May 25, 2013

While We’re Waiting… Draft day trades brewing?

April 21, 2013 by 3 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.

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Connecting the dots between a possible Kansas City-Miami trade that might affect the Browns’ plans with the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft: “The connections between the Chiefs and the Dolphins, with regard to [Branden] Albert, have been present for awhile. Now, they possibility could be coming closer to being a reality. On Thursday, Arrowhead Pride passed along the information that the Chiefs had given permission to the Dolphins to speak to, but not meet with, Albert.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]

[Read more...]

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NFL Rumor: Steve Breaston won’t sign with Browns, considering knee surgery

March 2, 2013 by 4 Comments

Silly season is obviously going on now. After visiting with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, there’s been a bit of a reversal in the Steve Breaston narrative.

On Thursday and Friday, both the Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot and Elyria Chronicle-Telgram’s Scott Petrak respectively tweeted that the Browns would be unlikely to sign the free agent wide receiver. The 29-year-old, who played sparingly with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, had previously visited with AFC North rival Pittsburgh earlier in the week as well.

In addition to these reports on the receiver’s final destination, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter brought in other big news on Breaston this afternoon. Here’s an excerpt from his article:

“Former Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Steve Breaston is considering undergoing the Regenokine treatment in Germany in an effort to repair knee inflammation and early arthritic symptoms, according to sources.

Breaston had visits this past week with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

It is the same treatment that players such as Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez underwent to help save their careers.

During the procedure, a small cup of blood is removed from the patient, and then it is incubated at a slightly elevated temperature and spun in a centrifuge to make serum that’s injected to combat inflammation that may resolve the player’s irritation.”

Schefter wrote that Breaston hopes to continue to train until he is ready to sign with an NFL team. But for now, you can cross the Browns out of the running and we’ll see if they continue to look toward other free agent options at this position.

[Related: NFL Free Agency Primer: Part 1- Wide Receivers]

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San Francisco to send QB Alex Smith to Kansas City per reports

February 27, 2013 by 35 Comments

Last weekend it was reported that an ‘unidentified team’ had a deal in place for San Francisco QB Alex Smith. Today, FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the team is indeed the Kansas City Chiefs.

https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/306809645597605888

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has more details about the deal:

“Chiefs traded second-round pick, the second pick in the second round, to SF. Niners also got another conditional mid-round pick in 2014.”

“SF now owns picks at No. 31, 34, and 61 in a draft with lots of depth but not a lot of surefire stars.”

Those wishing the Browns would make a move for the veteran QB can now focus their attention elsewhere.

[Related: I don't feel like it, but let's talk Browns]

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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 Report: Browns also interested in Chiefs’ Ray Farmer

January 5, 2013 by 2 Comments

Add one more to the list: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Browns also have requested permission to interview Ray Farmer, currently the Director of Pro Personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs:

A two-time All-ACC saftey at Duke, he once held the NCAA record for 8 blocked PATs in his collegiate career. He then played 32 games in the NFL as a linebacker and now has been with the Chiefs organization for the last seven seasons. He previously was a pro scout for the Atlanta Falcons from 2002-2005.

As has been heavily reported already, owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner are likely looking for a salary cap expert to assist the Browns front office. It’s likely that this isn’t a traditional GM opening, but just someone who will assist the team’s personnel department.

[Related: NFL Report: Browns ask permission to interview Vikings’ George Paton]

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Chiefs’ Shaun Smith fights fans on Twitter, threatens reporter

December 11, 2012 by 11 Comments

Shaun Smith practically tried to choke out Trent Richardson this Sunday during one extended tackle. It was dirty for sure and it will be interesting to see how the NFL comes down on it. After the loss to the Browns by more than three touchdowns, Smith was ill-tempered on Twitter after his prediction that the Chiefs would win by 10 fell flat.

Smith was fighting with fans and then got into it with a local radio guy, Danny Parkins who pointed out that the backlash shouldn’t have been a surprise. Smith responded with a not-so-vague threat.

