respect kids who admit they made a mistake and promise to not let it happen again. It's the kids who blame other people or refuse to admit that it was their fault that disturb me.

We have that here on this board. People make outrageous claims. They can say a guy's play design sucks and their play calling is awful. They don't have a call what the play design is. When called on it, they won't admit that they just made some crap up. Instead, they turn the tables and attack the person who questioned them. Pretty freaking lame.

I mentioned on that particular thread how you politely scolded me about Celine Deon's voice. Hell man, you do that for a living.........who am I to question you? Therefore, I did not. Now, I still love her voice and her rendition of Silent Night still moves me even if I am now listening more critically after your lecture.

It just seems to me that too many people on here try to act like football experts when they really have no idea. I actually have some ideal of play design and play calling, but even for me, it is really, really hard to tell on TV. Thus........I wonder how people can emphatically state that an OC sucks?

Btw Clem......you are one of the guys I would like to meet. Talk music, football, philosophy while drinking a few. Maybe we can make that happen one day this summer, that is.........if you are willing.

Arguing with Vers can be exasperating... but he will always admit when he is wrong.

Someday I am going to get him to admit he was wrong about Phil Taylor...

Does Phil Taylor actually suck or is it that he just can't stay on the field? I'm in NJ and almost never get to see games. Gotta rely on you guys!

well my opinion is that he does not suck... he plays all three spots on the DL, why they move him to DE is beyond me... he does his best when he is at NT and can eat up space and blockers.

He does have issues with conditioning... always has, even in college, that said I have seen him run down RB's at the sideline and he will pursue down field, some will call hi lazy... I don't see it.

He will at times not keep himself centered. ( normally when slanting to the right) and allow himself to be sealed off. I have also noted that when he does get sealed from his left side he has trouble getting off those blocks.

He is not an all pro and the fact that he was drafted high will cause some to judge him not on his abilities but on his draft status.. I am not s big fan of that... a player has no say on when and by whom he was drafted.

Vers will disagree with me... but for all the times I was wrong in my discussions with him.. I am right this time

Seems like he is a plus starter, worth keeping at the right price. My impression was always that the is enormous and belonged inside in a 4-3, but I know that ship has sailed and we are a 3-4 team for now. Thanks for the report.

Wow... I hope it didn't sound like I was scolding you. Nothing could be further from my intentions. I guess after answering you, I was just laying out why I'm sometimes THE WRONG guy to ask about music! You should keep on enjoying her singing. There's a reason we have so many different kinds of music- one size DOESN'T fit all!

Brews are a good thing.

According to Bleacher Report the Browns are going to show big interest in Dan Williams the defensive tackle from Arizona and Cecil Shorts the wide receiver from Jacksonville. Shorts is from the Cleveland area so he might have a mutual interest in returning home (just as Whitner did). I don't have an exact link, but it was in an article I read last night.

I agree with many posters on here who don't think the Browns will or should go crazy with other team's FAs this offseason, or any offseason, for that matter. However, regarding the two players you mentioned, I would certainly welcome the Browns looking into their services. Dan Williams would most likely be a huge upgrade at NT and make Rubin and Taylor expendable-- unless the team still values PT at DE or is weary of depth with all the injuries we had this season on the d-line. Now, what also made Dan Williams good was the DEs on either side of him, particularly Calais Campbell.

Shorts, too, is someone I would welcome on this team but slightly concerned about how much money he will get in the market. A proven, starting WR tends to get overpaid in FA. Well, all players tend to get overpaid in the early part of FA, but I feel like the WR more so than some others.

j/c:

CLEVELAND -- This published list of the Cleveland Browns' 2015 free agents got me thinking about the teams' plans for March 10 and beyond. The Browns will add players to multiple spots through free agency and the draft, but there are a few difficult in-house decisions to make first. My early impressions are...

Easy calls --Place restricted tenders on safety Tashaun Gipson and linebacker Craig Robertson.

Gipson is a Pro Bowler who could get a first-round tender, with perhaps a mid-round tender for Robertson. Both acquitted themselves well in Mike Pettine's scheme and provide continuity without breaking the bank. These are easy decisions.

Another easy call -- Re-sign Miles Austin to another one-year deal. If we highlighted the offense's struggles without Alex Mack, it's only fair to do the same with Austin, who led the team with 19 catches for 196 yards on third downs before getting hurt Nov. 30 at Buffalo. Austin was productive but not productive enough to demand a big deal. Sign him to another bridge contract to bolster receiver depth.

Not easy call but probably has to be made -- bring back Buster Skrine at the right price.

