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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Browns Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: DirkDiggler on Mar 11^th, 2006, 1:01pm)

Title: Browns Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Mar 11^th, 2006, 1:01pm

The Browns made two free agent signings right off the bat today. They dramatically improved their O-line.

They sign former Saints center Bentley and left tackle Schaffer from Atlanta. Hell of an upgrade. Bentley was rumored to be going to the Eagles.......

This will dramatically made them a better team. Droughns value has to go up.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2364025

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Mar 11^th, 2006, 8:31pm

Browns also sign WR Joe Jurevicius:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/03/11/bc.fbn.brownssignings.ap/index.html

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Mar 11^th, 2006, 10:14pm

on 03/11/06 at 20:31:01, BarnabyWilde wrote:

Browns also sign WR Joe Jurevicius:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/03/11/bc.fbn.brownssignings.ap/index.html

This is a good signing. Jurevicius is as consistant as they come. He is a GREAT #3 who can step up to be #2 if needed. He will complement Braylon Edwards well.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 12^th, 2006, 3:20pm

Browns have signed former Raider Ted Washington to a multi-year deal.

http://browns.scout.com/2/507917.html

Washington, a 14-year veteran of the NFL, has had plenty of time to get to know Browns head coach Romeo Crennel while at New England during the Pats 2003 championship season. Washington left the Patriots after 2003, and has played with the Oakland Raiders the past two seasons. He was cut earlier this week in a salary-cap related move by the Raiders.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 13^th, 2006, 6:04pm

(...continued from 49ers thread) ...given the severity of the injury to Braylon Edwards... The greatest fantasy impact of Bryant's departure, in the immediacy at least, may be the indirect one on Charlie Frye('s development). Who knows? Maybe, they're getting in the T.O. sweepstakes... [smiley=wiseguy.gif] ... [smiley=shrug.gif]

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by sameoldsameold on Mar 13^th, 2006, 6:07pm

i jus wanna say that the Browns have had a OUTSTANDING offseason thus far...and we arent even a week into it...there have made strong moves...

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by Tony_O on Mar 15^th, 2006, 6:37pm

McGinest to reunite with old coach, sign with BrownsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent linebacker Willie McGinest has found a new home with an old friend.

The former New England Patriots linebacker, released last week for salary cap reasons after 12 years with the team, reached a contract agreement with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday afternoon, ESPN.com has learned. He will be reunited in Cleveland with Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, an assistant in New England for seven of McGinest's 12 seasons there.

McGinest, who visited with Browns coaches and team officials on Tuesday as his first stop in free agency, will sign a three-year, $12 million contract that includes $6 million in bonuses and guarantees.

The two-time Pro Bowl performer and three-time Super Bowl champion should provide the Browns with the outside pass rush dimension the team sorely lacked in 2005. His familiarity with the 3-4 defense, the scheme in which he enjoyed so much of his success in New England, is also a huge plus. McGinest told ESPN.com last weekend that while he felt he could play in a 4-3, he hoped to sign with a 3-4 team.

McGinest, 34, has 78 career sacks and his six sacks in 2005 were one more than any Cleveland player managed in Crennel's first season, as the Browns struggled to create pressure. As a team, the Browns registered just 23 sacks, the fewest in the NFL. Crennel and general manager Phil Savage had publicly reiterated the need to improve the Cleveland pass rush. McGinest also had 4½ sacks in the postseason, all of them coming in a wild-card round victory over Jacksonville (he had eight tackles in all).

Cleveland officials were negotiating earlier this week with unrestricted free agent Kalimba Edwwards, a defensive end with the Detroit Lions who would have moved to linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The Browns felt he could fill a McGinest-type role for them. But when Edwards re-signed with the Lions, the Browns turned their attention to McGinest, and it didn't take long to strike a deal.

Several other teams had contacted agent Gary Uberstine to inquire about McGinest. It is unknown how many other teams would have met with McGinest had he not completed an agreement with the Browns. Among the interested teams were the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets.

It is certainly no coincidence, though, that his initial trip was to Cleveland. Along with the presence of Crennel, the Browns have been among the league's most aggressive teams in the opening days of the free agency period. McGinest becomes the seventh player acquired by Cleveland since Saturday morning. He is the second new defensive starter, joining nose tackle Ted Washington.

