With the Kellen Winslow trade in the rear view mirror for the Mangini/Kokinis era, popular sentiment is that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Browns are desperately looking for a re-branding, and those that are not on board will be sent elsewhere. Given that, Craig and I did a two-man round table of sorts to discuss who we feel could be next to go. You’ll find the product of some weekend rambling below. Do enjoy.
Malcontents. Locker room cancers. Unsupported contract demands. Those that became too comfortable during Romeo Crennel’s Country Club. There are a few players that currently wear the Orange and Brown that could fit into at least one of these categories. Given that the new era will have nothing to do with any of these issues, the trade of Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals the sign of things to come in Berea.
We now know that the basis for the Winslow trade boiled down to his contract demands. Tampa Bay has the space to pay a tight end of his caliber, and we need draft picks. It was the perfect match. But this team cannot trade away all of it’s talent without acquiring sometalent in return. We know our strengths and we know our weaknesses. But it will come down to capitalizing on these issues, and getting the most bang for our proverbial buck.
So who out there could be of interest to other teams. And what could we possibly take back in return?
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Donte Stallworth
Ineffectiveness + Mad Cash = Not Gonna Be Here Long.
At least, that would be the ideal situation. Stallworth’s contract (thanks Phil!) makes it very difficult to cut the oft-injured receiver. Another variable in this is the return of Joe Jurevicius. Joe J was a big fan of the Crennel/Savage era, and may not be a big fan of the Mangini camp. If he could return as a No. 2 receiver, the team could look to trade Stallworth, but would be lucky to get anything of remote value in return. If Stallworth shows some commitment – as he was not much of a problem attitude wise – perhaps he’ll be given a chance to resurrect his career. The Laveranues Coles rumors are great, as I’d love to have him as a target, but it appears that he’s looking at the Buffalo Bills.
Braylon Edwards
Kellen Winslow was a problem because he wanted his contract reworked and because he can be a distraction. Braylon battling it out with the fans off the field is certainly another kind of distraction that I am sure Mangini and Kokinis won’t tolerate. Braylon’s value is at an all-time low, but it is anybody’s guess if the powers that be will consider BE a part of the problematic past or their vision of the brighter future.
It appears that the team could try to work out an extension with the wide receiver, which - if agreed to – would prove Edwards’ commitment to the new regime. He will definitely be given a chance. But if not, the team could pursue other avenues if needed. The OBR (via MSF) reported a rumor that could have Edwards sent to the Giantsfor outside linebacker/defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka which addresses a position of need. And it sure beats trading away a 1,000-yard Reuben Droughns for a three-catch Tim Carter!
Shaun Smith
Smith is a serviceable defensive player, and plays with a ton of intensity. But assuming Brady Quinn is not going anywhere, will their reported scuffle make Smith an undesirable?
It sounds like Smith will at least be given the chance to rectify his perceived attitude. After all, this “fight” took place during a time that was not exactly morally high for anyone related to the Browns. Perhaps it was an act of frustration? To be determined…
Shaun Rogers
Rogers appears disenchanted that big lovable Romeo Crennel isn’t here anymore to be the player’s coach. As we mentioned earlier this morning, it appears that Mangini is attempting to rectify the situation. If Rogers buys into the fact that this new regime is trying to build a team that wins rather than a group of individuals that lose, he might be fine.
Even if he is not, there is no one on the Browns’ roster, other than Joe Thomas, who has higher trade value than Rogers. They won’t trade Rogers for less than a first-rounder, and I would be surprised if they don’t at least attempt to talk trade with a few teams. Compared to the recently-signed Albert Haynesworth, Rogers is now relatively underpaid so provides quite a value on both sides. But again, losing him in the middle would be devastating to the Browns’ defense. Keeping him would be gambling on the fact that he doesn’t regress back to the unhappy, sub-par Rogers that was rumored to be prevalent in Detroit.
Derek Anderson
The Clevelanders are talking a good game about keeping Derek Anderson around, but I am not sure anyone believes it.
Derek Anderson got contentious with the fans last year and really failed to live up to the extension he got from Savage.
“They don’t like me. They never have.”
While I think we could all agree that we don’t like losing more than we don’t like DA, this can be debated for ages. As a result I have a tough time believing that the Browns won’t find a new home for Anderson; though the possible destinations keep declining by the day.
Kevin Shaffer
Kevin Shaffer has been a good citizen ever since flirting with being a bad guy after the Browns drafted Joe Thomas. Still, he got beaten like a drum (thanks Fred Phelps!) on too many occasions last year to justify his cap number as a right tackle.
Remember, when Shaffer was signed, he was signed to a contract worthy of a left tackle. His substandard play lead the Browns to Joe Thomas, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, seeing as he can’t hold down opposing rushers on the right side, his fate might be somewhere other than Cleveland next season. His contract is good through 2012, and is is actually cheaper for the team to keep him, but if the team feels that they need the extra $2.1 million of cap space, then we may see a different direction.
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If any of you feel that we may have missed someone, feel free to discuss in the comments. It’s always fun to play Survivor: Berea.
Have at it.
