The Browns signed Cincinnati backup defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet Friday, forcing the Bengals to either match the offer or lose the fourth year player to their division rivals. Smith, a 6 foot, 325 pound tackle out of South Carolina, would provide sorely-needed depth for the Browns on their defensive line. Smith was an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, so the Browns will not be forced to compensate the Bengals if Cincinnati decides not to match the offer.
After the whining Marvin Lewis did recently about how the Browns are building their team, Phil might just be sending a shot across the warden's bow. "Just STFU, Warden, or we'll take more of your players. If you want to keep them, you'll have to pay them more."
Some more signings along the D line should be expected in the coming weeks before the draft.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Total Smoke - Schefter Speculates on No. 3
On NFL Network's Total Access tonight, Adam Schefter sent some smoke signals for Sav.
He said Ohio-native Brady Quinn "would play very well" in Cleveland and said of OK's AP, "I do not think he is a lock to goto Cleveland at No. 3."
As for other options, One of Sav's scouts told Schefter CJ is "Randy Moss without the attitude." Schefter speculated that it would be a tough call for Sav to pass on him, too.
Eight more weeks of guesswork.....
Pluto Likes RB Deal
The ABJ's Terry Pluto likes what he sees
What's not to like about the Browns bringing in Jamal Lewis?
Is he an elite back? No.
Is he still a good back? Is he a tough guy? Can he find the end zone? Is he better than Reuben Droughns?
You should know the answers to all those questions.
Jamal Lewis ran for nine touchdowns last season, compared with seven by the entire Browns team -- and three of those were by quarterback Charlie Frye. Lewis played all 16 games, bulled his way to 1,132 yards and lost only two fumbles in 314 carries.
What's not to like about the Browns bringing in Jamal Lewis?
Is he an elite back? No.
Is he still a good back? Is he a tough guy? Can he find the end zone? Is he better than Reuben Droughns?
You should know the answers to all those questions.
Jamal Lewis ran for nine touchdowns last season, compared with seven by the entire Browns team -- and three of those were by quarterback Charlie Frye. Lewis played all 16 games, bulled his way to 1,132 yards and lost only two fumbles in 314 carries.
Lewis Likes what he $ees
Jamal talks to the PD
Jamal Lewis said he left the Baltimore Ravens for the Browns because the Browns have a greater commitment to running the ball.
Lewis said he would not be disappointed if the Browns used their top draft pick on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, as speculated by numerous draftniks. But he would be surprised.
"Honestly, I would be surprised if they wouldn't spend that money somewhere else," Lewis said.
"The Browns have made some good additions to the offensive line and they are committed to making more," Lewis said. "I think they're going to give me the carries I need. I knew it wasn't going to happen in Baltimore. Their profile seems to be they're wanting to be a passing team."
Jamal Lewis said he left the Baltimore Ravens for the Browns because the Browns have a greater commitment to running the ball.
Lewis said he would not be disappointed if the Browns used their top draft pick on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, as speculated by numerous draftniks. But he would be surprised.
"Honestly, I would be surprised if they wouldn't spend that money somewhere else," Lewis said.
"The Browns have made some good additions to the offensive line and they are committed to making more," Lewis said. "I think they're going to give me the carries I need. I knew it wasn't going to happen in Baltimore. Their profile seems to be they're wanting to be a passing team."
REP: Gazing into the Smoke
The $50 million question: Is Brady Quinn's talent seen as nearly peerless, or is he a promising project too close to the Kyle Boller line? The answer is a secret Phil Savage will hold from now until April 28.
New Browns line coach Steve Marshall put it this way after guard Eric Steinbach signed: "You've got to protect your biggest commodity, and that's your quarterback."
Some teams will wonder if the Browns are up to another elaborate smokescreen. Just days before the 2004 draft, word leaked that Butch Davis made a last-minute scouting run to Oxford, presumably out of serious interest in Miami of Ohio's Roethlisberger.
Actually, Davis was so infatuated with tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. of Miami (Fla.) that he sacrificed a second-round draft pick to move up from No. 7 to No. 6 overall.
New Browns line coach Steve Marshall put it this way after guard Eric Steinbach signed: "You've got to protect your biggest commodity, and that's your quarterback."
Some teams will wonder if the Browns are up to another elaborate smokescreen. Just days before the 2004 draft, word leaked that Butch Davis made a last-minute scouting run to Oxford, presumably out of serious interest in Miami of Ohio's Roethlisberger.
Actually, Davis was so infatuated with tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. of Miami (Fla.) that he sacrificed a second-round draft pick to move up from No. 7 to No. 6 overall.
ESPN: Browns Talking Trade for Droughns
And the player most likely to be traded next is Reuben Droughns of Clevelend, who has been made expendable by the Browns' signing of unrestricted free agent Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract Wednesday night.
League and team sources confirmed to ESPN.com that the Browns are actively shopping Droughns, their starter the past two seasons, in trade talks.
