June 19, 2013

NFL Rumor: Unknown team has trade in place for Alex Smith

February 24, 2013 by 14 Comments

Combine news was all over Twitter during the daytime on Sunday, but then CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora just recently dropped this quarterback news-bomb on the world:

With Colin Kaepernick fully entrenched as San Francisco’s long-term starter, it’s certainly logical why Alex Smith’s name has been all over the rumor mill thus far this offseason. The former Utah Utes star who turns 29 years old in May was a solid yet unspectacular starter for the 49ers for the vast majority of time since being the No. 1 overall pick in 2005. But he has a lot of NFL experience and many teams might consider him a safer option than utilizing an early draft pick on a QB.

Previously today, we saw the reported rumors from NFL.com that the Kansas City Chiefs were indeed very interested in Smith — along with drafting OT Luke Joeckel with the No. 1 pick in the draft. Ian Rapoport wrote: “But word is starting to leak of their interest in the San Francisco 49ers’ backup quarterback. At this point, based on what I’m hearing, Kansas City has shown more interest than anyone else in dealing for a quarterback who could step in and start from Day 1 while the rest of the franchise is rebuilt.”

Also this week in Smith news, the 49ers publicly declared that they would be unlikely to release the quarterback outright. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Smith would either be traded or remain with the team throughout the offseason, and only if no suitable trading partner was found, would then he potentially be released.

For now, the Browns are likely in the next tier of possible contenders for Smith’s long-term services. The Chiefs are probably the odds-on favorite for the team that La Canfora was referring to, with the Jaguars and Browns among several teams that also could be on the large overall list of teams with quarterback needs.

Update at 6:30 p.m. Sunday: Jaguars beat writer Ryan O’Halloran, who was just on his way back from Indianapolis and the combine, tweeted out this bit moments ago. He reports the Jags are not the team with this deal in place:

Update at 7:55 p.m. Sunday: Mary Kay Cabot has the latest on the Cleveland side of things. According to her source, the Browns are not this team.

[Related: NFL News: Chudzinski “excited” about Weeden, still needs to see more]

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NFL News: Browns hire Jacksonville general counsel Sashi Brown

January 13, 2013 by 13 Comments

It doesn’t give a clear indication over who might be the team’s next GM, but the Browns announced yet another front office hire today. The great Jason La Canfora for CBS Sports has the news:

Sashi Brown, a lawyer by practice who graduated from Harvard Law School, had worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars since 2005. According to the team website, he “advises the franchise in a variety of legal and business matters. His responsibilities include contract negotiation, employment matters, insurance and risk management, intellectual property and licensing issues and litigation management.”

This is the third high-profile, exclusively non-football hire announced by the team this offseason. The chain of command in the Browns front office now has owner Jimmy Haslam III at the top, followed by CEO Joe Banner. Former Dallas Cowboys general counsel Alec Scheiner is the team’s new president. Former San Diego Padres executive Brent Stehlik is the team’s new executive vice president and chief revenue officer.

Semi-related: The Browns official team website still has Mike Holmgren as the team president. And it’s not far-fetched to see some familiar names in the non-football, executive landscape to potentially be let go because of the presence of Brown, Scheiner and Stehlik.

[Related: On Optics and Perception]

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NFL Draft: Browns currently picking 6th

December 30, 2012 by 29 Comments

According to the experts at NEPatriotsDraft.com after crunching all the numbers and considering the Browns’ season-ending loss to the Steelers, the Cleveland Browns will be picking 6th in this year’s NFL draft.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) .491
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) .541
3. Oakland Raiders (4-11) .470
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) .512
5. Detroit Lions (4-12) .569
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) .506
7. Arizona Cardinals (5-10) .553
8. Buffalo Bills (6-10) .493
9. New York Jets (6-10) .516
10. Tennessee Titans (6-10) .538

Of course who the Browns take is still a huge mystery. Will the Browns still be running the 4-3 defense? Will they need a quarterback? Who is the best player available in that slot? Who will the general manager be?

[Related: Browns drop final game to Steelers and start off-season of change]

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NFL News: Jaguars sign former Browns’ WR Carlton Mitchell

November 21, 2012 by 2 Comments

The Jacksonville Jaguars today signed WR Carlton Mitchell.

Mitchell you will remember was drafted by the Browns, but injuries and ineffectiveness kept him off the field and on the practice squad. He was always nice to us here at WFNY, and a great follow on twitter. We sincerely wish him the best.

