Breaking Down the Browns 2010 Offseason (3/15)

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

Steve Heiden: Originally acquired via trade in 2002 from the San Diego Chargers, Steve Heiden has been a staple in the Browns offense over the last 6 seasons. As the second-longest tenured Brown behind Phil Dawson, Heiden had his most formidable year in 2004 after rookie Kellen Winslow went down with a significant leg injuries. In that season, he reeled in 28 receptions for 287 yards and 5 touchdowns. The following season, Heiden was just as productive pulling in 43 receptions for 401 yards and 3 touchdowns.

In recent years, however, Heiden has battled a number of injuries -- including two to his ACL -- and has had trouble staying on the field. With the insurgence of Evan Moore last year, coupled with the free agent signing of Ben Watson, Heiden became expendable. Also an udoubted factor in his release is Heiden's age. He will turn 34 this September.

Derek Anderson: Signed off of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad in 2005, Derek Anderson had as much as a tumultuous career as one could imagine. Serving as backup to Charlie Frye in 2006, Anderson became the starter in game 2 of the 2007 season after Frye was traded to Seattle. In that year, he led the team to a 10-6 season while the offense sizzled behind himself, former reciever Braylon Edwards and former tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr. The Browns came up just a game shy of the playoffs after Anderson threw 4 interceptions in a game against the division rival Cincinatti Bengals that would have clinched a playoff berth.

The following seasons would prove to be just as difficult as Anderson competed with Brady Quinn for the starting position. Quinn and Anderson went back and forth before the Browns finally decided that neither player would be the franchise quarterback. Anderson, who was due a $2 million roster bonus March 19, was released less than 24 hours after the Browns acquired Seneca Wallace via trade.

As a parting gift, Anderson had some choice words for Browns fans, calling them "ruthless" and stating "they don't deserve a winner". While he did apologize for the rant, it is not likely many fans are going to be quick to forgive. Personally, I say good riddance to a guy with a cannon for an arm and, at times, admirable accuracy. His inconsistency was too much to stomach and his parting blast only further showcases his inability to keep his cool in high pressure situations.

Brodney Pool: Safety Brodney Pool has signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Pool was selected in the second round by the Browns in 2005, and has been the starter for the last few seasons. However, injuries -- specifically concussions -- have been a major concern for Pool.

The loss will come as a significant hit to the Browns, as Pool has been solid when he is on the field. He finished last season with 50 tackles, 4 interceptions and a sack. The void will likely be filled either through the draft or by 2008 acquisition Abram Elam.



FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Ben Watson: After trading Kellen Winslow, Jr. last season to Tampa Bay, the tight end position has been a need for the Browns. As such, they opted to sign ex-Patriot TE Ben Watson to a three-year contract.

Watson has been viewed by New England fans as being somewhat inconsistent over the last few years, and the Patriots evidently felt the same way after making no true effort to keep him around. Nevertheless, Watson hauled in 5 TD's last season, along with 29 receptions for 404 yards. Though some might argue that these statistics are inflated due to Randy Moss and Wes Welker garnering the attention of double-coverage downfield.

Watson has some relationship with coach Eric Mangini, who served as defensive coordinator with New England prior to becoming head coach of the New York Jets in 2006.

Jake Delhomme: Former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl QB Jake Delhomme signed a two-year deal with the Browns after the Carolina Panthers decided they would rather eat his $12.7 of guaranteed money in 2010 than have him return for another season.

While he was once a quality starter, Delhomme has plunged in recent years, particularly due to his knack for throwing interceptions. Last season, Delhomme finished the year with 8 touchdowns and 18 interceptions before landing on the IR in December.

Delhomme provides the Browns with veteran leadership qualities at the quarterback position, similar to when Trent Dilfer came in to mentor Charlie Frye several years ago. Whith Delhomme under contract for just two years, logic suggests the Browns may eye a quarterback in the upcoming April draft. Who that prospect will be is anyone's guess, but one thing is for certain: the Browns will not be making any Super Bowl appearances in 2011.