If Cleveland is unable to reach a trade accommodation, Droughns could be released.
League and team sources confirmed to ESPN.com that the Browns are actively shopping Droughns, their starter the past two seasons, in trade talks.
If Cleveland is unable to reach a trade accommodation, Droughns could be released.
Up to $5M for Lewis
A Lewis-Droughns pairing seems least likely, though the team does have the salary cap space to keep both.From the Akron Beacon Journal: Pre-draft scuttlebutt has had the Browns greatly interested in Peterson, but the addition of Lewis could open the door for a quarterback with the third pick. Team owner Randy Lerner was among those who attended the workout of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn last Sunday.
The Ravens released Lewis eight days ago. He was due a $5 million roster bonus, and the Ravens' intent was to re-sign Lewis to a more salary-cap friendly contract.
But Lewis balked at the Ravens' offer -- a league source said it was about $1.2 million and up to $2 million with incentives -- and the Browns swooped in. According to ESPN.com, Lewis will get $3.5 million and could make $5 million with incentives.
Lewis seemed to build his career on tormenting the Browns.
His 295-yard game in 2003 remains the NFL single-game record, and in the second game against the Browns that year he ran for 205 yards. His 2,066-yard season in '03 is the second best in NFL history.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Lewis Signs One-Year Deal
It's Official - C-Town grabs another player from a division rival as the 27-year-old pro bowler is now a Brown. And now it looks like Rueben may be on the hot seat as the Browns could say they have 1.75 Million reasons to cut him soon. According to the OBR Lewis signed a one year contract. Sav must feel this expands his draft options with the no. 3 pick. Tony Grossi has all the details right here.
Pat reports in the ABJ: Lewis played part of last season with bone spurs in his ankle and took shots the final seven games to ease the pain.
He recently had surgery to repair the problem.
``He is a proven NFL back who brings a toughness and demeanor to the game that his teammates and our fans will appreciate,'' General Manager Phil Savage said in a statement.
CH3: Looks Like Lewis at RB
WKYC-TV 3 Anchor Jim Donovan reports Jamal Lewis is still in Berea, is talking numbers and could be signed as soon as tonight. Lewis also took a physical. The debate rages here.
Ravens Guard Mulitalo Available
The Baltimore Sun reports 8-year pro Edwin Mulitalo has been released for some reason almost a full week after free agency started. "When you release a player like Edwin, it gives you pause," Ravens coach Brian Billick said in a release. "This is the cold side of the business. All he did was everything we asked him to do and more. He gave us stability at left guard. He was always an example to his teammates as to how a professional should conduct himself."
Pluto: IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
Terry Pluto writes the focus should be on the big uglies, not whether they should draft CJ, BQ or JR.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Jamal Lewis' First Visit: Berea
Ravens RB will talk to the Browns as Baltimore eyes Willis McGahee, Reports The Baltimore Sun.From the PD: That (first stop in Berea) is significant because the majority of free agents have been signing with the first team they visit.
It also could impact Reuben Droughns' future in Cleveland. Droughns is due a $1.75 million bonus next week, and if the Browns find a suitable replacement, there's a chance he could be gone.
Lewis holds the NFL record with a 295-yard rushing performance against the Browns in September 2003.
Browns coach Romeo Crennel, asked specifically about Lewis at the Greater Cleveland Auto Show last week, said he wouldn't rule out interest in him or anyone else that could help the team.
"Everybody is on the radar screen," said Crennel. "Even though Reuben is on our team, and he's done a good job for us, and we're not looking to replace him, we're looking for competition. We're trying to get the best players and put them on the team."
Justifying a Running Back in the Top 5
Here is a list of the RBs taken in the top 5 since 1982.
Current or Future Hall of Famers
Eric Dickerson
Barry Sanders
Marshall Faulk
LaDainian Tomlinson
Edgerrin James
Solid, occasional Pro Bowlers
Curt Warner
Garrison Hearst
Ricky Williams
Jamal Lewis
Busts
Alonzo Highsmith
Brent Fullwood
Blair Thomas
Curtis Enis
Ki-Jana Carter
Jury still out
Ronnie Brown
Cedric Benson
Carnell Williams
Reggie Bush
That breaks down like this:
5/18 = Hall of Fame
4/18 = Solid with Pro Bowl seasons
5/18 = Complete bust (3/5 from Penn State)
4/18 = Jury is still out, but look solid
Considering that the four recent top 5 RBs look to be solid or better, that makes 13/18 (72%) worthy of the draft pick. Considering Cleveland's pathetic running game since they returned to the NFL in 1999, drafting a difference-maker at the running back position could be the shot in the arm the team needs. Coupled with an offensive line bolstered by free agent acquisition Eric Steinbach, the addition of a threat at RB would help make life much easier on the eventual quarterback and his receiving weapons.
Is Adrian Peterson as talented as the 9 backs listed above who are considered "solid" or Hall of Famers? I think so.