“… i have faith n my teammates that’s why i said it so u r blocked chump u don’t want to c me in the streets so be easy”

Smith then tweeted: “Am not on Here to make friends so if u don’t like what the f i say don’t follow me n i mean that my houses 6 cards are paid for i love the game of football so either say something positive to me or kick rocks thanks u shaun smith”

There’s more about the entire episode, but it isn’t hard to understand why Shaun Smith has played so many places without sticking, despite his massive size and ability to clog lanes. Smith has now played with Dallas, Arizona, New Orleans, Cincy, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincy again, and Kansas City. That’s a lot of movement for a 31-year-old player.

[Related: Remember when Smith was rumored to have punched Brady Quinn in the face in the weight room?]

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Cleveland Browns beat up Kansas City Chiefs 30-7

December 9, 2012 by 37 Comments

I’ve been waiting for the Browns to have a convincing victory from beginning to end, and I think this one suffices as the Browns defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-7. Three wins in a row too, if you need them. Yes, the Browns started the game in a 7-0 hole after the first play from scrimmage after deferring, but that terrifying play was all the Chiefs could do all day to score. Brady Quinn, Peyton Hillis and Romeo Crennel didn’t get to exact any revenge for any various reasons they might have had, instead proving once and for all why the Browns need not regret the departures of any of the three of them.

There’s no such thing as a perfect game in the NFL and I’m sure there will be some detractors even as the Browns beat a bad team at home by more than three touchdowns. Sure, the Chiefs dropped a couple interceptions, Montario Hardesty put the ball on the ground and the Browns were far from perfect in the red zone. Those things matter so much less when the Browns win so big. It’s the benefit of the big win and the Browns deserve it to a large extent.  [Read more...]

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Benjamin records longest punt return in Browns history

December 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

On the first play of the 2nd quarter, Browns rookie receiver Travis Benjamin returned Dustin Colquitt’s punt a franchise record long 93 yards for a touchdown.

Josh Cribbs was initially back deep to return the punt, but the Browns shifted Cribbs up to the line to go for the block.  While Cribbs shifted up, Benjamin shifted back from his spot out wide over the gunner and into position to field the punt.

Benjamin broke Eric Metcalf’s previous record of 92 yards set back in 1994. 

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Game 13 : Browns vs. Chiefs open thread

December 9, 2012 by 18 Comments

The Browns possess their first winning streak of the year heading into Sunday’s matchup vs. Kansas City. Cleveland has won two in a row, and four out of their last seven.

The Brownies are 6.5 point favorites against the 2-12 Chiefs. The Chiefs have been the NFL’s worst team, but played their best game in a 27-21 win last week over Carolina. [Read more...]

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Crennel told players not to respond to Joe Thomas comments

December 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

ESPN Cleveland’s Chris Fedor is reporting that in a team meeting this week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel specifically instructed players not to respond to comments made by Browns all-pro Joe Thomas.

Thomas described Chief’s running back Peyton Hillis’ time in Cleveland as “toxic”.

Hours after the meeting, Hillis went to the Kansas City media and fired back at Thomas’ comments.

This isn’t the first time a story has broke of Hillis ignoring team leaders. In 2011 Hillis drew criticism for leaving the Browns midweek to attend his own wedding back in Arkansas.

Read all about the Hillis and Thomas soap opera at WFNY.

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While We’re Waiting…Vick and Andy Reid as Browns, Playoff Scenarios

December 9, 2012 by 4 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.

“With four games left to play, the Browns are notmathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet!!!

Let me say right off the bat that I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE BROWNS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. However, since it is still technically possible, let’s break it down real quick.

First of all, the Browns would need to run the table and finish 8-8, which is a nearly impossible feat. So eight wins is the magic number that we need to keep in mind here.

In the AFC there are five teams that have the inside track on the postseason: Patriots (9-3), Ravens (9-3), Texans (11-1), Broncos (10-3) and Colts (8-4). That leaves one spot left for the Browns.” [Flack/Bleacher Report]

[Read more...]

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Quinn vs. Weeden: Jaws’ 29th and 30th ranked QB’s

December 8, 2012 by 9 Comments

ESPN’s Ron Jaworski has Chief’s Brady Quinn and Browns’ Brandon Weeden ranked 29th and 30th of his quarterback rankings.

