May 19, 2013

King: I think the Browns should hang onto Colt McCoy, But…

June 19, 2012 by 17 Comments

In his most recent Monday Morning Quarterback Column, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King (once again) weighs in on the Colt McCoy situation in Cleveland, this time, giving the third-year quarterback a vote of confidence.

“I think the Browns should hang onto Colt McCoy,” writes King. ”I do like Brandon Weeden, but how sure a thing is he? And if he plays poorly over the next two years, you’re happier with Seneca Wallace than Colt McCoy? I’m not.”

It was just last week when King had a one-on-one interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell where the two men discussed the concussion and subsequent mishandling which would ultimately serve to prematurely end McCoy’s first full season as a the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. Given McCoy’s record and relative regression in his second season, the Browns went and drafted Weeden to be the quarterback of the team’s future, leaving McCoy’s status in peril and his family’s mouth agape.

In the event that the Browns do look to cut ties with McCoy, a result which many forecast as the inevitable, King thinks that Tom Heckert’s former team is one of two perfect landing spots.

“I think if I’m Andy Reid or Mike McCarthy, I’m calling Cleveland GM Tom Heckert and sending a 2013 sixth-rounder to Cleveland for McCoy,” writes King. ”Perfect backup quarterback who, in time, might be good enough to start for your team for multiple seasons. Take out the tape of his game at Pittsburgh last season, before he got blasted by James Harrison, and tell me he doesn’t have the poise, decision-making and presence to have a chance to be a good player.”
 

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NFL Rumors: Kellen Winslow Apparently Done in Tampa Bay

May 21, 2012 by 9 Comments

Former Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr is reportedly on his way out of Tampa Bay as he told Sirius XM radio that the Buccaneers are looking to find him another home.

After several injury-plagued seasons and the desire for a new contract with the Browns, Winslow was moved by then head coach Eric Mangini for a second- and fifth-round draft selection where he subsequently go on to play three solid seasons in Tampa Bay, never missing a game and having more than 700 receiving yards each of the three years. But just as things were in Cleveland, it appears that the hiring of a new head coach may also mean the end of Winslow as the tight end reportedly prefers to sit out practices and rest his aged knees.

Winslow said the Bears were engaged in trade talks about him before the draft, nothing materialized there. The team would likely release him if they cannot find someone to take on the remaining three years and $13 million in base salary.

[Flashback: WFNY Weighs in on the Kellen Winslow Trade]

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Holmgren on Colt McCoy: “I don’t know. He might be here. We’ll see.”

April 27, 2012 by 14 Comments

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi asked Browns President Mike Holmgren about Colt McCoy’s status with the team-

“I asked about whether the team would be able to trade Colt McCoy. Holmgren answered: “I don’t know. He might be here. We’ll see.” Holmgren said he considered Richardson “special” and he “really liked” Weeden. Holmgren intends to address the media with GM Tom Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur at the conclusion of the draft on Saturday.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement of McCoy. Then again, neither is drafting a QB at #22 in the first round.

[Related: Weeden on McCoy: It's out of my hands]

[Related: What is the rush to trade Colt McCoy]

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NFL Draft: Browns No. 4 pick is the subject of trade interest

March 26, 2012 by 66 Comments

It isn’t surprising news, but it is good news just the same to hear that the Browns are listening to offers for the fourth pick in this upcoming draft. While many Browns fans would really like to see the Browns select an individual player at No.4, there is no question that there is a drop off in talent after Luck, Griffin, Kalil and maybe Claiborne. With the Browns poised to select three immediate starters with their first three picks, you have to think Tom Heckert would love an extra crack or two in the first two rounds if he can get them.

ESPNCleveland’s Tony Grossi has the report on Twitter.

It will be a tough pill to swallow for some Browns fans if Heckert and Holmgren decide to trade down again. The pain of a four win season delivered the No. 4 pick and to many, that means applying the salve of a premier player worthy of being selected fourth overall. If they can get enough, though, there’s no question that another year with a trade down would be a wise move.

The real question is who is talking while the Browns are listening?

