June 19, 2013

NFL Free Agency: Kellen Winslow claims Browns are “interested”

March 25, 2013 by 16 Comments

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk found this interesting nugget on former Brown Kellen Winslow II-

“Free agent tight end Kellen Winslow says his career is definitely not over, and he already knows there are teams interested in him for the 2013 season.

Winslow said on NFL AM that Browns coach Rob Chudzinski, who coached him at the University of Miami, is interested in bringing him back to Cleveland. He also said the Raiders are still interested, and the Panthers have reached out as well.”

Winslow was selected by the Browns in 2004 (sixth pick overall). A motorcycle accident and an injury on special teams cost him 30 games of his first two seasons. Winslow caught 219 passes for 2459 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Browns.

The Browns have signed a pair of free agent tight ends already, though none have had the career that Winslow has had. Of course, if the Browns were interested in having a veteran TE on the roster who isn’t as fast as he used to be, they could have had Ben Watson who wanted to stay.

This would be a surprising move to say the least.

Update: As we thought, the Browns have said they have no interest in bringing Winslow back. More than likely Winslow’s comments were meant as some sort of leverage.

[Related: The Browns' free agent strategy]

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Doerschuk: Hardesty still has “hitch” in his step

June 8, 2012 by 6 Comments

Drafting Trent Richardson isn’t necessarily a rebuke of Montario Hardesty as a player. Trent Richardson is highly enough touted that even if Montario Hardesty had lived up to his potential and not been hurt the Browns might have made a case that he was worth drafting as the best player available. All that being said, if media concerns about Hardesty are valid, then the Browns really did make a smart move getting Trent Richardson.

More than a few observers notice a hitch in Hardesty’s step when he walks, nearly two years removed from major knee surgery. How well he has been running is the subject of mixed reviews.

Obviously as guys are getting back in shape soreness could occur. You certainly don’t want to jump to a lot of conclusions and medical diagnoses on even first-hand visual accounts, let alone second-hand ones. That being said, Hardesty has never been healthy and might never be, much in the way Browns fans came to grips with the fact that Kellen Winslow would never be 100%. The difference of course is that Kellen Winslow had bona fide first round levels of talent. It still remains to be seen if Hardesty has bona fide second round levels.

[Related: Is Montario Hardesty Tom Heckert’s Big Miss? ]

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The Best Browns Since 1999 – Tight Ends

February 15, 2012 by 1 Comment

Kellen Winslow Jr. ran away with this one.  Winslow is far and away the most talented player the Browns have had at tight end since 1999 and your voting agreed.  Winslow took 67% of the first place votes and Ben Watson was a distant second taking 16%.  Fan favorite Steve Heiden pulled 12% of that vote. [Read more...]

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The Varying Reactions to the Marcus Benard Motorcycle Accident

October 13, 2011 by 18 Comments

I don’t know how the rest of you feel about Marcus Benard and all he went through (put himself through) over the last few days.  Certainly it was a race to get all the details as quickly as possible in the local media.  John Telich ran ahead of the pack on that one like it was a double marathon trail run that he so diligently trains for.  But after the details are all known and after the Browns put him on the IR it strikes me as odd with some of the angry, punitive reactions toward Benard.

I understand a feeling of disappointment that someone that the team and its fans were counting on would put himself and his career at risk.  There is certainly a part of me that looks at his actions on some level as potentially being irresponsible, immature and yes, possibly even stupid.  Still, I would tend to avoid calling it stupid because it just seems harsh.  It seems like adding insult to injury with no net benefit to anyone.

A friend of mine seemed particularly hot and bothered by it yesterday and wanted the Browns to make an example of Marcus Benard by cutting him.  Something about that just didn’t seem quite right to me.  I think the Browns could potentially be within their rights to cut bait, but there is a part of me that believes in organizations maintaining some level of fairness and compassion. [Read more...]

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How Will the Steelers React to James Harrison’s Rant?

July 13, 2011 by 11 Comments

Playing in the AFC North comes with a special set of challenges in the NFL because of how well run the Steelers have been historically.  Many Browns fans wish that the Browns had a fraction of the leadership and culture that the Steelers have had as they have won Super Bowls over the years.  This culture is often defined by not only drafting and developing players, but also knowing when to say goodbye to them.  We aren’t just talking about run of the mill players either.  This isn’t like the Browns saying goodbye to Mike Sellers.  The Steelers have been willing to wave goodbye to some really talented players over the years.  With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what – if anything – the Steelers do with James Harrison who has called Roger Goodell a “crook” and a “devil,” while also ripping teammates Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger in an interview with Men’s Journal.

