Breaking Down the Browns 2010 Offseason (3/8)

As we move through this tumultuous time of the offseason, it is often hard to keep up with the goings-on of a Browns organization that is sure to stay active throughout. As such, I will try to record a weekly breakdown detailing any acquisitions or rumors regarding this free agency/draft perio so you're not made a fool of at the water cooler. You can thank me later.

RELEASES

Jamal Lewis: After signing with the Browns in 2007, Lewis contributed significantly to the high-powered offense that led the Browns to a 10-6 season that fell just a single win shy of a playoff berth. Rushing for over 1,300 yards on 298 carries (avg 4.4 YPC) that season, Lewis fell off significantly in the following years. In 2008, he ran for just over 1,000 yards in 279 attempts (avg 3.6 YPC) and in 2009, racked up only 500 yards in 143 carries (avg 3.5 YPC). Lewis, who will turn 31 this August, landed on the IR last season with 5 games left.

Being that Jamal Lewis signed in Cleveland already on the downside of his career, the loss should not have any great impact on the team. Going public with his dissatisfaction in not only himself, but the coaching staff last year ensured his days as a Brown would be indeed be numbered. Fortunately, the Browns have some young prospects who have shown flashes of promise in Jerome Harrison (who broke out late last season after Lewis went down with an injury), Greg Jennings and 2009 draft pick James Davis.

Hank Fraley: When the Browns drafted Alex Mack late in the first round of the 2009 draft, it appeared as though the writing was on the wall for Fraley. Signing in 2006 after the devestating loss of Pro Bowler and OSU alum LeCharles Bentley, the abrupt retirements of newly acquired Bob Hallen and Todd Washington, and then the suspension of Alonzo Ephraim for substance abuse, Fraley was a saving grace for the Browns. He started all 16 games in the 2006 and 2007 seasons at center then willingly played guard and center for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

The drafting of Alex Mack last year doesn't leave the Browns with any voids at the line, with maybe the exception of depth at center and guard. Perhaps the biggest loss in losing Fraley is the leadership and work ethic he exuded in the locker room. He was a great part of the Browns for the years he was here but, unfortuantely, it was time for he and the organization to go their separate ways.



RE-SIGNINGS

Josh Cribbs: Perhaps the most explosive player on the Browns, Josh Cribbs has been demanding a new contract for the last two seasons. After being signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2005 draft, Cribbs burst into the league totaling 8 career kickoff returns for touchdowns and an additional 2 touchdown punt returns.

With a natural nose for the ball, Cribbs seems to be included in every play on special teams be it catching, running or tackling. Last season, he was incorporated more into the offense by grabbing 20 receptions for 135 yards and lining up in the "flash" package -- the Browns' version of the newly-popular wildcat formation.

The hope for the two-time Pro Bowler is that he can improve upon his receiving skills as well as continue to be a factor in the flash lineups. In addition, there has been a lot of consideration using him in defensive schemes at defensive back which we may see this year. With him signing a 3-year $20 million deal, there is no doubt the Browns plan on getting their money's worth. And that might be good news for the fans.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Scott Fujita: Linebacker Scott Fujita is about as solid as a player comes both on and off the field. A starter for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints for the last four years, Fujita has averaged 5.4 tackles per game (4.3 solo) over his career. Granted, he may not be superstar caliber, but he holds great leadership skills and playing ability. Frankly, for a 3-year, $14 million contract, he is the best player the Browns could have gotten this offseason. He figures to line up next to D'Qwell Jackson at inside linebacker which could turn out to be a formidable tandem. Fujita is an exceptional acquisition by the Holmgren/Heckert duo and a nice start for the regime.

Tony Pashos: Tony Pashos was a 2003 pick in the 5th round by then-Ravens exec and former-Browns GM Phil Savage. Somewhat of a journeyman, he had played for Baltimore (2003-2007) and Jacksonville (2007-2009) before signing with San Fransisco prior to last season. He started most of his career at right tackle but sustained a shoulder blade injury early last season which cut his season short.

Arguably the best free agent available at his position, Pashos was being heavily pursued by Washington before his visit to Cleveland. Upon meeting with Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert, they were able to convince him to sign a contract and stick around. He is expected to compete for the starting right tackle or guard spot, which should not be all that difficult considering the right side of the line last year was abysmal. This is a good signing on paper, but it will be intriguing to see how the right side will improve with Pashos' arrival.