Will Peterson be durable enough to achieve that status? The jury will be out on that for a few years.
Current or Future Hall of Famers
Eric Dickerson
Barry Sanders
Marshall Faulk
LaDainian Tomlinson
Edgerrin James
Solid, occasional Pro Bowlers
Curt Warner
Garrison Hearst
Ricky Williams
Jamal Lewis
Busts
Alonzo Highsmith
Brent Fullwood
Blair Thomas
Curtis Enis
Ki-Jana Carter
Jury still out
Ronnie Brown
Cedric Benson
Carnell Williams
Reggie Bush
That breaks down like this:
5/18 = Hall of Fame
4/18 = Solid with Pro Bowl seasons
5/18 = Complete bust (3/5 from Penn State)
4/18 = Jury is still out, but look solid
Considering that the four recent top 5 RBs look to be solid or better, that makes 13/18 (72%) worthy of the draft pick. Considering Cleveland's pathetic running game since they returned to the NFL in 1999, drafting a difference-maker at the running back position could be the shot in the arm the team needs. Coupled with an offensive line bolstered by free agent acquisition Eric Steinbach, the addition of a threat at RB would help make life much easier on the eventual quarterback and his receiving weapons.
Is Adrian Peterson as talented as the 9 backs listed above who are considered "solid" or Hall of Famers? I think so.
Will Peterson be durable enough to achieve that status? The jury will be out on that for a few years.
Northcutt - Free Agency's Worst Signing
Hey Dennis, we'll always have you to blame for that Steeler's playoff loss.
PD's Worst signing: Jacksonville reportedly gave Dennis Northcutt a $4.5 million signing bonus on a five-year contract totaling $17 million. The Jaguars plan to use him as a slot receiver and return specialist. Northcutt can thank Chicago's Devin Hester for leaguewide renewed awareness of specialists. But Northcutt had three touchdown returns in seven years in Cleveland; Hester had five in his rookie season with the Bears. Plus, the Jaguars must not have seen the video of Northcutt's drops, especially in the clutch. Simply an incredible contract for Northcutt.
PD's Worst signing: Jacksonville reportedly gave Dennis Northcutt a $4.5 million signing bonus on a five-year contract totaling $17 million. The Jaguars plan to use him as a slot receiver and return specialist. Northcutt can thank Chicago's Devin Hester for leaguewide renewed awareness of specialists. But Northcutt had three touchdown returns in seven years in Cleveland; Hester had five in his rookie season with the Bears. Plus, the Jaguars must not have seen the video of Northcutt's drops, especially in the clutch. Simply an incredible contract for Northcutt.
Grossi: No More Big Names
Writes the PD's Tony Grossi: "In a seller's market created by a diluted talent pool and excessive salary cap room, it's probable that there will be no more big names coming to the Browns in free agency."
Sour Grapes from Lewis?
On the heels of the Steinbach deal, Bengals coach doesn't approve Browns Plan
Speaking at the HOF in Canton yesterday, Marv Lewis critiques K2
As reported in the Canton Rep: “They’ve got a tight end (Kellen Winslow Jr.) who was a high pick. “As I’ve studied the NFL over 16 years, there are not many cases where teams were successful that way. “If you look around the league at teams with tight ends, they have no wide receivers. It’s ironic that way. Name me a Kansas City wide receiver. Or a San Diego wide receiver. Yet they have these tights ends who are demanding high salaries. “You end up getting out of function a little bit.”
The Next "Ice Cube" McNeil?!
Former Browns Pro Bowler Gerald McNeal played four years in Cleveland after playing with Jim Kelly for the Houston Gamblers in the USFL. The Ice Cube was a feared punt returner, who played at 5-7, 145. You tell me when a guy who is two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier can't make it today. Espcially when he runs a 4.29 40. I say to Sav, "Pick him up!"
Gil Brandt, of NFL.com, reports Indiana State WR Carl Berman measured a height of 5-9 1/8 and a weight of 166 pounds at his Pro Day March 4. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds and 4.35 seconds. He finished the short shuttle in 4.26 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.81 seconds. He measured a 38 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-9 broad jump and completed 14 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.
Now The Raiders Aren't Sold on JR
Why do I get the feeling that for the next 50 odd days all were going to hear is negative talk about the five most talented players in this draft? Cuz it's draft season, baby! Steve Corkran Writes in the Sporting News that now CJ - not JR - is the Raiders Choice:
DRAFT BUZZ: The Raiders returned from the NFL Scouting Combine less convinced that Louisiana State QB JaMarcus Russell is their man for the top pick and with more questions than before after taking a long look at him during the process. Publicly, the Raiders said nothing about Russell or any of the other players who attended the Combine. Privately, several Raider officials questioned Russell's work ethic, said they are concerned about his weight as a long-term issue, and cautioned against making Russell a lead-pipe cinch as the top pick. It now appears just as likely that the Raiders will target Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson in light of his posting a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and saying all the right things during an interview.
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