Oh, and he also decided posing in a menacing fashion brandishing firearms was the image that he wanted to project for himself, so there’s that. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Analyzing Indians’ Success, Browns Free Agency Targets, Drafting Derrick Williams

May 29, 2011 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.

Great Sunday read on the Tribe, with analysis of the magic of Brantley and Asdrubal: “To watch the current team and to know the pain that came pouring upon Indians fans’ (particularly in that fateful week in July of 2009) is to gain some measure of respect for the Front Office realizing what needed to be done and to go about doing it. Granted the compelling reasons to make some of those trades were self-inflicted (Mike Aubrey, Jerry Sowers, Crazy Eyes Crowe, Beau Mills…you want me to keep going), but in those mid-season moves, they unquestionably have had more hits than misses and as much as the questions were flying back then (and here’s another piece from yours truly attempting to rationalize what seemed irrational back then) as to what the organization was even doing or what direction they were headed, the Indians asked themselves the hard questions, realized that there were hard answers, and didn’t shy away from what that meant.” [The DiaTribe/Paul Cousineau]

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The Browns’ Quiet Season Could Be Especially Quiet

February 9, 2011 by 18 Comments

There is almost nothing to talk about with the Browns for the next couple weeks.  In a town that thrives on Browns news both good and bad, it is tough for us as fans to really not have anything of substance to talk about.  

Anything substantive about the draft has already been said until the rumor mill starts going again in the next couple weeks.  Free agency and roster moves are also premature this time of year.  This year, in particular, it could be even worse.

With the status of the collective bargaining agreement we don’t know what free agency will look like.  Will there be a franchise tag?  I am sure Peyton Manning wants to know.  Will there be a rookie wage scale?  I hope so, personally, but all those soon-to-be first round draft picks sure wish they knew the answer to that question.  While it is in our nature to speculate like crazy about a million different things this time of year, it seems especially futile with so many important factors hanging in the air. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Cribbs Adjusting, Delhomme Ready and Edward Mujica

September 11, 2010 by 1 Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as a breakfast buffet (even on weekends) of WFNY-esque information for your early morning viewing pleasure. Have something else you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

This could be a huge boost for the re-made CLE offense this season: “Browns receiver Josh Cribbs watched himself on film the day after the Detroit preseason game making a 30-yard sideline catch and felt like he was having an out-of-body experience. ‘I definitely looked at that play when I caught the ball and I was like, ‘Hey, look at him! Look at that guy!” Cribbs said.” [Mary Kay Cabot/Cleveland Plain Dealer]

While this is always important, it will be interesting to see if the rest of the team can catch up: “Can he keep it going? That’s the main question Browns fans are wondering as the team embarks on the 2010 season. Jake Delhomme did everything asked of him in the preseason, as he posted a 110.5 QB Rating. He was 38-for-48 passing for 345 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.” [Fred Greetham/The OBR]
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Pre-Game Intel – Browns vs. Buccaneers

September 10, 2010 by 5 Comments

(This year we have decided that we will do some game previews in addition to the “Browns Will Win If…” feature that we have been doing.  The format of this will be a work in progress, but we hope to get a little more in-depth into each week’s matchup before the game. As well as a prediction on my part.)

When and Where: Sunday, September 12th 1:00 PM – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, FL

Overview: Browns vs. Bucs is so very exciting in Tampa that the game will be blacked out.  A year ago as the Browns fans were disappointed with a five-win season, Buccaneers fans were treated to a 3-13 campaign.  The Browns didn’t quit on their season and won their last four.  The Buccaneers didn’t seem to quit on their first-year head coach Raheem Morris either as they won the middle two of their last four games.  One of those games was an overtime victory over eventual Superbowl victors the New Orleans Saints. [Read more...]

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The Browns Will Win If…

September 10, 2010 by 18 Comments

It’s time! Woo hoo! We’ve warmed up with four “What We’re Watching For…” pieces for the pre-season, and now it’s time to hit for real. The Browns are still technically on a four-game winning streak, and with the start of a new season anything is possible. What time is it? GAME TIME!

brownsbucs

On paper, this is hardly a marquee matchup, with the (2009) 5-11 Browns meeting the 3-13 Buccaneers. The Browns looked like an actually-competent team at many times in the pre-season, with an offense that actually moved the ball. QB Jake Delhomme brought some much-needed stability to the position, and the stable of running backs provided OC Brian Daboll with a solid rotation of ball carriers. TE Ben Watson helped many Browns fans get over Kellen Winslow, and oh look who’s coming to dinner! I could go on, but will leave it as: it’s time to play for reals. Let’s get it on! Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If…

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All Eyes Will Be on Kellen Winslow

September 9, 2010 by 13 Comments

Last off-season, Kellen Winslow Jr was shipped to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two draft picks, opening up the floodgates for what was ultimately a large roster overhaul that appears to still be ongoing. 

