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

I like the idea of signing Crabtree to replace Gordon, but I also think he has issues with drops. He's worth a decent signing though. The question is how much would he command? It is to my understanding that WR contracts tend to be on the high end and you never get out of them what you pay them.

With Crabtree...he makes a lot of incredible catches...yeah sometimes he let's an easy one go, but a lot of times its Kaep putting the ball behind him...and a nice little random stat...Megatron had a game this year when he dropped 3 passes in a game, and another game where he dropped 3 again...Alshon Jeffrey had a game later in the year where he dropped 5 passes in one game! TE Dwayne Allen had 3 easy drops I think in the Colts second to last game...heck Reggie Wayne had I believe 2-3 drops when we played the Colts later in the year...everyone drops them on occasion...

And like you said WRs tend to get some hefty contracts...I normally say to draft the most expensive players first as they are a lot more affordable (QB, WR, LT, OLB, pass rush DE, CB, etc) But I'd really like a very good veteran out there to help whomever our young QB is...I think Crabtree will get good money, but no insane deal...he was injured a vast majority 2013...and then last year the whole underachieved and he was in and out of the lineup with small injuries...Kaep regressed and so did the WR play as an end result.

Doesn't Michael Crabtree have an attitude issue out there in San Francisco? I'm not sure it would be wise to bring him into a crummy quarterback situation like we're currently in.

"When you try Crabtree with a sorry franchise like Cleveland, that's the result you're gonna get!"

Lmao! Yeah his attitude isn't the greatest...but that's what you get with some of the upper echelon WRs...he does well with conditioning and is a team player...I can't say how is in the locker room...I've never seen negative about it...I know he once had an issue with the O...but that was several years ago when he was younger...as long as his foot checks out...he's more proven and less of a worry than Gordon imho

jc

we wont sign any FA cause no one wants to come to Cleveland... we never sign any ( Purple)

Good post. Just wondering if a guy like Crabtree--who will have many suitors--would want to come to Cleveland w/our QB situation and constant turmoil in the FO?

Crabtree probably has the best hands in the NFL.

Having said that, I'm not a big fan. He's a bit overrated and was over drafted. Elite hands but everything else is average. Definitely a high end #2 type guy and would be an upgrade for us. I think he would probably fit in nicely but it would cost a lot to get him to Cleveland.

Hopefully, the latest FO fiasco will have blown over by Free Agency. If not, the Browns will be lucky to sign a kicker.

Let’s look at the available options. I will put them in three categories. Group 1 are those guys coming off their initial 4-5 year contract who have played well or very well and are being pursued by their current teams to resign new contracts. They have elected to opt for free agency because the feel they can make a lot more money or they are just unhappy with their current team. They are being courted by multiple teams offering big bucks. Would such a player sign with Cleveland? I see no reason to. They would want to play for a playoff type team and be reasonably assured of some form of job security. Cleveland offers neither. I don't see the Browns signing anyone from this group.

Group 2 are aging veterans, generally 30 and over, who have had good to great careers but are on the downside of those careers. They are looking for one final contract to make more money for the wife and kids. They will sign a long term contract but know they likely will only play another 1 or 2 years. Would they sign with Cleveland? Yes. They will go anywhere they are offered the most money. Their legacy is already established so to play for a losing franchise at the end of their career is no big deal. Should the Browns sign these guys. The answer is no, someone who can contribute for a year or two is not what they need. They should be building for the long term. If they were a Super Bowl contender a veteran at a key position would be useful, but they aren't..

Group 3 players are those coming off an initial contract whose present team has shown no interest in resigning. They have been lackluster backups and in many cases are considered busts. These guys have few teams interested, but their agents try to make them look more appealing than they are. Would,they come to Cleveland? Yes, they will go anywhere in an attempt to prolong their careers. This group is likely where most of the Browns free agents will come from.

So I see the Browns signing one aging veteran free agent who they will tout as a mentor, but likely are signing for the name recognition. Names sell tickets. The remainder will be Who Dat types from Group 3. The Browns will say they will star as Browns, they just weren't given adequate opportunities with their previous teams. Most likely these guys will end up as back ups and special teamers, and be cut after a year or two.

I know this sounds pessimistic, but sadly I also feel it is realistic.