[Related: Cowboys loss more frustrating]

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NFL Free Agency: Browns interested in DE Jeremy Mincey

March 13, 2012 by 12 Comments

The Browns shouldn’t want to waste any time finding someone to play opposite Jabaal Sheard on the defensive line. According to reports out of Chicago and re-broadcast by the Plain Dealer, the Browns are looking at Jeremy Mincey most recently from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mincey had 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception in 2011 for the Jaguars. It was his fourth year in the league and second as a full-time player.  Mincey played two years at Florida for Urban Meyer after starting at a junior college. He is listed at 6’3″ and 270 pounds.

The Bears are also reportedly pursuing Mincey.

[Related: Peyton Hillis to visit Chiefs]

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Jags join kicker franchising parade with Josh Scobee

March 5, 2012 by 5 Comments

I excitedly wrote up the Broncos choosing to franchise Matt Prater because there was a second team franchising their kicker. What I called a preliminary trend is now becoming a real-life actual trend.

According to Pro Football Talk the Jacksonville Jaguars have tagged Josh Scobee. The one-year tender for kickers is expected to be about $2.5 million.

The 29 year-old Scobee apparently has no intention of signing on for a one-year deal and will presumably trying to get a long-term resolution with the Jags. His career field goal percentage is 78.8% but he nailed 23 of 25 this past season for 92% including 5 of 6 from 50+ yards.

(I promise that if another team franchises a kicker, I won’t write a new headline about it.)

[Related: Bounties are wrong, but it doesn’t really bother me that much]

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Celebrating Cecil Shorts’ First NFL Touchdown

December 6, 2011 by 6 Comments

Cecil Shorts just finished watching his teammate Maurice Jones-Drew – a wrecking ball of a running back – take a shovel pass nearly the entire length of the field before being brought down by a chasing defensive back at the five-yard line.  Down three points and within spitting distance of the end zone, the rookie wide receiver with one career reception split out wide to the right side of the field. The goal: capitalize on the work just put in by his Pro Bowl-bound counterpart. 

From there, Shorts sprints off of the line, taking approximately eight lunges into the end zone stopping just short of the wide chalk line that marks the perimeter of the field of play. Marked by a man of equal height in Quentin Jammer, Shorts perfectly times his jump, twisting and contorting his body in mid-air as a ball being delivered by quarterback Blane Gabbert arrives.  [Read more...]

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Terry McAuley Almost Strikes Again

November 21, 2011 by 28 Comments

Call it correlation, causation or crazy coincidence, but when the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and NFL referee Terry McAuley get together on the shores of Lake Erie, all hell is bound to break loose.

Thankfully, for all parties, save the Jaguars, the Browns, Cleveland fans, and the referee in question were able to escape any chance of a repeat performance from the 2001 debacle that resulted in Browns fans firing objects of all shapes and sizes on to the playing field.  Though Quincy Morgan, Tim Couch and inherent playoff implications are long gone, McAuley’s crew was once again the subject of a questionable call – one of several that occurred on this day – which resulted in the Browns being refused of three points that may have been rightfully theirs.

Ten years following the now infamous Bottlegate which occurred after an overturned first down despite a snap taking place following the play in question, McAuley’s crew declared a Phil Dawson 38-yard field goal attempt as no good despite nearly everyone outside of the men in stripes feeling that the kick, despite admittedly being right of center, cleared the interior of the upright.  [Read more...]

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Week 11: The Browns Will Win If…

November 18, 2011 by 14 Comments

The Browns found a new way to lose a game this past week, botching a 22-yard field goal in crunch time to drop an ugly one to the Rams. Coming to town this week are the Jacksonville Jaguars, whom the Browns are playing for the third straight season.

brownsjags

The Jags, much like the Browns, are sitting at 3-6, but one of those wins came against the dreadful Colts last Sunday. The Jags had lost six of seven (a strange 12-7 MNF win over the Ravens) before their win last Sunday. This game looks to be ugly; the Browns are actually *better* on offense in terms of yards/game than are the Jags. The Browns sit at 294.1 yards (30th), and the Jags are at 243.6 (32nd). Ugh. The difference? The Jags are 11th in the league in running the ball. So, there that is. Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If…

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While We’re Waiting…Browns vs. Jaguars Edition