McGinest was scheduled to make $7 million in 2006 with the Patriots between his base salary and a roster bonus. But the Patriots felt that compensation was a bit too rich for them. Although there was speculation the Patriots might contact McGinest about signing a more palatable deal, there were no such discussions after he was released.

The Browns, who have posted just one winning season since returning to the league in 1999, and who were 6-10 under Crennel in 2005, certainly present the kind of challenge McGinest seems to be seeking at this late juncture of his career.

"That's part of what excites me, really, is the chance to maybe help a team and help other players achieve some of their goals," McGinest said during a Saturday interview. "You name it and I've pretty much been there and done that. At this point in my career, the individual [accomplishments] aren't as important, not any more. I'm developed. I'm primed. I'm a team guy who knows his role. If that role is with a new team, well, so be it."

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 30^th, 2006, 1:48pm

Here are some must reads for owners of or those thinking about picking up/drafting QB's Charlie Frye or Trent Dilfer, WR Braylon Edwards, or TE Kellen Winslow from LOCAL sources on "the Gridiron Newsstand":

"Frye not a lock to start for Browns (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/14211691.htm)"

"Winslow could be cleared for camp, but not Edwards (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/football/nfl/cleveland_browns/14211694.htm)"

My thoughts...

Regarding the quarterback situation, this is just early offseason rhetoric to keep them both working hard. I mean... while they are believed to have made a lot of fantastic improvements this offseason through free-agency, it's either Frye or Dilfer who is going to carry them from the QB position. They don't want either of them getting comfortable yet. In the end, the job will be Frye's. The time is right to hand over the reigns, not go backwards.

Regarding Edwards, while I believe he still has a very bright future, I don't think he'll be campaigning for much time on the fantasy gridiron as he will be limited on the real gridiron. He could be worth keeping an eye on right at the end of the season when your making your championship push and he's as healthy as he's going to be. I could see his ending the season with a bit of a bang.

Regarding Winslow, I fear that he will never be the player he could have been. Two years out of the game right off the bat doesn't usually make for a happy ending. From what I read about that motorcycle accident, he's lucky to even be alive. I just think his innards were quite ravages and that he won't be close to being the same. Mind you, I was a BIG fan of his when he came out in '05. I even drafted him in the GBRFL where we don't even have a tight-end category (TE's are just consider receivers), so there is no bias here.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 2^nd, 2006, 4:25pm

Corroboration for Philly's claim on the NFL Draft discussion thread "between the 20's (http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/cgi-bin/theGridiron/YaBB.cgi?board=56)" from "The REAL Feed":

Christmas comes early for the Browns (http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2006/05/cleveland-browns-draft020506.html)
NFL News: RealFootball365.com (02.05.2006 11:30)
The 2006 NFL Draft has come and gone, and much like Christmas, some may be feeling a bit of a letdown today. Without a doubt some fans should feel let down by the selections of their respective teams.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 5^th, 2006, 1:27am

Well, that's that for that offseason rhetoric... Frye is definitely the man... Currently topping "The REAL Feed":

Dilfer goes to San Francisco in QB swap with Browns (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4018870.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (05.05.2006 01:00)

I say, "Go get this kid Frye!!!" He's leading a team that everyone is buzzing about. Enabled by a solid team performance, we could be seeing the birth of a star, on both the NFL and fantasy gridiron!!!

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 5^th, 2006, 2:46am

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 6^th, 2006, 4:06pm

Not really news here,... more like corroboration... From "The REAL Feed":

Trade clears Frye's way with Browns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/05/05/2020.ap.fbn.browns.dilfer.0617/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (06.05.2006 04:07)

Don't make me have to tell you that I told you so with this kid... ;)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 11^th, 2006, 12:25am

Good news for Droughns owners... from "The REAL Feed":

Browns RB Droughns acquitted in drunken driving case (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2439602&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (10.05.2006 01:00)
Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns has been acquitted of drunken driving.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 25^th, 2006, 1:33am

The scales of justice haven't quite yet tipped in Droughns's favor... From "The REAL Feed":

Browns' Droughns turns self in to face assault charges (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2457335&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (25.05.2006 01:12)
Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns was to spend Wednesday night in jail after turning himself in to face charges stemming for a domestic violence incident that happened three days after he was acquitted of drunken driving, authorities said.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 26^th, 2006, 2:16am

Droughns out ON BAIL... UH-OH... From "The REAL Feed":

Browns' RB Droughns free on $2,500 bail in domestic violence case (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/05/25/2020.ap.fbn.droughns.arrested.4th.ld.writethru.0337/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (25.05.2006 19:31)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on May 26^th, 2006, 9:34am

on 05/26/06 at 02:16:48, StegRock wrote:

If Droughns goes down becuase of the law, who is his successor? The three back ups basically got no carries last season, but here they are:

Willie Green? Given the opportunity and never did anything.