Both Quinn and Weeden are coming off career days in which Weeden threw for 364 yards and Quinn completed 19 of 23 for 201 yards and a touchdown.

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Chiefs vs. Browns Reader Survey

December 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s a good thing I won’t be doing the pre-game television production for this game.

Peyton Hillis (cannon sound effects.) Joe Thomas (fireworks noises.) Pat Shurmur (kazoo.) Romeo Crennel (sad trombone.)

It’s the Chiefs and the Browns! Only on CBS!

That’s just for the national audience. I know Browns fans are amped for this game. The Browns are coming off two wins in a row and are looking to make it three. It would be the first three game winning streak (I think) since Eric Mangini was fighting to keep his job on the heels of Mike Holmgren’s Berea employment. Just like then, there are lots of jobs on the line. More importantly, this is a young Browns team that is looking to get experience and get a taste for winning, even if in less-than-spectacular fashion.

So now’s your chance. Weigh in! [Read more...]

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Browns’ Joe Thomas calls Peyton Hillis’ time in Cleveland “toxic”

December 5, 2012 by 23 Comments

Hall of Fame-bound offensive lineman Joe Thomas pulled no punches this afternoon when describing his time with former running back Peyton Hillis, stating that the big-biceped back created a toxic environment in the Browns’ locker room.

Per essentially every beat writer and radio/television reporter in Cleveland, Thomas stated the following:

“I think it was better for both sides [that Hillis left]. At that point the situation with him here was toxic, and he didn’t want to be here and players didn’t want him here. It was better for a fresh start at that point. [...] It was just the fact, he decided his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win, and it left us without a running back and then we had a few injuries that hurt us further, with Montario [Hardesty] being down and Brandon Jackson, losing him in training camp. He went about trying to get a contract a certain way, and it ended up hurting the other 52 guys in the locker room. That was his decision.”

Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealerhas a fairly lengthy transcript of what Thomas had to say in addition to the venom spewed above. There were multiple rumors that surrounded Hillis falling out of favor with the Browns, going as far as stating that the team had to have an intervention of sorts on a flight back from a game. While the opinions surrounding Hillis are not surprisng, these words coming from Thomas will raise some eyebrows as the left tackle is typically very reserved.

Hills was acquired in a deal that sent then quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver. After rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2011, Hillis was a monumental disappointment in 2012, leading to his departure to Kansas City this past summer, uniting both players.

[Related: Tom Heckert’s future may rest in his own hands]

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Quinn: Romeo Crennel has been a “steady force” in wake of tragedy

December 5, 2012 by 3 Comments

Romeo was huge [this past week] — he was kind of that steady rock. In the midst of everything, he obviously witnessed it so he knew he had to put it on himself to not only communicate what happened, but at the same time, lead us because there was going to be so much emotion involved — a lot of guys searching, seeing how they should respond. He was obviously emotional, and rightfully so. After that, he was able to be that steady force on this team.

– Former Cleveland Browns quarterback on head coach Romeo Crennel, Wednesday, via conference call. Crennel had been largely criticized for having lost the locker room in the wake of the 2008 collapse when both men were with the Cleveland Browns. “You have to be willing to climb to get a higher vantage point,” added the quarterback when talking about dealing with adversity throughout his career. Crennel credits his parents’ strength helped him get through last week’s tragedy.

[Related: TV Review: “Road Tested” entertaining, unfocused, and effective]

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Quinn: When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it?

December 3, 2012 by 11 Comments

When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it? When you answer someone back how you are doing, are you really telling the truth? We live in a society of social networks, with Twitter pages and Facebook, and that’s fine, but we have contact with our work associates, our family, our friends, and it seems like half the time we are more preoccupied with our phone and other things going on instead of the actual relationships that we have right in front of us. Hopefully, people can learn from this and try to actually help if someone is battling something deeper on the inside than what they are revealing on a day-to-day basis.

– Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn in the wake of a murder-suicide involving his teammate Jovan Belcher. Quinn led the Kansas City Chiefs to a win and provided one of the more well-thought postgame quotes in recent history, extending well beyond the numbers and the final score of what is ultimately just a game.