November 21, 2010 by 2 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Positional breakdown of today’s game, including how to replace Cribbs:  “With Cribbs out, I read an article in the Plain Dealer that it would remove about 20 plays from the playbook that Brian Daboll has handy to use that involves either the Wildcat or the trick/end-around type plays. Later in the article, it was noted that the Browns could try to use Seneca Wallace in the role Cribbs fulfilled. It’s an interesting thought, because on certain run plays, Cribbs is just used as a decoy. However, you lose any threat of Wallace throwing a serious block. You also gain the threat of him having the ball in his hands and throwing it.  If not Wallace, then what about Carlton Mitchell? First off, I’m not sure the Jaguars’ coaching staff has focused much of their attention on him. Second, Mitchell was the recipient of several end-arounds in the preseason, so the staff must like utilizing him in that formation. Mitchell wouldn’t line up from Wildcat, but the Browns could find ways to not completely chuck the “Cribbs” section of the playbook.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs by Nature]

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Cavs Record an Illusion, Figuring out Jaguars, OSU vs. Iowa

November 20, 2010 by 6 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Statistical look at the Cavs season so far:  “Just like the Heat, the Cavaliers record is also a bit of an illusion. Unfortunately for fans of the Cavs, the won-loss record actually overstates how good this team has been. Currently the Cavaliers’ efficiency differential is -2.8. Such a mark is consistent with a team that will win about 34 games across an 82-game season. And that mark — prior to the games played on Thursday night — currently ranks 10th in the Eastern Conference. So although the Cavs would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, the team’s efficiency differential (a better predictor of the future than won-loss records) indicates this team will not be in the playoffs when the season ends.”   [Dave Berri/Huffington Post]

[Read more...]

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Browns Schedule: About That 5.5 Over/Under Projection…

November 8, 2010 by 26 Comments

Before we start printing playoff tickets, let’s just bask in the glow of the Browns’ 34-14 beat-down of the Patriots yesterday, and then let’s slowwww dowwwnnnn on the prognostication. I say this because, while (as I’m about to show you) the Browns’ schedule is about to let up quite a bit, while we can look ahead at the schedule, we can’t start chalking up wins for games six weeks from now. So, guy-who-called-in-to-WTAM-on-my-way-home-and-predicted-a-10-6-finish, perhaps you might want to sleep on that for just a bit. This team is still in the “let’s look for improvement game-to-game” phase of their development, in my opinion. (So, get your “HYPOCRITE!” cannon ready, as I spend the rest of this post prognosticating.)

But, that’s not to say there’s not some reason for optimism. Back at the beginning of September, we here at WFNY had a Roundtable discussion about the Vegas line of 5.5 wins as the over/under mark. A lot of the guys took the over, but with humongous caveats attached to it. [Read more...]

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Browns vs. Jaguars Open Thread

January 3, 2010 by 40 Comments

brownsjagsThe Cleveland Football Browns close out the 2009 campaign today (1 PM, WTAM 1100, CBS) with a game at Cleveland Browns stadium against the visiting Jacksonville Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguars. The Browns have momentum going into this game, playing hard for embattled coach Eric Mangini. Meanwhile, the Jaguars come limping in with a slight chance to get into the playoffs with a win and some help. For keys to the game, see our BWWI post from Thursday.

As the Browns look to finish out the season, it will be interesting to see whether the Browns continue to work as hard as they have thus far. Enjoy the last game of the season folks, as we’ve got plenty of off-the-field drama and (possible) movement ahead in the coming weeks. Footbaww!

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The Browns Will Win If…

December 31, 2009 by 9 Comments

Four weeks ago in this space, I was lamenting the impending beat-down about to be administered onto the Browns by the Chargers (and let’s not forget that at the start of the fourth quarter that day it was 27-7 Bolts). How long ago does that game feel right now? I know the competition hasn’t been the best, but seriously… THE BROWNS HAVE WON THREE GAMES IN A ROW.

brownsjags

The test will get tougher this week, as the Jags are still clinging to a slim, slim chance of making the playoffs by winning and getting some help. And, of course last year’s topsy-turvy game against the Jags prompted (I’m happy for ya, and I’ma let you finish) probably one of my best photoshopping efforts of all time. The Browns played solid ball control on Sunday against the Raiders, and capitalized on defense when they had to, shutting the Raiders out in the second half. The Jags are 16th in the league in yards per game on offense, but only 22nd in points-scored per game. Can the Browns do it again, and end the season with FOUR straight wins? Dead Man Walking Mangini certainly hopes so. Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If…

[Read more...]

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Who is Carl Smith?

