Guessing what the Browns’ moves mean… so far
March 16, 2012NFL Free Agency News: Browns release DE Jayme Mitchell
March 16, 2012Earlier this week I wrote about how the Browns needed to address the offensive line in free agency. This is not exactly what I had in mind.
If you aren’t familiar with twitter’s format, those would be consecutive tweets that the Browns (PR department) sent out to their followers. The point of putting the tweets here isn’t to blast the PR department. They are doing what they are supposed to do I guess.
Whether we like it or not the Browns are revealing their plan– at least for the offensive line. My hope was that the Browns would make a play for Eric Winston at the right tackle spot, instantly providing depth by adding the best available right tackle to the team. A move that would make the Browns’ line a strength of the team with a little depth and versatility to boot. Instead, the Browns cut Eric Steinbach (a move which I saw as a possibility and am kicking myself for not writing about) and didn’t even sniff a phone call to Winston.
I can’t disagree too much with the decision to cut Steinbach to be honest with you. Look, every NFL player knows that they can be cut. It’s why they fight for guaranteed money in their contracts. It’s why they have such big signing bonuses. At the time the Browns signed Steinbach, his deal was kind of bloated for a guard. He was set to make $6 million this year, and the Browns felt they could fill his spot for much less money. They are right. Jason Pinkston isn’t at Steinbach’s level, but he is a cheap alternative that improved as the year went along. There is generally a learning curve to playing offensive line in the NFL. Unless you are one of the elite 3 or 4 in your draft class, typically you come in and learn the pro trade for a year or so before starting. Pinkston was pressed into duty right away for the Browns and started all 16 games.
The Browns did make an effort to renegotiate Steinbach’s deal and bring him back at a cheaper rate. They couldn’t come to an agreement on terms, and Steinbach walked. That’s the business side of the NFL. It is still possible that Steinbach resigns with the club, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. There are some playoff ready teams that would take Steinbach at the rate the Browns would want to pay him. You do that math.
According to Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert’s conference call with season ticket holders yesterday, the Browns plan to address the line in the draft. Some may hold out hope that the Browns could use the 4th pick on Matt Kalil, giving them high draft picks on both ends of the line. I think the Browns are too traditional for that kind of out-of-the-box thinking. The Steinbach move probably demonstrates that best.
More likely is that the Browns use another third or fourth round pick on an offensive tackle, and bring in someone’s leftovers (like Pashos, Greco, St. Clair) to compete for the staring job. Right tackle will likely be a trouble spot again. Maybe not as bad as St. Clair. That’s about the best I think Browns fans can hope for to be honest with you.
Don’t shoot me. I’m just the messenger.
21 Comments
You don’t think the Steinbach move had anything to do with his injury/recovery status?
His injury paved the way for Pinkston to show what he could do. Steinbach’s age and injury all are reasons why he was no longer worth $6 million a year to the Browns.
i read the moves completely differently, rick.
i will be shocked if they dont take an o-lineman with one of their first 3 picks (and probably two in first four rounds).
all I wanted for the Browns was to maintain some depth and find a starting RT. we can still do that (pick #22 or #37). so, I agree fullheartedly.
I think its telling about Steinbach that no rumors have have surfaced on him talking to any other teams right now. I highly doutb Winston is really on the radar. I would guess whoever they draft (between pick 22-4th round probably) will start. Its not uncommon for a 3rd rounder or so to start and be a very effective.
I hope we attempt to bring him back. It was the right move to cut him, but bringing him back would clear another hole that we have created this offseason. RB, WR, RT, now both G spots (not to mention the entire QB situation!!!) is a lot to on offense for one offseason, especially since FA has already started. Two months ago I was hoping that we would be competing for the playoffs in 2012 instead of draft position. Now I’m not so sure.
The fact that we haven’t gone after any skill position players, OL, or LB’s is frustrating, but there is a lot of talent in this draft. And the most reasonable contract for a WR (Laurent Robinson netting $32.5) is still insane.
Having 3 of the first 37 picks is going to help a ton. While I think the smart and best move is to take Claiborne at 4, I wouldn’t be shocked (or mortified) if we took Blackmon/Trent (even though taking a RB that high is taboo in the modern NFL).
This is Colt’s fault. If he didn’t make Holmgren look so stupid, then Holmgren wouldn’t be forced to punish Colt with the worst right side of offensive line history.
+1
Geez you would think there’s something between Matt Kalil and John St. Clair we could stick in there. Also not sure Oneil Cousins is an upgrade over St. Clair.
Been a busy day for me. Stupid work. What’s the word on Winston? Has he signed with anybody yet?
Anyone?
Bueller?
nor is he expected to be a replacement for him.
the something between Kalil and St.Clair will likely be Reiff, Glenn, Martin, Adams, Sanders, Osemele, or whatever OT we have highly rated that falls to us at #22 or #37
marcus mcneil is visiting chiefs and falcons
chiefs also hosted winston yesterday – they tried to keep him but he insisted on visiting StL (he is there today)
cardinals re-signed Levi Brown
also, the Texans apparently cut Winston because he failed a physical (broken ankle w/ surgery in Feb). not cleared currently for football activities, so whoever signs him will be doing so partly on faith.
Thanks. Good intel. I’d take that leap of faith.
We just had a good RT with a busted ankle and saw how detrimental it was last year.
as soon as i saw that winston was available i thought all our line woes were over… forgot FA’s don’t come to cleveland, even if they wanted to!
He wasn’t Winston.
Winston aint coming to Cleveland.
Then why are we talking?
They could have likely known they were going to cut Steinbach 1 year ago and left him on the roster as a courtesy so he could rehab at the Browns facility and keep their options open. He’s had tons of back problems. If we’d sign ANYBODY w/ the back history he has, fans would be calling the player and injury-waiting-to-happen. Lavauo and Pinkston are going to get all the OG reps it seems. Maybe the Stanford guard at #22?
Guard is increasing in value as due to the multiple W/C offenses, blitzing over the guard is the quickest route to the QB. Defenses are realizing this.
Bridgecrosser…prior to last season Steinbach missed 3 games in 7 YEARS, get a clue. They guy was blowin up cornerbacks every Sunday whether he was a little banged up or not. Look at the guys track record with running backs…Rudi Johnson, Jamal Lewis, Hillis…all had career years with Steiny pulling and getting to the second level. Sad day, here’s to upcoming losing seasons…Cleveland office is a joke and the big show should have paid him some of his 10mil a year salary.