This Sunday, in a meeting of two rebuilding franchises, Winslow faces Cleveland for the first time since the trade. Primed to be one of Tampa Bay’s biggest weapons against the inexperienced and perceivable weak Browns defense, it appears that the tight end could not be more ready.

“[Kellen] will be full go,” said Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris.  “He’s a fired up young man.”

[Read more...]

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How Desperate Are You Browns Fans?

April 5, 2010 by 35 Comments

I know we have all kind of reveled a bit in all the bad news coming out of Pittsburgh over the last few months.  Not that it really should make us feel any better to see their players make really poor decisions off the field, but sometimes you really do need to blow someone else’s candle out to make yours shine brighter.  Here in Browns town, we have had our share of negative stories from players off the field.  Even last week, we had Shaun Rogers’ situation with a gun at the airport.  I believe Leigh Bodden had a problem at the airport too once upon a time.  Bodden was arrested even if he was eventually found not guilty by a jury.  Kellen Winslow’s motorcycle accident also comes to mind.  I think almost all NFL teams have to deal with this on some level.  The biggest difference between the Browns and the Steelers is that at least Steelers fans got a few Superbowl championships out of it.

That leads me to my question.  Now that it seems like the Steelers are going to have to make somebody the fall-guy to help resurrect their floundering clean image, what lengths would you go to as Browns fans to win it all?  Would you take marginal characters like Santonio Holmes (mugshot on the right) in order to make it happen?  Holmes is especially interesting given the number of Buckeye fans that are simultaneously Browns backers.   [Read more...]

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Jurevicius v Browns to Come Back to State Courts

April 1, 2010 by 3 Comments

Regardless of how much Randy Lerner has attempted to make fans forget about the previous regimes, the news wire continues to ensure that the embers are still warm.  The latest bout of reports that lead back to the days of Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel came across last night as Joe Jurevicius’ lawsuit against the Browns will officially be sent to state courts.

If you recall, former Browns receiver – and Cleveland native – Joe Jurevicius opted to levy lawsuits against the teamas well as the Cleveland Clinic after he fell victim to a staph infection in his right knee that essentially ended his career.  One of several Browns players to acquire the infection through the last few seasons, Jurevicius claimed that the team simply did not provide the proper precautionary measures.  The player vehemently claimed that the lawsuit was not as much about money as it was for the rest of his teammates and future players who could fall victim to shoddy prevention.

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What a Difference a Year Makes… February 2009

February 26, 2010 by 4 Comments

back-to-the-futureAs my Twitter article proved yesterday, we are in a slow season for sports news.  Yes, the Cavs are trying to play themselves into shape for the playoffs, but trying to draw too many conclusions from individual games proves problematic in the NBA.  The NFL combine is going, but I think we all know pretty much what options the Browns have at #7 this year.  The Indians have pitchers and catchers reporting, but as Andy Baskin told me on Twitter the other day, the Indians have a great chance this year with Russell Branyan and about $100 million in payroll additions.  So, rather than report on any other Twitter news, I thought I would take a look and see what we were talking about last year at this time.  One point twenty-one gigawatts!

The biggest news story was the trade of Kellen Winslow to the Buccaneers.  I know a lot of us were sad to see Winslow go as a playmaker.  That might have also been the first and last actual quote we might have gotten from George Kokinis who thanked Winslow for his contributions.  Of course now with the benefit of hindsight we all know that the trade was a mixed bag.  The Browns lost their most electric playmaker, but also a battered, bruised football player that wanted (and ended up) being the highest paid tight end in the NFL. [Read more...]

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Holmgren Report: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

January 20, 2010 by 30 Comments

Browns Roster Upgrade HighNow that The Big Show Mike Holmgren has shored up his front office roster, it’s time for him–and for us–to look at the team’s roster. We’ve borrowed from the Department of Homeland Security and will be looking at each position group day by day, finishing with a roster upgrade ranking based on need. Check back each day this week for a new position group. Previous reports: RB, OL

As a flurry of new names graced the Cleveland Browns roster over the last 12 months, many of them were attached to jersey numbers in the teens or eighties.  It was just a few years ago that fans had the pleasure of watching reception after reception from names like Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius.  But after several trades, a few free agent acquisitions and a a select number of draft picks later, the Browns seemingly threw pass-catching names against the wall simply to see what would stick.

