Twins 2 Indians 1: A Crushing Defeat
July 20, 2011WFNY and Akron Aeros Get Together
July 20, 2011As there appears to be a light at the end of the NFL lockout tunnel, the Cleveland Browns will be one of 32 teams forced to hit the ground running in the proposed altered schedule of league affairs.
Assuming all goes as planned, the Browns will have a three-day window (starting next Monday) to exclusively deal with their own free agents. Rife with gaping holes in many positions – specifically those considered “skill” – the Browns newly constructed team of coaches will join forces with the year-old front office regime to see just who will be back in the Orange and Brown once the curtain is lifted.
Rick has already laid out what should be the first priority for all things contract, but with the obvious aside, who among the current crop of Browns free agents should be given another run with the rebuilding franchise?
Player | Position |
Mike Bell | Running Back |
Blake Costanzo | Linebacker |
Phil Dawson | Kicker |
Abe Elam | Safety |
Jayme Mitchell | Defensive End |
Evan Moore | Tight End |
Derrick Robinson | Defensive End |
Matt Roth | Defensive End* |
Alex Smith | Tight End |
Robaire Smith | Defensive Tackle/End |
Nick Sorensen | Safety |
Chansi Stuckey | Wide Receiver |
Jason Trusnik | Linebacker |
Lawrence Vickers | Fullback |
Floyd Womack | Offensive Lineman |
Eric Wright | Cornerback |
Billy Yates | Offensive Lineman |
*For all intents and purposes, we’ve listed Matt Roth as a defensive end given that would likely be his position within the Browns’ new 4-3 defensive scheme. Robaire Smith can play either position on the defensive line in thei scheme.
The team has given tenders and/or franchise tags to Dawson, Wright and Moore. What this means under the new labor agreement remains to be seen.
Given that the Browns have spent considerable resources along the defensive line, it would be understandable if players like Mitchell (what a great investment) and Robinson are sent on their ways. Despite being a fan favorite, Lawrence Vickers’ days in Cleveland appear to be drawing to a close with the drafting of Stanford’s Owen Marecic. Former ManJets Stuckey, Trusnik and Elam are expected to be squeezed out given the clean slate appearing to be put in place by the new regime.
The team obviously needs some help along the offensive line given the new pass-oriented offense, but are guys like Womack and Yates the answer? We will find out soon as the teams appear ready to reconvene following the ownership meetings that will take place later this week.
“You can either stress over it or roll up your sleeves and do the best you can,” Browns president Mike Holmgren said to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “We’ve got a hard-working group of guys who are pretty sharp. They’ve been working on it now, from what I understand, in this off-season. We’ll be as ready as anybody.”
8 Comments
I’d say keep Evan Moore around and I have a soft spot for Abe Elam.
I thought they had a great piece on Grantland about free agency.
Grantland
That’s a hell of an interesting piece on Grantland. Thanks Joel.
I think who they re-sign really depends on what’s available out there in the market. I think R.Smith and Moore are worth keeping. Costanzo is great for special teams. Like Elam as a backup safety. I think Wright is still good, despite his bad games last year. Dawson is money but older. And Vickers I would love to keep if they have room for both fullbacks… I wouldn’t be shocked that with Marecic’s flex ability if they keep both and use him to spell Vickers and for special teams and if they want someone with better hands for some plays.
I, too, have thought since the draft that they intend to try and keep Vickers. Let’s be logical – we have arguably the best true fullback in the leagues. Why would we just turn over the reins to a 4th round draft pick? I know we’re “trying to get younger” but that just makes no sense. Let the kid learn from the best and hopefully, he will be ready to replace Vickers when that time comes. Until then, he can spell Vickers and help special teams.
Dawson, Elam, Mitchell, Moore, Robaire, Womack, Yates and Wright.
Roth and Vickers if they will come back and contribute. I think Roth is gone since he wants to stay in a 34 (Dallas anyone?). Vickers may be spurned away by the Marecic drafting.
As for the top group, Dawson is obvious. Elam is about par with whats available in FA, because we wont get a top FA S. Mitchell could start opposite of Sheard- Heckert has spoken highly of him this offseason. Robaire brings depth, but I am ok if he leaves also. Womack and Yates can both start so if they would like to come and help I would bring them back. Womack performed very well when pashos was down. Then Wright has the talent, he just needs the confidence again. maybe thats not in cleveland, but I would like to see him try here.
Dawson obviously, I like Moore a lot, and I would love to see the Special Teams aces (Sorensen, Trusnik and Costanzo) back, even if they are “old regime” guys. I’m conflicted on Vickers, maybe a one year deal? Aside from that…
Definite: Yates, Dawson, Mitchell, Moore, Wright
Depends on FA: Elam, Robaire, Womack
Our FO seems to have moved on from Vickers, so let’s just hope he doesn’t end up a Raven.
Not going to bother with Roth as he sees himself as a 3-4 guy and we aren’t going to change his mind.
Stuckey could sneak in there but really he’d be likely cut in preseason anyway (with any luck of our other young WRs maturing)
the rest just show why we are not a good team. they’ll be lucky to catch on elsewhere.
Agreed mgbode. I dont see Stuckey in the new plans. MoMass-Robo-Little-Mitchell-Cribbs along with practice squaders Norwood and Haggerty… I dont think Stuckey brings much they dont.
Sure bets Dawson,Mitchell, Moore, Wright
FA- for the rest.