It started for him with Cleveland, could this be the end of the road for the 37-year old?
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Keenan - Up in Smoke
It started for him with Cleveland, could this be the end of the road for the 37-year old?
For Our Raider Friend(s), Help Is on the Way...
In the form of Jeff Garcia. You can all rest easy now... especially you, Abe. Can you picture Jeff Garcia mentoring JaMarcus Russell?
Garcia interested in Raiders, agent says
QB COULD START, HELP TEAM TUTOR TOP DRAFT PICK
By Steve Corkran
MediaNews
The Raiders' muddled quarterback situation is the focal point of new coach Lane Kiffin's attention. One of the solutions, besides spending the No. 1 pick of the NFL draft on JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn, could come through free agency.
Former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, 37, will be one of the Raiders' top priorities once the free-agency period begins tonight at 9.
http://www.realgmfootball.com/src_wiretap_archives/4134/20070301/garcia_a_top_oakland_priority/
STEINBACH?!
POSTED 9:39 p.m. EST, March 1, 2007
STEINBACH TO BROWNS
A league source tells profootballtalk.com that the Browns are expected to sign offensive lineman Eric Steinbach to a deal averaging $7 million per year.
Steinbach, who most recently played for the Bengals, will essentially make Steve Hutchinson money.
The four-year veteran was one of the members of the Cincy team who got busted last year. He was charged for boating while drunk.
Technically, teams can't even speak to free agents until 12:01 a.m. EST Friday. But anyone who follows the league knows that no one follows this rule.
Check that!!
Apparently Frahley has just signed a 4 year deal with the Browns. More to come...
More from profootballtalk.com...
POSTED 9:59 p.m. EST, March 1, 2007
BROWNS RE-SIGN FRALEY
Per a league source, the Cleveland Browns have re-signed center Hank Fraley.
Fraley was acquired in a trade with the Eagles after a string of injuries left them decimated at the position.
He was scheduled to become a free agent at midnight.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
More from profootballtalk.com...
POSTED 9:59 p.m. EST, March 1, 2007
BROWNS RE-SIGN FRALEY
Per a league source, the Cleveland Browns have re-signed center Hank Fraley.
Fraley was acquired in a trade with the Eagles after a string of injuries left them decimated at the position.
He was scheduled to become a free agent at midnight.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
Anchor's Away?
With LCB's career in doubt and Hank Fraley moving on, who anchors the O line?
With prospects for the starting center position for next season dwindling, do the Browns look to spend the 36th pick in this April's draft on Southern California's Ryan Kalil? It seems to be almost a necessity at this point, as the unimpressive list of free agent centers is topped by Shaun O'Hara of the Giants, a guy the Browns cast off some years ago.
To the casual observer in the past few weeks, the Browns second round pick looked to almost certainly be an offensive lineman, and Fraley's departure makes it all the more likely. Kalil isn't necessarily the mauler type that Bentley is (was?), but he looks like a solid prospect at this point. The 6'3" 299 lb. Trojan ran a sub 5.0 40 and put up 34 reps on the bench press at the combine last weekend, and he looks to be drafted anywhere from the late first round to the early second round.
Other options at #36 for Cleveland could be OG Aaron Sears, OG Ben Grubbs, OT Joe Staley, OG/OT Justin Blaylock, and OG Josh Beekman. Much like last year when it was clear that G.M. Phil Savage was targeting an ILB in the 2nd round, it might be tough to get the player he actually wants. Last year, he coveted DeMeco Ryans, ILB Alabama, to the point where he traded his second round pick (#43) and former first round pick Jeff Faine to the Saints for New Orleans's second round pick (#34). However, the Houston Texans took Ryans with the 33rd pick, leaving Savage to select his second option, D'Qwell Jackson. Though Jackson has shown promise, Ryans amassed 155 tackles and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award for 2006.
Savage may find himself stuck again, as the teams who lurk before him in the draft this year also have needs along their offensive lines. Oakland, Detroit, and Tampa Bay will certainly be looking at the aforementioned names to give them a boost in the trenches this season. Savage and Browns fans can only hope that the player he wants falls to him at pick #36.
Nate Tops the List: 30 Who Are Gonna Get Paid
I gotta ask, unless Nate gives Cleveland the I-wanna-go-home discount, do the Browns really want to overpay for this guy when they need so much help on both lines?