With the addition of Mike Holmgren – the offensive mind to Eric Mangini’s defense – there is a strong feeling that the Browns will implement some form of the infamous West Coast Offense that will put more focus on the receivers and tight ends as the team would (in theory) look to spread the field out with an arial attack.  When establishing a shorter passing game, an offense needs players that can catch the ball.  And while we attempt to call a spade a spade, the Cleveland Browns have been the antithesis of a pass-catching football team.

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The Top 10 Moments/Stories in Cleveland Sports in 2009

December 23, 2009 by 5 Comments

K2 and BraylonThis is part five in our 10 part series counting down the best moments/stories in Cleveland Sports for 2009. Many of you have left comments for us and we appreciate it. Remember, this isn’t just the best game, shot, or play; its the stories as well. Today we will examine two of the most polarizing figures of the “new” Browns era.

#6 Kellen Winslow II and Braylon Edwards are given their walking papers by new Browns head man Eric Mangini.

Remember back in 2007? The Indians were one game away from the World Series. The Cavaliers made it to the NBA Finals. The Browns finished 10-6 and became “that team” for the up coming season. The corner seemed to be turned in Berea. They had a running game with a veteran 1,300 yard back (Jamal Lewis) running behind the best offensive line we’ve seen in this city since the days of Cody Risen, Dan Fike, and Mike Baab. They had finally found their QB in Derek Anderson (ha ha), a big armed pocket passer with the guts of a burglar. Most importantly, DA had not one, but two Pro Bowl Caliber targets at his disposal. One was a fiery, tough as nails Tight End who played through pain and caught everything thrown his way. The other, a big play Wide Receiver who could out-run anyone who dared to cover him deep, but sometimes forgot to actually catch the ball.

Of course, I am speaking of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards.

The future for these two seemed so bright in Cleveland after the ’07 season. They were both coming off career years and had great chemistry with Anderson. Ah, the best laid plans. [Read more...]

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Holmgren’s Hire Probably Means Mangini Is Gone

December 21, 2009 by 58 Comments

Let me just say first and foremost that this will not be a Mangini hatchet job.  Then again, it also won’t be written with the evangelistic zeal of one of the many glowing pieces over at Cleveland Frowns.  Frowns knows I am joking with him.  I am not a Mangini hater through and through or anything like that.  Still, I think it is time to face the facts of the situation now that Mike Holmgren has officially been hired as the President of the Cleveland Browns. [Read more...]

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Josh Cribbs Speaks Out (Again) About his Salary

December 17, 2009 by 25 Comments

CribbsTweet_med

Along with his spectacular play on the field, one of the perpetual topics regarding the Cleveland Browns is the salary of one Joshua Cribbs.  On top of tweeting to his supporting fans, the Pro Bowl return man took to the airwaves to discuss his weekly pay stub.  During an interview with Sirius NFL radio on Wednesday, Cribbs said that he would “appreciate a deal before the end of the football season.” [Read more...]

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Braylon Unlikely To Be Suspended

October 28, 2009 by 10 Comments

braylonedwardsWell that dream is over.

A league source told the New york Post that former Brown Braylon Edwards isn’t likely to be punished by the NFL for his conduct outside a Cleveland night club-

The NFL is “monitoring” the case of Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards, an NFL spokesperson told The Post yesterday, though there doesn’t appear to be any chance of him being suspended this season — if at all.

Braylon finally won a game this season, as the Jets manhandled the Raiders 38-0. It was Braylon’s first win since the Monday night game in Buffalo last year on November 17. Former Brown Kellen Winslow Jr. is still seeking his first win of the season. So I guess we’ve got bragging rights?

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No More Whinging Browns Fans

September 22, 2009 by 46 Comments

At least not yet, if you please.  The Cleveland Browns hit rock bottom last year like a drug addict or alcoholic.  Braylon Edwards dropped every pass thrown his way.  Derek Anderson seemed on the verge of tears as we booed him.  Brady Quinn got a chance to start and got hurt.  Kellen Winslow acted like a baby in another wasted year of injuries on his way to getting his agent to make him the richest tight end in the land.  Romeo Crennel was curing his problems with challenging plays, by refusing to ever challenge another play as he continued to pout over the loss of Maurice Carthon, whom he refused to fire.  As all this was happening Phil Savage was sending profane emails to fans while failing miserably at managing anything but his scouting operation.  Like a drug addict, the Browns have been sent back to rehab and his name is Eric Mangini.

[Read more...]

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