Lee Suggs? He can play about 2 games until he gets hurt. Too bad cause he has the talent.....

Jason Wright? Out of Northwestern, hasn't played much.

THen there is Jerome Harrison out of Washington State who was drafted in the fifth round. He was a bargain.... Will he be given the chance?

Either way, this is not good news for the Browns!!!

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 29^th, 2006, 3:41pm

DD,... all,... here's my sliver of a take... I've, from Day 1, not been a fan of William Green (as those old-timers around here and those close to me know very well), and while I, for sure, meant from both an NFL perspective and fantasy-wise, my thinking always leans towards the fantasy side of things, and while I, heretofore, have been right, I must admit that I wonder, like I do about Tim Couch, who I don't think received a fair shake with/by going to the Browns, if Green has gotten a fair shake. I don't think he has. Head Coach Romeo Crennel was coaching up in New England when Green was tearing it up at Boston College. If Droughns ends up not being an option for the Browns this year, I think Crennell gives the once-heralded New England product his one (last/real) chance to make it in the NFL. Whether he succeeds or not, that I am not sure of. But, I think he'd be the "one" given the opportunity.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 16^th, 2006, 9:31pm

"Winslowin'" down... In the wake of Roethlisberger's injury, TE Kellen Winslow returns and will hopefully finally hit the field in '06. From "The REAL Feed": [smiley=helmethead.gif]

Humbler Winslow back on field at Browns' minicamp (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/06/16/2020.ap.fbn.browns.winslow.0643/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (16.06.2006 18:30)

And, also from "The REAL Feed", the latest on RB Reuben Droughns, who may be looking at missing time on the field and spending some time behind bars: [smiley=no.gif]

Droughns apologizes for arrest (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/06/16/2020.ap.fbn.browns.droughns.0288/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (16.06.2006 20:08)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 19^th, 2006, 5:46pm

Browns to get back their "green balls" to back up their green [smiley=newbie.gif] starter... as per "The REAL Feed":

Browns considering Testaverde as backup insurance (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2491042&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (19.06.2006 12:33)
The Browns will give quarterback Ken Dorsey a chance in training camp to secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind starter Charlie Frye. But they're keeping veteran Vinny Testaverde on speed dial just in case.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 22^nd, 2006, 6:24pm

This signing currently tops "The REAL Feed":

Browns reach agreement with rookie Wimbley (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/22/2020.ap.fbn.browns.wimbley.2nd.ld.writethru.0456/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (22.07.2006 17:30)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 26^th, 2006, 6:24pm

Edwards,... not quite ready... according to "The REAL Feed":

Browns' Edwards starts training camp on PUP list (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2530566&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (26.07.2006 16:19)
Second-year wide receiver Braylon Edwards was placed on the NFL's physically unable to perform list (PUP) as the team began training camp on Wednesday.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 27^th, 2006, 8:02pm

Browns' injuries start piling up... already... They lost a key O-lineman today. From "The REAL Feed":

Browns lose Bentley for season (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/27/2020.ap.fbn.browns.bentley.injured.1st.ld.writethru.0290/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (27.07.2006 19:15)

That's one key free-agent signing from this offseason gone with the wind... [smiley=no.gif]

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 29^th, 2006, 10:33pm

Edwards hits the field already... [smiley=ohshit.gif] From "The REAL Feed":

Surprise, surprise: Edwards practices with Browns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/29/2020.ap.fbn.browns.edwards.0501/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (29.07.2006 19:31)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 30^th, 2006, 10:57pm

More line issues... according to "The REAL Feed":

Browns' Tucker leaning toward knee surgery (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/30/2020.ap.fbn.browns.line.0236/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (30.07.2006 21:17)

Potentially puts him out 'til Week One... :-/ This is not good news for Frye and Droughns (and their respective fantasy owners).