I wasn't really referring to Shannahan with the FO fiasco statement, but rather the collective problems of a poor 2014 draft, the decision to start a QB who was not ready for the NFL and the issues with disgruntled players. I guess Shannahan is a part of that. But my point is that if I am a veteran player being pursued by a number of teams I am going to look at Cleveland as dysfunctional and likely not give the organization much thought. You can argue this is all BS coming from the bozos but the reality is that it is out there and generally there is some nugget of truth in what they write. You don't last long as a reporter if you completely fabricate stories. Last free agency period there was some thought the Browns had righted the ship, now had leadership on the same page and were a team on the rise. Based on the reports over the past season I'm not sure if that perception remains, especially with veteran players. If so, signing any will be tough. A key will be resigning of the Browns free agents like Skrine and Gipson. If they walk that suggests bad things on the horizon.

Money rules in FA. They got Dansby and Kruger signed. If there's a will, FAs of all categories will sign.

Here's my initial wishlist:

OLB: Go hard after one of the top players here. Burn two 1st round picks for Houston, if KC can only tag him. B.Graham and Pernell McPhee are two other options, though not exactly top pass rushers, but complete players. Not sure what happened to Orakpo, but he might come cheaper as his talent, but he will be tagged for sure.

NT: Again, would burn multiple picks for NT D.Harrison. One of the best young NTs in the game today and would upgrade the whole D. If not him, then Dan Williams. There's a significant drop off in talent at NT after those two. So I expect us to go hard after one of them, filling what is probably our biggest hole after QB.

RB: Yes, I think we STILL have a need here. The two rooks were inconsistent and overwhelmed when they were asked to carry the load. Crowell at least has good upside. West is as dime a dozen as it gets and a waste of two valuable mid round picks. Both are complimentary backs right now.
I liked both Bradshaw and Forsett for depth last offseason, but our FO got prospect happy and though Tate was enough, despite no depth at the position. Well, now they're probably cost prohibitive. This offseason's version of them are Ingram, Ridley or Vereen and even J.Rodgers. We talk about DEPTH every offseason on here and then I have to read the homer's apologies for not signing said DEPTH in FA. Get it done this time and don't rely on rooks everywhere. Lack of depth hurts us EVERY freaking season and it will continue to do so if we're not willing to bring in solid, CHEAP vets looking for a rebound/more playing time etc. Our FOs have shied away from low risk/high reward signings likes it's their job. Idiots.

WR: Not much here that will hit the open market and FA WR cost too much anyway. Draft is the way to built this up on high end talent, but sign 1-2 for depth. Plenty of guys looking for jobs. Nicks, Crabtree and Shorts look like the most talented with some hope of a comeback. Guys like V.Brown and Boykin check as low risk/high reward guys as possession WR.

FB: Get a freaking FB already !!

Last but not least:
QB:

Matt Moore. Don't roll your eyes. He's the best FA option nobody is speaking of. He's better than Hoyer and Sanchez and we're probably the best team for him to give him one last chance at a starting gig in this league....if he's still interested in that.

Would also look to sign TJ Yates. Always liked him and a capable backup at least. And yeah, I'd sign Gabbert if I can't get one of Moore/Yates or double up with him, if they decide to get rid of Manziel somehow. He's still only 25 and I'd much rather see him start as our 3rd QB in week 17 next season than some UDFA rook with no talent.

If Hoyer is gone, then Matt Moore seems like a really nice move.. Less eye rolling than signing someone like Sanchez anyways.. Moore will be 31 when the season starts though..

Christian Ponder seems like a younger version of Moore. I wouldn't begrudge giving him a look..

I'd also love to go after Shorts and Maclin.. both of them.. and then still draft a WR..

Oh, and an upgrade at S is needed too. With Leonhard probably retiring, there's a depth need. R.Moore, S.Brown, N.Allen, Abdul-Quddus, K.Lewis, M.Wright....plenty of vets with starting experience

At ILB, a guy like Kelvin Sheppard would be a good low cost addition to "platoon" with Kirksey as a two down thumper on run downs. There are several decent mid/late rounders in the draft too for that though.

Davon House would be a nice depth signing at CB.