[Related: In support of Trent Richardson to the Browns]

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Browns Should Try to Add Picks This Year

April 27, 2011 by 9 Comments

There is a generally accepted NFL Draft Pick Value Chart that most NFL front offices use to gauge value of picks for trade purposes.  It is a point system where the first pick is worth 3,000 points and Mr. Irrelevant is worth two points.  The idea being that if you wanted to trade the 25th pick in the draft with a value of 720 points for the 6th pick of the draft worth 1600 points, you would have to make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 880 points.

If you have the 25th pick in the first round, chances are you have the 57th pick in the second round which carries a value of 330 points.  In essence, when you add up your first and second picks (720 + 330 = 1050) you are still drastically short of the 1600 you need to get into the sixth spot.  In other years, a team could make up ground like that by trading a veteran player.  Without that option this year, teams will have to mortgage the future and trade future picks.

It is 100% worth it to mortgage the future for this year’s draft. [Read more...]

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Potential NFL Trades To Shake Up The Draft

March 31, 2011 by 12 Comments

First, a word of introduction. This is a guest post by Mark Leonard. Mark is an experienced journalist and educator that we asked to lend some insight into the Cleveland sports scene. An alum of Ohio State, Mark grew up in Lorain and has seen plenty of Cleveland sports turmoil, and even the last championship.

Fans of the NFL don’t need to be reminded this is a very atypical off-season. Typically, each team is well on its way to reconfiguring itself where needed, through presently-prohibited methods such as releases, trades and free-agent signings.

The absence of such activity has not only deprived the league’s fans of early-spring re-energizing and characteristically unbridled enthusiasm, but it has left its teams to depend exclusively on productive draft classes for needed enhancements. That has, understandably, placed an uncommon burden on those within each personnel department.

What is more, those drafted cannot be signed, brought into town for press-conferences, coached-up or introduced to his new professional environments—unless, of course, the dispute between ownership and athletes is resolved by that April 28 selection process. [Read more...]

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Browns Make Cuts, Shine Light on Defensive Line

February 10, 2011 by 22 Comments

The Browns have Ahtyba Rubin.  That much we know.  We also know that they have Brian Shaefering too probably.  He is supposed to be a restricted free agent, so who knows what that even means without a deal in place between players and owners.  That is pretty much all we know as the Browns made headlines cutting Shaun Rogers, Kenyon Coleman, Eric Barton, David Bowens and Robert Royal.

The Browns depth chart also lists players like Derreck Robinson, Ko Quaye, Brian Sanford, and Jayme Mitchell.  So, yeah, we can assume that the Browns are going to be attacking the defensive line in both free agency and the draft.  Except what will free agency be like with no deal in place?  Who knows?

Assuming there is a season and free agency eventually hits, the names out there are Cullen Jenkins (GB), , Charles Johnson from Carolina, Ray Edwards (MIN), Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG), Shaun Ellis (NYJ), Jason Babin (TEN), Marcus Spears (DAL), Haloti Ngata (BAL), Richard Seymour (OAK) and the aging Pat Williams (MIN.)  Obviously Richard Seymour would be nice because we have already seen what he can do to Ben Roethlisberger. [Read more...]

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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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NFL Trade Rumors: Kevin Kolb to Browns Back Again

January 17, 2011 by 27 Comments

Kevin Kolb and the Browns have been linked in trade rumors now for almost a year.  These rumors first kicked up at the beginning of last offseason when it was still unclear if the Eagles would continue on with Donovan McNabb or make the move to the younger Kolb.

Once the Eagles decided to move McNabb, the Browns became linked in those potential trade rumors but McNabb landed in Washington.  The Eagles had made their move and the storm had passed.  When Kolb suffered a concussion to start the season, however, and Michael Vick subsequently lit it up, the Browns were allegedly on the phone within 24 hours inquiring about Kolb and these rumors once again hit the press.

They’re back again and the impetus for the rumors this time around is Kolb’s statement last week that he wants to start in the NFL, and if that is not going to be the case in Philadelphia, he wants out.   [Read more...]

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NFL Rumor Mill: Browns Linked to Kevin Kolb…Again

September 22, 2010 by 23 Comments

This offseason, Kevin Kolb was allegedly on the Browns’ radar as a potential acquisition.  While the Eagles decided to hold on to their QB in waiting, the Browns opted for the duo of Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.  But now, with a small shake-up in Philly, Kolb may be back in the fold. 