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 6^th, 2006, 11:05pm

Edwards looks to be a quick-healer... He may even be back for their season opener... [smiley=ohshit.gif] according to "The REAL Feed":

Edwards making swift and steady recovery from knee surgery (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/06/2020.ap.fbn.nfl.camps.rdp.0857/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (06.08.2006 21:17)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 9^th, 2006, 3:47am

The Browns are taking hits on O-line, right, left and mostly CENTER... From "The REAL Feed":

Hallen leaves camp, Browns lose another center (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/08/2020.ap.fbn.jim.litke.0778/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (09.08.2006 00:08)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 9^th, 2006, 8:25pm

Frye's uphill battle... According to "The REAL Feed":

In the Frye-ing pan (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-browns080906&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)
Yahoo! News: Democratic Party (09.08.2006 19:38)
CLEVELAND - The Browns hope Charlie Frye can stand the heat as an NFL starting quarterback.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 12^th, 2006, 5:14am

It's official... The Browns are basically "center-less"... Currently atop "The REAL Feed":

NFL ROUNDUP: Center Hallen retires; Browns left in lurch (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060812/SPORTS11/608120347/1059)
FREEP: Football (12.08.2006 04:30)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 14^th, 2006, 6:06pm

HUGE NEWS!!! Browns MOVE Suggs to Jets!!! HOT off the top of "The REAL Feed":

Browns deal Suggs to Jets for Strait (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4035603.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (14.08.2006 17:12)

I'd say... bump backup tailback William Green up your lists just a tad... Reports out of Cleveland are that the new regime likes Green... I think this is proof in the proverbial pudding of that. If Droughns goes down or his legal issues catch up to him, don't be over-biased and rule Green out too quickly. That potential may just get realized yet...

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Aug 15^th, 2006, 1:09pm

Suggs fails physical, heads back to Cleveland:

http://www.sportsline.com/u/partners/aol/frameset.htm?http://cbs.sportsline.com/

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 15^th, 2006, 4:18pm

on 08/15/06 at 13:09:22, BarnabyWilde wrote:

Suggs fails physical, heads back to Cleveland:

http://www.sportsline.com/u/partners/aol/frameset.htm?http://cbs.sportsline.com/

Call it a career for this guy... Droughns lept into their starting role a year ago, and the new regime seems to like William Green... Buh-bye...

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 16^th, 2006, 4:48pm

(Centered for apropos affect.)

This is getting RIDICULOUS... They have a guy to throw, but are they going to EVER get a guy to snap it to him??? Talk about adding insult to injury,... quite literally!!! This fiasco as per "The REAL Feed":

NFL suspends Browns center Alonzo Ephraim (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/2006-08-16-ephraim-suspended_x.htm?csp=34)
USA TODAY: NFL (16.08.2006 16:31)
Alonzo Ephraim, an emergency signing after LeCharles Bentley went down with a season-ending knee injury, was suspended Wednesday ...

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 4:47am

Edwards continues miraculous recovery... and Droughns's legal problems won't get in the way... this season... according to "The REAL Feed":

Browns' Edwards closing in on debut (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/21/2020.ap.fbn.browns.edwards.0317/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (22.08.2006 03:30)

Droughns pleads not guilty in assault case; trial date set for February (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/21/2020.ap.fbn.browns.droughns.1st.ld.writethru.0230/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (22.08.2006 03:30)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 24^th, 2006, 5:29am

Above report notwithstanding, Edwards's return still uncertain... according to "The REAL Feed":

Edwards' preseason debut still up in air (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/23/2020.ap.fbn.browns.edwards.0800/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (23.08.2006 21:09)

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 24^th, 2006, 11:23pm

Desperate to put a decent O-line together, Browns take action and cut a deal... From "The REAL Feed":

Browns trade draft pick for Bears lineman Friedman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2559680&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (24.08.2006 13:06)
The Browns on Thursday acquired veteran offensive lineman Lennie Friedman from the Chicago Bears in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice.

Title: Re: Browns Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 7:15pm

Browns lose two once-hopeful RB's and acquire yet another center... ALL from "The REAL Feed":

Suggs, 19 Others Excised by Browns; Green on IR (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4038782.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (02.09.2006 18:32)

Eight not enough: Browns deal for Eagles center Fraley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2570579&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (02.09.2006 17:13)
The Cleveland Browns hope that, when it comes to the center position, nine is enough.