For the OL: Always liked Mike Johnson, but he just can't stay healthy. Take a flyer for depth with upside. Draft depth

I feel like FA is flooded this year.. and that's a good thing..

Teams can usually kill their futures over doing it in FA.

But I think we could easily go in and sign 4-5 guys to solid contracts and get 3-5 years out of each of them.. and then still have the draft..

And then I'll always say.. It won't matter if we don't find at least a "good" QB..

That's far more the list I would like to see us target.

I have to think Suh and one of Shorts or Maclin are headed to Oakland. They have 50 million in natural cap room PLUS whatever they carry over from last year and DL and WR Aw their biggest weakness.

How about Ryan Mallet? He is big, strong and has a great arm. Does anyone think he can be good?

j/c:

Browns GM Ray Farmer has more on his plate in second season as free agency decisions beckon

The Morning Kickoff …

Taking care of business: A year ago, Ray Farmer’s job was made tougher because of the lateness of his appointment to the position of Browns general manager.

He had only one major order of business before the draft – re-signing center Alex Mack. He did it unconventionally, assigning Mack the transition tag and then matching an offer sheet signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This year, Farmer has a lot more on his plate. The Browns have six prominent unrestricted free agents and three prominent restricted free agents to sort out.

The good news for Farmer is the Browns have virtually no salary cap restrictions. Once again, they will enter the 2015 NFL business year with “top five” salary cap room. This is the fourth year in a row the Browns are among the leaders in that category. Shame on them for not maximizing that advantage.

Here is a look at the nine major players the Browns must decide to bring back or let go:

Unrestricted free agents

Wide receiver Miles Austin: He is the prototypical Farmer receiver – undrafted, unheralded, not the swiftest, but selfless and clutch. He was second on the club with 47 receptions despite missing the last four games with a lacerated kidney. He will be 31 when the 2015 season starts. He is a good role model in the receiver room and worthy of bringing back on another one-year deal.

Tight end Jordan Cameron: At one point, the Browns were prepared to franchise or transition tag him. Then came Cameron’s third concussion three years. He missed five games because of that; six total. When active, he is a certifiable big-play tight end. At the end of the year, I asked Cameron what was important to him in free agency. “I want to win. And I want to make money,” he said. He will leave and he will prosper.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer: The Browns turned down an offer from agent Joe Linta in June that would have kept Hoyer under contract for three more years. He would have made about $3.5 million as the starter in a non-playoff year. Making the playoffs would have escalated the salary to $8 million. Hoyer still is the ideal quarterback to serve as a bridge to the Browns’ elusive “franchise quarterback” and also to mentor that player. But there is too much water under that bridge now, and I see Hoyer moving on. Possible destinations include Houston, Buffalo, Tennessee and the N.Y. Jets, depending on their coach.

Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin: His second Browns contract paid him a $6.6 million base salary in 2014. The return on that was 28 tackles and one sack. I’ve always loved Rubin’s “motor” and work ethic. The production isn’t always there. He’ll be 29 when the season starts. I see him possibly heading to Houston to rejoin Romeo Crennel or to Tennessee to rejoin Ray Horton – former Browns coaches who appreciated him.

Outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard: Mike Pettine predicted to me in June that Sheard would have the biggest impact of any player in his defense. Didn’t happen. Sheard played hurt most of the season with a foot injury. I think he is best at defensive end in a 4-3. If the Browns don’t bring him back, he will have no problem finding a home in a 4-3 defense.

Cornerback Buster Skrine: The whole point of drafting Justin Gilbert was to keep Skrine on the inside, where some believe he could develop into one of the best nickel corners in the NFL. Having to shift from outside to inside might be the second-most difficult job in the NFL (after quarterback). After Gilbert’s wasted first year, Skrine is a must sign. The best case would be for Gilbert to blossom as Pettine hoped, and Skrine dropping down to cover slot receivers full time. But Skrine will get offers -- all good cornerbacks do.

Restricted free agents

Safety and special teamer Johnson Bademosi: Since he was undrafted, the Browns have to give Bademosi the second-round tender to avoid losing him. That would be about a $2.5 million offer, which is a significant raise but worth it for the leading tackler on special teams for three years.