Skrine wants to come back, the Browns' defense relies heavily on corners and the team still doesn't know what it's getting from Justin Gilbert. Skrine won't be a perennial Pro Bowler but the Browns love his competitiveness and he always seems to make enough good plays to offset the bad ones.

At least two of these guys will likely be gone -- Brian Hoyer, Jordan Cameron, Jabaal Sheard.

This is less about ability and more about timing/circumstance. The Browns and Hoyer might end up needing each other but the team simply seems ready to move on from the veteran quarterback. Cameron had three catches of more than 40 yards this season but he's a pass-catcher first -- the Browns might prefer a block-first tight end for Kyle Shanahan's run-heavy offense. Plus I'm not convinced Cleveland is where Cameron wants to be. The Browns could franchise or transition Cameron but that seems less likely now than three months ago.

As for Sheard, he could be more effective in a 4-3 scheme, which he played in college. The Browns like Sheard's toughness and run-stopping ability but the team needs more sacks off the edge to complement Paul Kruger. Drafting a pass-rusher with one of the team's two first-round picks is a feasible option.

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns...-stays-who-goes

I wouldn't re-sign Jabaal Sheard, Jordan Cameron or Ahtyba Rubin for big money. If they're willing to sign modest deals at a discount to stay then sure, sign them and keep them for depth, other wise let them walk. None of them have proved they deserve big time money. Despite Cameron and his pro-bowl season last year, he's had a hard time staying healthy his entire career in Cleveland. Sheard and Rubin have just been way to inconsistent to deserve huge deals.

I would resign Sheard but I would let Cameron walk. I really like Dray and Barnage as more "complete" TEs. They are better in the run game.

Dan Williams makes perfect sense, as NT is our biggest need outside of QB.

I would pay a 1st and 3rd for RFA D.Harrison from the Jets though. He's in his prime and worth it

for the defensive line:

I think Knighton will come with too a hefty price tag. If we didn't already have the Bryants, then I would have loved to give a guy like Fairley a chance.

Guys who might not command the big $$$ that I would go after (in order):
Jared Odrick (Miami)
Leger Douzable (NYJ) - good + sameD + lost Rex
Kenrick Ellis (NYJ) - ditto
Karl Klug (Tenn)

I do really like Harrison (Jets) but don't see the Jets letting him get away.

Here is what we have...and my plan if I were Ray Farmer...

Our FAs:
Ahtyba Rubin - The DL version of DQ/Andra...yes he can be good, but if you want to be better, he needs replaced.
Miles Austin - Must sign...he is our Joe Jurevicius, things went downhill without him 3 year deal (or 2, 3 may keep him for less money...all or almost all guaranteed, put only way to lose money...is by being injured, but still keep guarantee high)
Jabaal Sheard - No...better 4-3 DE, hasn't been effective in 3-4
Jordan Cameron - Give him a modest offer, let him walk when someone offers him big cash...he will command too much
Buster - Sign him to starter money...he is quality and is a hard worker...embodies play like a Brown, has improved and will continue to do so, reward play like a Brown guys, and we will get guys like him and will be better for it, other players will feel more longevity if guys like him stay and will be apt to follow his lead...see Joe Haden's progress as well
Brian Hoyer - Open the door and lets keep continuity...if we go Brian and Connor as QBs and have a guy that's a 3rd like a Mike Glennon (or him 2 Connor 3) or even a Thad Lewis caliber player...we can survive. He may be the best FA option in Cleveland because he knows the system.
Johnson Bademosi - Excellent STer...keep him...RFA
Gip - PAY THE MAN...that is all (RFA, don't care, extension)
CRob - PAID...moving on (ERFA...but still pay him, no tender, reward him)
Leonhard - Retiring...thank you for your work, here is a job offer to coach our safeties as an assistant
Kitchen...Tender - good depth
Lanning...ERFA...tender/extension
Marlon Moore - ST Demon...let him be in camp
Sione Fua - let him come back to camp...if he is good...great, if not...okay
Andre Smith...RFA, low tender
Ryan Seymour - ERFA, tender
Shaun Droughn - has been out of the league...sign him to a very cuttable contract...he has no other options, but he impressed the staf...could be good 3rd RB
Scott Solomon - Impressed me. Give him a contract of a year with a team option
Thigpen - Good Bye
Jermaine Saffold, Matt Cleveland, Solomon Elimimian, Zac Diles, Emanuel Davis, Jake Anderson...come back next TC/spring etc...