TRADES

Corey Williams: Originally acquired by the Green Bay Packers for a 2nd round pick in 2008, the Browns jettisoned Corey Williams and a 7th round pick in exchange for a 5th round pick. Never comfortable playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme, Williams -- a career defensive tackle -- was moved to defensive end for the last 2 seasons. Simply put, it was never a right fit. Williams voiced his displeasure of being played out of position but was under contract for a hefty 6 year $38 million with $16.3 in guaranteed cash. Yikes. While the Browns never really got their value out of the second round pick they traded away to get Williams, they are at least off the hook for the insane contract he was granted.



WHAT'S NEXT?

Tight End: Former Patriots free agent Ben Watson is scheduled to meet with the Browns on Wednesday. Today (Monday), Watson is meeting with the Seattle Seahawks but if a deal is not made, it is quite possible Watson will become a Brown as he has close ties to Eric Mangini -- who coached Watson several years ago during his tenure in New England. If Holmgren and Heckert can get him to sign before leaving Berea, it would be another huge step in the right direction for the franchise, who went last year without a truly formidable tight end after sending Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay for a third round pick.

Quarterback: The Browns have made one thing clear this offseason: they are in the market for a quarterback. Who that quarterback will be, however, remains to be seen. The Browns were linked to having interest to several, including David Carr, Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, Matt Flynn and Troy smith.

Carr recently signed a deal with the 49ers and McNabb has been pulled off the table by Philadelphia, so those guys are a no-go. Kevin Kolb would come at a very heavy price, and it's not likely the Browns are desparate enough to overpay for such a player. Seneca Wallace has ties to Mike Holmgren from his days in Seattle and already knows the system, but it is anyone's guess what Seattle would be looking for in regard to compensation for Wallace. Matt Flynn has been a decent backup in Green Bay, but in my opinion, neither Flynn nor Wallace have shown me anything that I haven't seen out of Brady Quinn or Derek Andreson -- both of which are expected to be gone by the start of the season (in Anderson's case, he is likely to be through before March 19 when he is due a $5 million roster bonus).

For me, the most interesting of the lot is Troy Smith. While there are a lot of things I dislike about Smith (particularly his size), there is one thing I do like about him: value. Smith was given a 5th round tender by the Ravens which would be a solid trade-off for the pick granted in exchange for Corey Williams. If other names pop up in the upcoming days or weeks, I will likely change my mind -- but, for now, Smith is looking like the most viable option for this team.

Shaun Rogers: From what reports suggest, the Browns are trying to determine whether or not Shaun Rogers is a viable option for the future of this team. While he does have immense ability and prowess in the middle, the coaching staff have been put off by his unability to stick to his assignments and instead opting to "freelance" post-snap.

There is no questioning Rogers' athleticism, but he has been known to be quite stubborn in regard to his work ethic. In Detroit, he was often accussed of taking off plays or finding excuses to miss practice. However, when he is on, he's on, so with such a minimal number of difference-making players on the squad, the Browns will need to think long and hard before coming to a decision.

2010 Draft: Speculation is the Browns will be targeting a defensive back in the upcoming draft, but wether or not this is truly the case is anyone's guess. Lucky for Cleveland, this draft is among the deepest seen in recent years. Picking at #7, the Browns may have a couple options to consider. Best-case scenario may be for S Eric Berry (Tennessee) to fall to seven. He's the best DB on the board and would be a terrific addition to a much-depleted secondary. Chances are, though, he will already be gone.

The next -- and most likely -- option may be CB Joe Haden (Florida), which the Browns have been rumored to be high on. Personally, I think he would be a great pick despite his sub-par 40 time (4.57). In fact, his poor showing at the combine may bode well for the Browns if they choose to trade down and find Haden still on the board later on. Haden is a great athelte with the best cover-corner abilities in the draft. Anything later than #7 would be a steal.

Among the next possibilities is S Taylor Mays (USC). Mays had a disgusting combine showing, running an "unofficial" 4.24 which is one of the best to have ever been recorded -- especially for a guy at 6'4, 225. I was big on Mays last year, but this last season showed me he is still raw when it comes to reading the offense. Still, he is a powerful hitter, incredibly fast, and would be an upgrade in the Browns secondary.

of course, the Browns may pick none of these three and might ultimatley choose to trade down to acquire more picks -- repeating the 2009 draft strategy. Regardless of which direction they go in, let's just hope this years second rounder can at LEAST get on the field.

(POSSIBLE) DEPARTURES

List of Browns 2010 Free Agents:

TE Greg Estandia (RFA)
WR Mike Furrey (UFA)
TE Michael Gaines (UFA)
OL Rex Hadnot (UFA)
CB Hank Poteat (UFA)
LB Jason Trusnik (RFA)
S Raymond Ventrone (RFA)
G Billy Yates (UFA)