The Cuts Keep Comin'
Brian Simmons (LB Cincinnati) and old pal Ross Verba (OT Detroit) joined the scrap heap today, too, adding to the list of free agents ripe for the picking beginning at midnight tonight. Strap yer boots on, because the money will be flying like mad when the clock strikes 12.
Here's a link to Adam Schefter's piece on NFL.com about recent cuts:
http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10028907
Here's a link to Adam Schefter's piece on NFL.com about recent cuts:
http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10028907
Fraley Hustles and Flows
So says the PD's Tony Grossi:
Hank Fraley is heading into free agency after failing to reach a contract agreement with the Browns, his agent told The Plain Dealer.
"Given where things are, we're inclined to do that, yes," Ralph Cindrich said Thursday afternoon. "It doesn't looke like we'll get the Hank thing done."
Phil Savage, Browns general manager, was not immediately available for comment.
Fraley's impending defection leaves the Browns with no natural center under contract. The pickings in free agency at center are slim. Former Browns Shaun O'Hara, who played the past few years for the New York Giants, is the best available.
Fraley rescued the Browns last season when he arrived in a trade the week before the season opener and stabilized a position in turmoil after the LeCharles Bentley injury. Fraley was the team's sixth -- and last -- center from the beginning of training camp. He did not miss an offensive snap through 16 games.
Fraley, 29, was acquired from Philadelphia for the Browns' seventh-round draft pick in 2008.
The NFL free agent signing period begins at midnight tonight.
Porter a Brown? Browns coach Romeo Crennel said tonight that the Browns would have an interest in former Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter, who was released by the Steelers earlier in the day. Porter, 29, was in the final year of his contract and was due to earn $4 million in 2007.
Other Big Names Get the Axe
Drew Bledsoe and Joe Horn among cap cuts
The cap axe is finding the necks of some big names as midnight tonight marks the beginning of free agency. The Cowboys and Saints cleared some space today by cutting QB Drew Bledsoe and WR Joe Horn respectively.
Look for more names to fall as the day goes on...
The cap axe is finding the necks of some big names as midnight tonight marks the beginning of free agency. The Cowboys and Saints cleared some space today by cutting QB Drew Bledsoe and WR Joe Horn respectively.
Look for more names to fall as the day goes on...
Why Is This Man Screaming?
Because his ass just got cut (and not the kind of cut that removes a bullet)
Joey Porter was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers today, and word out of the smelly Pennsylvania town is that he wasn't kissing any coaches while the door was hitting him in the ass.
Any Browns fan who says that they'd love to have Porter on the team should crack open a can of Iron City brew and kill themselves.
Is This the Look of a Man Who Knows He Will Be a Cleveland Brown Tonight?
Nate Clements would be a costly addition to Cleveland's defensive backfield
Former Ohio State and current Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements looks to be one of the lucky winners of this year's NFL free agent spending spree, and the Browns could be the team signing the check.
Clements, a native of Shaker Heights, who could command up to a $20 million signing bonus, is likely to receive plenty of attention from Cleveland. The Browns suffered many injuries in their defensive backfield last season, as Daylon McCutcheon missed the entire season after preseason knee surgery, Gary Baxter missed thirteen games after suffering career-threatening injuries to both knees, and Leigh Bodden missed 7 games with ankle problems. These injuries actually forced versatile safety Brodney Pool to play some cornerback last year, but with the likelihood of safety Brian Russell being resigned slim, Pool looks to take over as a starting safety opposite the talented Sean Jones. Baxter will miss all of 2007 (and may never come back) and McCutcheon has probably played his last game as a Cleveland Brown.
That leaves Bodden and third-year corner Davin Holly as starters, and Jereme Perry, Ralph Brown, and DeMario Minter as options for nickel and dime packages. At times last year, Brown looked like the weakest link on the Browns defense (or any other defense, for that matter), leading to multiple breakdowns, big plays, and touchdowns. If this team is to compete this year, upgrading the quality of their depth at cornerback will be essential.
Bodden is an unheralded, but rising star in the league. Beyond him, though, the cornerback position for the Browns is a question mark. Clements would immediately step in and provide a lock down corner opposite Bodden, and give the Browns more opportunities to blitz safeties and linebackers in passing situations.