OTHER FAs:

Matt Moore, Tarvaris Jackson, Ryan Mallet, Austin Davis, Matt Simms, Case Keenum...
IF Brian Comes back...look to the bottom two or TJack for depth. If no Brian...they come in to compete. Matt Moore could be a sleepy pick for a starter because he is a quality QB that has experience as a starter, has a positive TD:INT ratio, and has spent time watching and learning...Could be a Trent Green/Rich Gannon career type. I like Matt Moore a lot...and could come in at a reasonable price.

RB:
Vereen, Ridley, Brandon Bolden, Chris Ogbonnaya are the only names that interest me. One of those guys would be excellent to have. All come from blue collar working teams.

FB:
James Develin - NE...or bring back Agnew

WR:
Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks, Torrey Smith. These are the two FAs I would try to sign for starting spots. Guys that we could use to replace Josh Gordon....These are the two, that I think would be most amenable to coming here...Nicks contract would have to be HIGHLY incentive laden, Crabtree...snaps played, Torrey...sign him
Andre Holmes, Rod Streater, Kris Durham, Damaris Johnson...Host all of them, choose one regardless. These guys may not be on the final roster...but would be good competition to get on the field. Streater is the most accomplished, Johnson the highest ceiling.

TE:
Michael Palmer, Chase Coffman...only two players that I think would reach the market, not command dumb money, and still be a potential player...not starter, but player.

OT:
Bryce Harris, Eben Britton...backups

OG:
Mike Iupati, Clint Boling, Joe Reitz, Jeff Linkenbach...top tier...sign to start, I'd throw money at any of them...all starters on good offenses
Will Rackley, Ron Leary...both young from good OLs...if available, could be cheap quality.

C:
Samson Satele...has C and G capability...would be excellent depth...was for Miami this season
Doug Legursky - Veteran C/G

DE:
BJ Raji - Throw Money at him if available...GB defense is big time different when he is healthy. may need a change of scenery, playing time incentives heavy
Tim Jamison/George Selvie - Have played 3-4, Jamison in a good Houston Defense...
Think DE needs addressed in draft
or...Suh/Fairley...both will be big money, Suh much much more...but you cant deny their talent. Fairley is injury risk, incentive laden.

DT:
Terrance Knighton - Don't think he'll reach FA...but is big reason for Denver run D success, is not 30
Stephen Paea - Miscast in Chitown
Kenrick Ellis - has Pettine connection
Terrence Cody - has experience...is fat

OLB:
Sam Acho/Pernell McPhee - high production guys
O'Brien Schofield/Larry English...depth guys, could be better OLBs than Sheard

ILB:
Brandon Spikes - The anti-Chris Kirksey...great run stuffer...needed guy, top FA priority IMO...need to improve run D
Nate Irving - Play like a Brown player...hard hard work, overcome a lot
Jason Trusnik - a Jim Leonhard of LBs...Smart man...only negative, hasn't played in Pettine's system, though has played in 3-4 much of his career

CB:
Brandon Flowers, Byron Maxwell or no one...those two could start...I don't see depth anywhere else. No one better than Desir or K'Waun

S:
Nate Allen would be good depth but would want too much
Will Hill
wouldnt touch anyone else

K: No one, please draft


Theres a lot of names. I don't say sign them all...one per spot would suffice, and some...lets go to the draft. But...I would look at every one of them if they reach FA...and try and make signings within that group.

I wouldn't want Chase Coffman...he's a career bust much like when we had Rucker or even much like Michael Agnew also from Mizz...all busts...

BJ Raji play has dipped recently...my friend is an avid packers fan and if you think Rubin has fallen some...you haven't seen Raji...a lot of Packers fans don't want him.



Hakeem Nicks has severely disappointed with a high potent offense in Indy...he had a lot of knee operations in NY and seems to have sapped him dry

Samson Satele is a bottom of the barrel center..gets blown by all the time, is extremely stiff...I've seen him in Oakland and Miami, he continues to wiff...only reason Miami took a flyer on him is because they had a center situation worse than ours...but he would be a small upgrade over Seymour... I definitely want an insurance plan at center that's for sure...but a good center is hard to find...even in the draft to begin with...there's only ever a limited amount...

I actually think Ridley would be great as a FA signing...he's a goal line beast and is used to having a limited or shared role...so he would fit in with West and Crowell...

Lmao the Terrence Cody description was right on!

Will Hill is a dbag... He has some of the biggest issues in all of the NFL...avoid at all costs...he deserves to be a Raven

I actually love Crabtree...and I think an off season of rest will help his foot...I wonder if he'd sign with Cleveland? Would love to sign him...and dump Josh Gordon for a late 3rd on draft day...great post... Was fun to read

I know I can't speak for him, but personally I don't think he's worried!

Right now, the only people who worry about Manziel are either Browns fans or work for the Browns.