Thanks to the Orange and Brown Report and The Football Wire for the tip.
Browns LB Willie McGinest has reportedly announced that he plans to retire after the ‘08 season. With his contract set to expire, it is not likely the Browns would have brought him back, but the former Super Bowl winner is going to walk away from the game when the Browns play their last game of the season. McGinest’s hope is that game will be a playoff game.
“This will be it,” says McGinest, entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2006. “This will be my 15th season. I’ve worked hard; I think I’ve done everything I set out to accomplish. The hard work, sacrifice, dedication — I committed myself to doing it the right way and playing it the right way. I’ve been blessed to play with some of the best players in the world and play against some of the best in the world. I think 15 years going strong I’ve held my own.”
With Willie retiring, and the strong possibility that Andra Davis will not figure into the Browns’ plans next year, Cleveland looks to be going young at LB. Here’s a take from Terry Pluto on the LB situation-
The Browns believe (Beau) Bell is good enough to put some heat on Andra Davis at inside linebacker. Perhaps not playing a lot early, but getting into the mix at mid-season. They insist Bell is the kind of fierce tackler with strong hands who won’t be driven back 5 yards when trying to bring down a runner. He played 12 games last season, but missed time in two other years with a groin injury and an ankle injury. They expect him to immediately make an impact on special teams. But keep in mind that while he’s being treated like a first-rounder here (after the Browns dealt their top three picks), he’s still a fourth-rounder and very, very few of those guys make an immediate impact.
It’s no secret the Browns aren’t enamored with their inside linebackers, although they believe D’Qwell Jackson is developing into a solid starter. They like how Leon Williams defends tight ends in passing situations, but he has yet to prove he can play every down. The Browns have been concerned about Davis’ speed for a while, and he’s back only because he agreed to take a major pay cut. So it’s critical that they are right on Bell, because they need help that this position.
Which means that even if the young players the Browns have step up this year they could still be in the market for a LB either through free agency or the draft next year. Wait a minute…what’s that I hear? That’s, that’s the Animal’s music!
Author: Rick
Rick is a co-founder and editor of WFNY. His love of Cleveland sports is surpassed only by his faith and love of his family. Follow him on Twitter- @rickwfny.Rick has written 743 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
That’s a little bit presumptuous. Nice work on getting some love over at sports illustrated.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/extramustard/05/07/hotclicks.0507/index.html
It’ll be interesting for sure. Now that there are some linemen up front, the staff and front office should have a much better read on what the team has in the LB corps. Either way, Animal or Mualuaga would be incredible next year…as long as that means we don’t draft high of course.
In my opinion Old Willie could have retired last year.
He is too old and WAY to slow to still be playing in the NFL. I do appreciate his efforts and hope that he educates these young guys as much as possible but we all know he missing a step and constantly gets beat.
And Rick. That’s messed up. Animal music. hah
Please God don’t allow the Browns to be bad enough in 08 to have a chance at drafting him.