November 3, 2009 by 28 Comments

Yesterday during Mangini’s press conference where he failed to mention George Kokinis getting fired, Mangini backed offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.  At the same time, he also proclaimed that quarterbacks coach Carl Smith could possibly help out the first-time coordinator due to his vast amount of experience. Mangini had this to say when asked if he had any thoughts on replacing Daboll during the bye week.

“No. I think that there have been things that we can improve offensively. Carl Smith is a guy that has a lot of experience. One of the reasons I wanted Carl to be a part of this staff, I think it was 11 years at New Orleans as the offensive coordinator, is to have a guy who’s called a lot of plays in the NFL to be able to provide insight into game planning, into play calling. Obviously there are things from a play calling perspective, from a scheme perspective, from a coaching perspective that we can improve, but that goes hand-in-hand with execution and individual performances as well.” [Read more...]

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NFL Trade Rumors: Braylon Edwards, Again?

April 14, 2009 by 31 Comments

braylon edwards dropA lot of you will likely see Braylon Edwards’ mug on the front page of Yahoo! Sports today, claiming that “sources” are pointing to him being traded to the New York Giants.  If you dig a bit within the story, Jason Cole discusses the Giants’ desire to replace the recently-released Plaxico Burress with someone of Edwards’ skill set.  Couple this with Edwards possibly not wanting to play for Eric Mangini – especially beyond next season – and we may have a story.  May.

Cole then goes on to site a Plain Dealer article that was published on March 23rd, approximately one day after the story was made free over at The Orange and Brown Report.  So, essentially what Yahoo! is deciding to make “news” today is actually a regurgitation of month-old rumors that have been shot down.

Is this to say that Edwards will not be traded?  Not at all.  If the likelihood of the wide receiver not signing an extension increases, as will the trade talks.  You can bet that George Kokinis is exploring all options that are available as he looks to acquire more draft picks for this year and possibly next.

[Read more...]

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Bullet Points: Jags Jettisoned

October 27, 2008 by 28 Comments

In case you were wondering, I am being slightly facetious with the titles of these posts.  I don’t actually think that they are particularly witty.  It is all part my philosophy that blogs should provide something different from traditional news media even if we sometimes long for their access to teams and editing quality.

Anyway, on to the Browns game which was the perfect example of the Browns, really.  My wife moved to Cleveland from Chicago but grew up in Indianapolis, so she is a Colts fan.  It has taken her quite a while to understand that that game felt like a loss up until the moment that final pass hit the ground.  As Browns fans with a 6 point lead and the other team throwing into the end zone, we kind of just assume the Browns are going to lose.  It is strange to her because victory isn’t glorious for Browns fans until the next day.  On Sundays if the Browns win it is relief, mostly.  But yesterday, the Browns did come out on top.  On with the bullets. [Read more...]

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The Browns Will Win If…

October 24, 2008 by 9 Comments

Wow, so here we are. Again. Ugh. The highs… the lows… the suspensions… the staph. It really is like a soap opera. We’re all thankful that Rock’s head hasn’t yet exploded Scanners-style, and are hopeful that this post doesn’t push him over the edge. We wrote last week: “One 35-14 Eli-drubbing later, the Browns might just have a new season on their hands.” Nope. We don’t. Same old Browns.

The Browns sit at 2-4 and are on the road against a tough, physical Jacksonville team this weekend. The Browns have had a week chock full of all sorts of distractions, most of them Kellen Winslow-related. So, can they rally together? Can they come out with the focus and intensity they had against the Giants two weeks ago? Can someone lock Derek Anderson in his hotel room? Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If… [Read more...]

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Recapping the Phil Savage Interview

October 23, 2008 by 13 Comments

Many fans were all ears for Phil Savage’s interview today on WTAM.  Obviously, the main topic of the segment was Phil’s thoughts on tight end Kellen Winslow.

A few things worth mentioning:

[Read more...]

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Browns Suspend Kellen Winslow

October 21, 2008 by 29 Comments

Just two days after tight end Kellen Winslow voiced his displeasure with the way the team handled his recent bout with staph infection, the Browns have handed him a one game suspension.  He will not take part in team activities until Monday, October 27th.

For the record, I am not in agreement with the way this is being handled.  With a team that allegedly has a “commitment to winning,” they sure are not proving themselves on or off of the field.  Suspending your best player for sticking up for what he believes – and what we all know – is a serious issue?  One-game suspensions were given to Brandon Marshall for a DUI, and Plaxico Burress for missing a team activity (after countless fines).

The official release is after the jump.

[Read more...]

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