Free safety Tashaun Gipson: Another undrafted player, he will require the highest tender, about $3.5 million, to keep him from being poached. He had a breakout Pro Bowl year despite missing the last 5 games with a sprained knee and would be one of the most sought-after free agents if totally free. He is still getting better.

Nose tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen: Yet another undrafted player, I guarantee he would attract multiple offers if the Browns don’t protect themselves by giving him the second-round tender. If they don’t re-sign Rubin, they have to bring back Kitchen.

http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=41491

Wide receiver Miles Austin: Thanks for a good year. Let that kidney heal up.
Tight end Jordan Cameron: Let's part amiably. Good luck and good health.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer: 3 years, $12 million offer + $12 million additional incentives. No guarantee to be starter. If you can do better, salut.
Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin: Thanks for the good years, Athyba. Enjoy Atlanta.
Outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard: I'd probably offer about $4 million per, but he will likely get a better offer from 4-3 team. Good luck Jabaal.
Cornerback Buster Skrine: 4 years, $25 million ($9 million guaranteed) offer. Similar to Cortez Allen, Keenan Lewis, and Alterraun Verner's deals.
Safety and special teamer Johnson Bademosi: Second round tender.
Free safety Tashaun Gipson: First round tender.
Nose tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen: Second round tender.

All JMO.

I agree with most of that except I think you make a serious effort to sign Gipson long term now. He will be more expensive next year. And I'm torn on Austin, he was clutch this year at several key moments. I think he might be worth a two year deal at a reasonable price.

I'd agree on Gipson if he wasn't coming off of a knee injury. I'd give him the tender and maybe negotiate an extension after that. If we go in to negotiate with him, his agent just won't sign a deal and let the tender deadline expire so he can negotiate with other teams (which would also drive up the price.)

Mallet is a real interesting prospect actually.

He has great size and a very big arm.

With a talented supporting cast he could potentially be very good.

I think he tore his pectoral muscle though so who knows if Houston will want to keep him or how much money he would want in free agency.

not rex grossman....

I'd franchise Cameron. The tight end tender is low and he might like a one year deal to re establish his value.

Yeah I think that's reasonable.

franchise Hoyer

I really don't get the Hoyer love.

Is he the best QB on the roster? Probably. But that isn't saying much. He's not even the best FA QB in a horrible market. Guys like Matt Moore, Sanchez and Yates are more or less the same level of "blah".

Thinking about it...it makes the most sense to give Manziel next season. Find out what you wasted a 1st and 3rd on. If he continues to be horrible, he's our best ticket to a 1st overall and a possible fQB in 2016. These 5-7 win seasons aren't worth anything, we're stuck in them and we will have to rebuild after 2015 anyways, might as well have the 1st overall to do so.

JThomas isn't getting younger, neither are Dansby and Whitner. Can't really "count" on those guys for 2016+. Mack will be gone after next year. The contract has an opt out, remember? and he wanted to leave last time. 2015 won't change anything, no matter who the QB.

The 3 consecutive horrible drafts will rear their ugly head. Nobody wants to hear it, but we're headed towards another rebuild. If I were Farmer, I'd go vet-happy in FA and try to win as much as possible. That's the only way he can save himself and Pettine

10 win 6 loss as a browns starter.

Yeah, let's pay $20 million to a backup level QB. That's a great use of our cap room.

1-3 in his last 4 starts if you follow the what have you done for me lately crowd.

A lot less impressive than 9-3.

sorry forgot purple font.. my bad.

the guy is confused why people like hoyer. i simply pointed out why people do.

I wish that was a clear joke, but people really want to franchise Hoyer.

To franchise Cameron this year its going to be around $8 mill...I know we have plenty of cap room...but I'm thinking that can be spent wisely elsewhere...then again we never utilize our cap room to the fullest...so heck it may be worth it lol

If we were to adequately replace Cameron how much would it cost? Is there even someone that can replace him available?

We want players that "Play like a Brown"....

There is little to lose by franchising Cameron, unless we want to use the tag on someone else.

According to Over The Cap, we have about $51 million in cap space available to use in 2015-16. We have been saving cap space for future use, but there is no reason not to use the cap space we have now, especially in a short team proposition such as by franchising Cameron.

Money today is not a problem for this team. Obviously we want to avoid bad deals that could create problems down the road ... but one or 2 year deals are not going to create cap problems.