Kolb came into the 2010 season as the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.  Philly traded away long-time starting quarterback to a division rival, clearing the path for the guy whom they drafted in the second-round of 2007.  Then Kolb suffered a concussion and Michael Vick subsequently provided a few highlights, even leading the Eagles to their first win of the season.  With both quarterbacks healthy, Vick is slated to start this Sunday.

Less than 24 hours after the Vick announcement, the Browns were reportedly on the phone with the Eagles, inquiring about Kolb’s trade value with the Browns being told that Kolb is staying put.  However, the team recently extended Kolb’s contract, guaranteeing him $12.26 million over the next two seasons which is a pretty penny for a back-up quarterback. 

[Read more...]

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Holmgren Report: Defensive Line

January 27, 2010 by 18 Comments

Browns Roster Upgrade GeneralNow 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, WR/TE, QB, ST, DB, LB

We are coming down to the end of our reports. Yesterday DP broke down the linebackers for you. Today’s group works hand in hand with that group. In fact, they overlap quite a bit. Guys like Wimbley, Roth and Hall find themselves on occasion with a hand on the ground as DEs. In a true 3-4 the front men have a terrible assignment. They are responsible for tying up 4 or 5 offensive linemen and filling the inside rushing lanes. They are often called upon to fill two gaps. For a beast like Shaun Rogers, that isn’t really a special task though. But the Browns went with more of an unconventional 3-4 look. They swapped players around, switched positions, and rotated more players into the game than most teams do. This was especially true after Rogers went out with an injury. [Read more...]

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NFL Trade Rumors: Brandon Marshall to Browns

June 17, 2009 by 25 Comments

09000d5d80c462ff_gallery_600Just when you think we’re in the clear when it comes to trade rumors with our beloved NFL franchise, a tip hits our inbox about Cleveland being a possible destination for malcontent Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall.

Theory is (at least per PFT) that the Browns would ship special-teamer extraordinaire Josh Cribbs and a draft pick to Dever for Marshall.  Piling on, rumors also have Baltimore as a possible landing spot for Marshall.  However, if the Browns were to trade for him, it would open the doors for the Browns to move Braylon Edwards – perhaps to Baltimore?

Where do I begin on this one?

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Edwards-to-Giants Dead?, Big Ben Chimes In, Whither Chauncey, and Jackets Fans Preach Patience

April 23, 2009 by 23 Comments

While We’re Waiting aims to be the round-up of the recent WFNY-esque information for your morning viewing. DP takes a stab at it this morning. If you like these links, thank DP. If you don’t, it was all Scott’s fault. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email in the sidebar.

edwards-actual-catch

Perhaps we haven’t given the Nard-Dawg enough credit: “According to a source familiar with the situation, the Giants no longer see any hope of acquiring … Cleveland receiver [Braylon Edwards] and are moving forward with their plans to take a receiver early in the NFL draft. The sticking point still appears to be GM Jerry Reese’s refusal to part with the Giants’ first-round pick and the Browns’ refusal to take anything less. It’s pretty much been that way since Reese and Browns GM George Kokinis first talked about Edwards in February, but until very recently there was at least some optimism inside the Giants’ organization that one of the two sides would blink. Reese has no plans to blink, the source said, and the Giants are now convinced that Kokinis won’t either.” [Ralph Vacchiano/NY Daily News]

[Read more...]

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Stallworth May Still Get Bonus Money

April 6, 2009 by 3 Comments

donte-stallworth-catchWho would have thought that Plaxico Burress could have such an impact on the Cleveland Browns?

First, there has been the incessant rumors that have Braylon Edwards linked to the Giants via trade.  Then, the Giants go and release Burress, he of the self-inflicted gun shot would and the basis behind the song Da*n, these sweatpants make a bad holster.  Now, he may have an even larger impact as he has recently won a suit over his former team that allows him to keep his bonus money that was temporarily taken away after the gun shot incident.

And if you’re asking how the Giants v. Burress case impacts the Browns, look no further than the bonus that is due to wide receiver Donte Stallworth.  The day prior to the accident that left a man dead on a Miami, Florida causeway, Stallworth was due $4.5 million. 