Here's the catch... Is it wise for the Browns to spend so much money on a cornerback when they have so many needs, especially along the offensive and defensive lines? Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense struggled horribly against the run last year, and it is tough to see how adding Clements would help them with that problem. After Baxter's injury, Holly played better and better as the season went on. Do the Browns really need a high-priced CB more than two or three mid-range defensive lineman? In my opinion, no.
Many thought that Minter was a steal in the fifth round of last year's draft, but a preseason knee injury kept him off the field all year. It may be unrealistic to expect him to contribute much this year, but I can't imagine he'd be any worse than Ralph Brown. Drafting a CB in the mid rounds this year and signing a mid-level corner for depth seems to make more sense than breaking the bank on Clements.
Given that last year's spending spree concentrated on veterans with broken bodies and big names for big bucks, I'm hoping that the Browns use some discretion this year. Another disappointing free agent extravaganza like last year could make this G.M. Phil Savage's last for the Cleveland Browns.
Former Ohio State and current Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements looks to be one of the lucky winners of this year's NFL free agent spending spree, and the Browns could be the team signing the check.
Clements, a native of Shaker Heights, who could command up to a $20 million signing bonus, is likely to receive plenty of attention from Cleveland. The Browns suffered many injuries in their defensive backfield last season, as Daylon McCutcheon missed the entire season after preseason knee surgery, Gary Baxter missed thirteen games after suffering career-threatening injuries to both knees, and Leigh Bodden missed 7 games with ankle problems. These injuries actually forced versatile safety Brodney Pool to play some cornerback last year, but with the likelihood of safety Brian Russell being resigned slim, Pool looks to take over as a starting safety opposite the talented Sean Jones. Baxter will miss all of 2007 (and may never come back) and McCutcheon has probably played his last game as a Cleveland Brown.
That leaves Bodden and third-year corner Davin Holly as starters, and Jereme Perry, Ralph Brown, and DeMario Minter as options for nickel and dime packages. At times last year, Brown looked like the weakest link on the Browns defense (or any other defense, for that matter), leading to multiple breakdowns, big plays, and touchdowns. If this team is to compete this year, upgrading the quality of their depth at cornerback will be essential.
Bodden is an unheralded, but rising star in the league. Beyond him, though, the cornerback position for the Browns is a question mark. Clements would immediately step in and provide a lock down corner opposite Bodden, and give the Browns more opportunities to blitz safeties and linebackers in passing situations.
Here's the catch... Is it wise for the Browns to spend so much money on a cornerback when they have so many needs, especially along the offensive and defensive lines? Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense struggled horribly against the run last year, and it is tough to see how adding Clements would help them with that problem. After Baxter's injury, Holly played better and better as the season went on. Do the Browns really need a high-priced CB more than two or three mid-range defensive lineman? In my opinion, no.
Many thought that Minter was a steal in the fifth round of last year's draft, but a preseason knee injury kept him off the field all year. It may be unrealistic to expect him to contribute much this year, but I can't imagine he'd be any worse than Ralph Brown. Drafting a CB in the mid rounds this year and signing a mid-level corner for depth seems to make more sense than breaking the bank on Clements.
Given that last year's spending spree concentrated on veterans with broken bodies and big names for big bucks, I'm hoping that the Browns use some discretion this year. Another disappointing free agent extravaganza like last year could make this G.M. Phil Savage's last for the Cleveland Browns.
The Picture Becomes Clearer... Or Does It?
Trade of Dre Bly likely changes Detroit's direction in April draft Detroit, owners of the second pick in this April's draft, traded CB Dre Bly to the Denver Broncos for OT George Foster and RB Tatum Bell. With Foster and incumbent LT Jeff Backus, the Lions appear set at the tackle position, and all the less likely to draft OT Joe Thomas of Wisconsin. Also, any chance that the Lions shock everyone and spend their first round choice on RB Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma are now nil with Tatum Bell able to handle the load at RB while Kevin Jones recovers from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in Week 14 of last season.