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Browns and Raiders battling for top-five draft position this Sunday

November 26, 2012 by 13 Comments

I don’t think anyone at WFNY is a proponent of losing in order to have better draft picks in the NFL. After 11 games and only three wins for the Browns it is becoming increasingly difficult not to at least think about the draft and where the Browns could end up picking. That being the case, it is interesting that this week’s matchup with the Raiders could prove to be important when it comes time to figure out who is picking where.

According to one of the best sources for draft info, NEPatriotsdraft.com the Raiders have a slight edge on the Browns because they use strength of schedule to determine tie-breakers in-season. The Raiders are currently listed 4th with the Browns at 5th.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (1-10)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
3. Carolina Panthers (2-8)
4. Oakland Raiders (3-8)
5. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
6. Philadelphia Eagles (3-7)
7. San Diego Chargers (4-7)
8. Buffalo Bills (4-7)
9. Tennessee Titans (4-7)
10. Detroit Lions (4-7)

As you can see, there’s no telling where the Browns will ultimately end up on this list because they have a chance to beat the Raiders this weekend. Additionally, the one-win Chiefs, who are currently in first place are also upcoming on the Browns’ schedule.

[Related: Animated: NFL has obvious issues with officiating consistency]

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Bills vs. Browns – Reader Survey

September 21, 2012 by 2 Comments

Last week Browns fans thought the team would lose 24-20 to the Bengals. In the end the Bengals won 34-27. All things considered, that doesn’t seem like an awful prediction. The Browns finished within a score even if everyone scored more than Browns fans thought they would. So this week, the Browns have the Bills coming in. The Bills got torched by the Jets in week one, and torched Romeo Crennel’s KC team in week two. So, it will be interesting to see which story you’re believing about the Browns’ opponent and the Browns themselves.

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While We’re Waiting…Grading The Sessions Trade, Tribe Bullpen Battles, Browns Quarterback Questions

March 17, 2012 by 3 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.

Grading the Cavaliers’ trade of Ramon Sessions: “I was on the fence about their move of Sessions, because I’m so high on him. Yes, he was expiring and would be leaving. Yes, they only had 20-some-odd games left with him. But couldn’t they get better value than terrible contracts with another year left on them and a 25-plus pick? Then I thought more about it, and saw that the Cavs also got the right to swap their Heat pick obtained in the LeBron James sign-and-trade in 2013 with the Lakers’ pick, which could be substantially worse if the Lakers don’t improve considerably on their older core.

The Cavs now could have four first-round picks in 2012 and more picks in the future. They can package to move up or for a player. If yoiu’re rebuilding, this is the way to go. Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and picks on picks on picks.

It’s a big-picture plan, and a good one.” [Eye On Basketball/Matt Moore]

[Read more...]

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NFL Free Agency: Peyton Hillis got paid… a little bit

March 15, 2012 by 11 Comments

When Mike Holmgren stated that sometimes it is good for both sides to have a fresh start, he really meant it. Right or wrong, there should be no question going forward just how little the Browns wanted Peyton Hillis back. The Chiefs got themselves a really good speculative bargain in their reported 1-year $3 million deal.

Per a source with knowledge of the contracts, Hillis receives a fully-guaranteed base salary of $1.4 million, along with a $1 million fully-guaranteed roster bonus that comes due over the weekend.

The only fluff comes from $400,000 in per-game roster bonuses.  If he has, say, strep throat and can’t play in a given game, he won’t earn $25,000.

PFT are the masters of getting down to business when it comes to NFL contracts. The good news for Hillis is that $2.6 million of the $3 million is guaranteed. The bad news is that it is a far cry from the offer the Browns reportedly offered to Hillis during this past season.

Remember that Tony Zarella reported the Browns wanted to sign Hillis to a 3-year deal guaranteeing $3 million, but dangling as much as $16.5 million total in front of him. Granted those incentives could have been hard to earn, but it sure sounds better.

Just goes to show how much the Browns soured on the distracted, injured back.

[Related: Browns offer to Hillis guarantees $3 million]

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