Other acquisitions:
OT Scott Koositra
DB John Bowie
DB Chris Roberson

TRADES

Seneca Wallace: The Browns sent a 2011 seventh round pick to Seattle in exchange for backup QB Seneca Wallace. The trade is intriguing, to say the least.

First off, Seneca Wallace is not a starting-caliber quarterback. That having been said, his mobility in addition to his ability to throw the ball does come with a lot of value. It will be interesting to see how Wallace is used in flash packages alongside Josh Cribbs. Of course, this may put offensive coordinator Brian Daboll on the hot seat if he is unable to effectively use both guys.

For a seventh-round pick, this is a decent trade. The Browns don't lose much in terms of a valuable pick and in return, receive a guy that can provide a spark to the offense. Given that he is properly used.

Brady Quinn: After the signing of Jake Delhomme, this move came as not much of a surprise to most Browns fans. What is suprising, however, is what they got in return: runningback/fullback Peyton Hillis and two lowly late-round picks.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Browns could have landed QB Jay Cutler a year ago in exchange for Quinn. While I'm not a big fan of Cutler, this deal still isn't as sweet. My concern is what this means for Lawrence Vickers, if anything. I do like Vickers' toughness and his ability to catch the ball in the backfield, so it'd be a shame if he becomes expendable as a result of this move.

On the other hand, Hillis could instead be the complementary back to Jerome Harrison that the Browns didn't have last season. Hillis is a powerful runner and was a savior for the Broncos in the 2008 season when the team was plagued with injuries at the runnignback position. That year, Hillis averaged 5.0 YPC on 68 carries and found the endzone 5 times. Last year, his production was cut down to just 13 carries and 1 TD (avg 4.2 YPC).

What this means for Greg Jennings remains to be seen.

Kamerion Wimbley: In the most surprising move of this years' free agency period was the decision to send Kamerion Wimbely to Oakland in exchange for a third round pick. Wimbley was the 13th overall pick of the 2006 draft, and was converted from defensive end to outside linebacker in the 3-4 defensive scheme.

Wimbley had an outstanding rookie campaign, in which he set a franchise-record for a rookie, accumulating 11 sacks, 62 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. While he was unable to duplicate those efforts in subsequent years, Wimbley was still a solid pass-rusher and began to show more consistency and upside following the 2009 season. That season, he registerd 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

While the value of a third-round pick for Wimbley is about as much as the Browns would ever be able to get for him, I can't really justify the move considering the number of holes they have on defense. It looks like the Browns will be bringing back Matt Roth to compensate for Wimbley's departure and will most likely target a linebacker or two in this year's draft. Right now, though, I can't see how this deal makes the Browns a better team.

Shortly after the trade was announced, Adam Schefter reported that he received several text messages from some coaches in the AFC North, claiming they were relieved Wimbley was out of their division.

"He's the AFC West's problem now", wrote Schefter.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Justin Fargas: Running back Justin Fargas met with the Browns last week, but left without signing a deal. Fargas -- who has had some big days against the Browns -- was released by Oakland earlier in the month. It appears as though the Browns were happy with filling their need at running back with Denver's Peyton Hillis.

Shaun Rogers: Last week, there was some speculation that the Browns were looking to move Shaun Rogers. Evidently, Rogers' career in Cleveland is safe -- for now, at least. Holmgren addressed the issue with the media, stating while they are not looking to move Rogers at this time, he would like to see more consistency out of him next year. Translation: we haven't gotten very good offers for you at this point, so next year you are going to need to step up your game.

Eric Berry at #7?: With QB Sam Bradford all but a lock to get picked first overall in the upcoming draft, there is a liklihood that the Browns may be able to snag Tennessee S Eric Berry with the seventh overall pick. This would be great news for Browns fans, especially considering the loss of Brodney Pool. Berry is regarded as the best defensive back in a draft very deep at the position.