What does this mean for the Browns? With Brady Quinn being the likely choice for the Lions now, the Browns look to have their choice of two players who will fill areas of need: Adrian Peterson and Joe Thomas. And, though the majority of "experts" predict that the Raiders will draft QB JaMarcus Russell of LSU, there is still a chance that WR Calvin Johnson, this year's pre-draft "freak", is chosen with the first pick by Oakland. If that is the case (or Matt Millen really shocks the world and takes another WR in the top 10), either Quinn or Russell will be there for the Browns to scratch their heads over at #3.
Though the Detroit-Denver trade (linked below) makes Detroit's plans a little easier to figure out, it is still pretty difficult to see what the Browns will do.
What does this mean for the Browns? With Brady Quinn being the likely choice for the Lions now, the Browns look to have their choice of two players who will fill areas of need: Adrian Peterson and Joe Thomas. And, though the majority of "experts" predict that the Raiders will draft QB JaMarcus Russell of LSU, there is still a chance that WR Calvin Johnson, this year's pre-draft "freak", is chosen with the first pick by Oakland. If that is the case (or Matt Millen really shocks the world and takes another WR in the top 10), either Quinn or Russell will be there for the Browns to scratch their heads over at #3.
Though the Detroit-Denver trade (linked below) makes Detroit's plans a little easier to figure out, it is still pretty difficult to see what the Browns will do.
Browns have $30 Million reasons to live tonight!
Will Droughns be shown the money or the door?
We may get a good idea of the Browns plans to draft AP in a couple of weeks. The ABJ is reporting: one of the Browns' more interesting offseason decisions takes place in 15 days.
That's when a roster bonus due to running back Reuben Droughns is either paid or isn't.
If Droughns is paid the bonus, he stays with the Browns.
If Droughns is not paid the bonus, he becomes a free agent.
The rub with the money: It's $1.75 million, not a small amount. (The Browns would not confirm the figure).
That's a sum high enough that it will at least prompt discussion in Berea.
If Droughns is let go, it would probably signal the Browns' strong interest in drafting running back Adrian Peterson with their No. 3 pick. The Browns very well could decide that paying Peterson is better than paying Droughns.
Link:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/football/nfl/cleveland_browns/16808616.htm
Listen to Sav on WTAM: "lures in the water" for two big FA names
Florio Florioizes on one of our top FA targets
From ProFootballtalk.com's rumor mill:
DIELMAN DOESN'T HAVE A DEAL, MAN
Despite rumors that the agent for guard Kris Dielman has a contract in hand worth $7 million per year, the talk in league circles is that the Dielman camp is blowing smoke.
Why, you ask? Because we're told that the agent is calling teams up and saying that it'll take $7 million per year "to get in" the Dielman derby.
So if he had $7 million in hand, there would be no need to make that statement.
With that said, look for Dielman to get paid handsomely, possibly as much as $7 million per year. But that deal currently isn't in his pocket.
Despite rumors that the agent for guard Kris Dielman has a contract in hand worth $7 million per year, the talk in league circles is that the Dielman camp is blowing smoke.
Why, you ask? Because we're told that the agent is calling teams up and saying that it'll take $7 million per year "to get in" the Dielman derby.
So if he had $7 million in hand, there would be no need to make that statement.
With that said, look for Dielman to get paid handsomely, possibly as much as $7 million per year. But that deal currently isn't in his pocket.
source:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
DIELMAN DOESN'T HAVE A DEAL, MAN
Despite rumors that the agent for guard Kris Dielman has a contract in hand worth $7 million per year, the talk in league circles is that the Dielman camp is blowing smoke.
Why, you ask? Because we're told that the agent is calling teams up and saying that it'll take $7 million per year "to get in" the Dielman derby.
So if he had $7 million in hand, there would be no need to make that statement.
With that said, look for Dielman to get paid handsomely, possibly as much as $7 million per year. But that deal currently isn't in his pocket.
Despite rumors that the agent for guard Kris Dielman has a contract in hand worth $7 million per year, the talk in league circles is that the Dielman camp is blowing smoke.
Why, you ask? Because we're told that the agent is calling teams up and saying that it'll take $7 million per year "to get in" the Dielman derby.
So if he had $7 million in hand, there would be no need to make that statement.
With that said, look for Dielman to get paid handsomely, possibly as much as $7 million per year. But that deal currently isn't in his pocket.
source:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
