Richmond McGee, We Hardly Knew Ye
September 12, 2011While We’re Waiting… Benson’s Run, LaPorta’s Swing and Jackson’s Tackling
September 13, 2011Lost in the muck of the Browns frustrating performance yesterday, was word that the team had agreed to terms with defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin on a three-year extension. Rubin, who was in the last year of a deal that pays him $600,000, is now signed through 2014. The deal is worth $18 million guaranteed, and could be worth up to $27 million.
Rubin had a great 2010 season, in which he led all defensive linemen in tackles. It was a breakout year for him. Many, including Rubin were a little surprised that he didn’t get even an alternate spot on the Pro Bowl roster. He is the most experienced member of the Browns defensive line, even though he is only entering his fourth year.
The Browns are still $18+ million dollars under the salary cap, but have made a commitment to signing younger players with something to prove, and locking up their own potential free agents. The first one was obviously Joe Thomas, and really that was a great move. Evan Moore was next, signing a three-year deal as well.
Ahtyba Rubin was on the short list of players likely to get new deals. It may have been a bit of a surprise that he signed next, as the team was reportedly talking with running back Peyton Hillis all last week. It makes sense in this football economy to lock up defensive linemen when you can, and also to be a bit cautious about signing running backs to long term deals. (Shaun Alexander anyone?)
The Hillis deal likely still gets done. The big question may be, is there anyone else on this team deserving of a long-term extension?
13 Comments
Glad they extended him. The Browns do have some players that are worth building around. I think Hillis is the only one of those players left that isn’t under contract for the next few years.
The loss to the Bengals was rough. But, I do think things will get better under Holmgren/Heckert. The young core guys are locked up. With those guys and a couple good drafts (good that they have two first rounders this year), the Browns will finally field an anually competitive team.
Each Falcon Loss is a browns win…
I know right now some people are ready to kick him out of Cleveland, but I still believe McCoy is the real deal. He had a poor game stat wise yesterday but what would you expect from a young qb with an o line that doesn’t protect him. So I guess and hope at some point hell get that fat extension coz it’d mean he had some success with our browns!
Get Hillis done and were in biz.
Attaboy Rubin
@Natedawg
Very true. Falcons were the most disappointing team in my opinion on Sunday. Now they got Vick coming home looking for revenge. Very well could start 0-2 and that trade keeps looking better…
After yesterday, despite being out for the season: Reggie Hodges.
I presume there’s no purpose in extending Haden, Ward, Mack, et al at this point.
Kevin – I haven’t heard anyone giving McCoy too hard of a time about yesterday. His stats were OK, not great. He is the least of our problems right now…
Good move locking up Rubin.
Can’t believe how fast everyone wants to “lock Hillis up” long-term. I was never sold on DA after his big year and I’m not sold on Hillis yet. I loved watching him last year, but even assuming he can sustain last year’s level, he’s going to have a short shelf life.
Mattc, I scrolled down to make the same exact points. Well stated.
Also, I really think RB is the easiest position to replace and draft.
I agree…love Hillis, but I don’t think I would offer more than 3 years.
@MattC: I don’t want to lock him up, but I don’t want to offend him so badly that we CAN’T lock him up.
@Chris: I totally get that. But, Hillis seems more rational than most and I don’t see him carrying out a prima donna routine over it. I think he’d understand if the team asked him to show 2 years of good work before getting serious with the big bucks.