[Read more...]

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Cutler Goes to Chicago

April 2, 2009 by 20 Comments

Well, folks, there were unnamed teams in the trade rumors, but enough team names were mentioned (Bucs, Lions, Titans) to make me believe that Cleveland might have stayed out of the Cutler talks altogether.  Anything is possible, of course, but you have to think that Cutler’s statements about not wanting to be in Cleveland chilled any real possibilities anyway.  This deal got done this afternoon and honestly it seems very fair for both sides.  Chicago trades their first rounder this year plus next year’s first rounder and Kyle Orton in exchange for Cutler.  The Bears also included their third round pick this year in exchange for the Broncos fifth round pick to get the deal done.  And thus ends the rumor mill, real or otherwise that had Cutler coming to Cleveland in exchange for one of the Browns’ QBs.

As I said earlier in the week, Cutler, while talented, didn’t seem like the best fit here to me.  He has a ton of potential and ability from a pure physical standpoint, but after all  the drama that he drummed up since regime change in Denver, I couldn’t help but think his potential acquisition would fly in the face of everything that Mangini and Kokinis have spouted about their team-first philosophy going forward. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… NBA Record Books, Brady Quinn Speaks, and Laffey vs. Lewis

March 23, 2009 by 13 Comments

While We’re Waiting aims to be the round-up of the recent WFNY-esque information for your morning viewing. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email in the sidebar.

zydrunas-ilgauskas-block-yi-jianlian

Okay, now he’s just showing off with all of these broken records: “With four blocked shots in the Cavaliers’ 96-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday evening, Ilgauskas became the team’s all-time leading shot blocker with 1,202, surpassing John “Hot Rod” Williams’ 1,200.” [Brian Windhorst/Plain Dealer]

[Read more...]

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Ignoring the Brady Quinn Trade Rumors

March 20, 2009 by 12 Comments

Brady Quinn PassesOne of the dangers of having a front office that does not talk much with the media is that rumors tend to pop up, and when not shot down immediately by the team, tend to be taken as gospel.

Whether it’s the Bronco fan-based rumors from a few weeks ago, or the recent rumors that have had Brady Quinn being moved from the Browns in a variety of deals, I’m firmly in the camp that is not believing any of it.

The Redskins’ Chris Cooley had some fine words to say about Cleveland when he was greeted with rumors of him coming here with quarterback Jason Campbell.  Then there were rumors that the Broncos were still interested in Quinn, but would result in the Browns receiving draft picks (from none other than the Jets) with Cutler going to New York.

[Read more...]

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NFL Trade Rumors: Who’s Next to Leave Cleveland?

March 2, 2009 by 47 Comments

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. 

[Read more...]

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NFL Trade Rumors: Derek Anderson to the Jets?

February 12, 2009 by 35 Comments

While Eric Mangini and the Cleveland Browns have been quoted in saying that there is no concrete starter at the quarterback position for 2009, smart money says that the team will likely turn to their quarterback of the future in Brady Quinn sooner than later.  However, even if Quinn does get the nod this season, sooner is still too late considering that Phil Savage gave Derek Anderson a three-year $24.5 million contract just last off-season.

Couple the competition and salary with the fact that Anderson is due a roster bonus this spring, and the time to move D.A. was obviously last year when he was coming off of a Pro Bowl season.  With his value considerably lower today than it was pre-Honalulu, Browns fans are itching to see what their team may be able to receive in return for good old No. 3. 

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…

January 28, 2009 by 12 Comments

While We’re Waiting aims to be the round-up of the recent WFNY-esque information for your morning viewing.  Have something you think we should see?  Send it to our tips email in the sidebar.

John Harbaugh

Whether or not the Browns improve much this off-season, it has to help us that Baltimore is losing a few of their key pieces.  Right?  “Baltimore has already lost its defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and linebacker coach Mike Pettine to the New York Jets. The Ravens also lost George Kokinis, who is the new general manager of the Cleveland Browns. And with so many pending free agents, the Ravens expect to lose a few key players as well. This is one of the few downsides to success in the NFL, and the Ravens will have to work their way through it.” [James Walker/ESPN]

[Read more...]

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