July

July 18, 2008   

Browns could be back in trade market

With WR Joe Jurevicius a strong candidate to begin the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and with the CB depth in need of bolstering, we hear the Browns are expected to be working the phones throughout training camp, looking to strike a deal. A source close to the club notes the team's preference would be to make a player-for-player trade; the Browns dealt away a pair of 2009 draft picks (Rounds Three and Five) in April. Cornerback is the more pressing position of need at the moment. The Browns would like to find a veteran who can come off the bench and cover receivers on the outside when opponents employ sets with three or more wide receivers.  

July 3, 2008   

Jurevicius' health continues to be a concern

Joe Jurevicius

The health of WR Joe Jurevicius continues to be a concern as training camp approaches. His availability for the beginning of camp July 23 is unclear after he had his right knee cleaned out on June 30. That’s the fourth surgery that Jurevicius, 33, has had on the knee in the offseason. At least two of the surgeries were to combat a staph infection that took hold in the knee after the initial operation. There have been whispers about Jurevicius’ status throughout the spring, and this latest procedure — coupled with the team announcing that “no determination has been made on (Jurevicius’) status for training camp” — figures to begin another round of speculation. Jurevicius is no longer a starter, but he is expected to get considerable playing time when the Browns employ three-WR sets. Jurevicius played all 16 games last season, catching 50 passes for 614 yards and three touchdowns. In two seasons with Cleveland, Jurevicius has earned a reputation for his professionalism and dependability, and he would be sorely missed were he forced to the sideline. In such a scenario, Joshua Cribbs might have an expanded role on offense. However, drops were a problem for Cribbs in offseason workouts, the way we hear it.

June

June 27, 2008   

Quinn progressing nicely for Browns

The good news for Brady Quinn fans: We’re hearing he looks much better than he did as a rookie, when the flashes of talent the young quarterback showed in Browns camp had many predicting he ultimately would overtake the floundering Derek Anderson and Charlie Frye for the starting job. The bad news for Quinn supporters: Anderson, who took the starting job and ran with it last season, has improved as well. So there’s no quarterback controversy in Cleveland for the time being. The way we hear it, Quinn has been the consummate professional in his short NFL career, working hard and saying all the right things, and that continues to be the case.

June 13, 2008   

Bentley's Cleveland comeback ends quickly

Browns head coach Romeo Crennel was realistic when asked if the long-awaited return of two-time Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley would be uplifting to the team. “It will be uplifting if he can play to the level that he used to play at — only time will tell that,” Crennel told reporters earlier this week after Bentley passed his physical. But there was to be no happy ending to Bentley's Cleveland comeback. Bentley, unwilling to be a backup in Cleveland and wanting a fresh start elsewhere, was granted his release from the Browns on Wednesday, ending his unfulfilling, disappointing stint with his hometown club. Two offseasons ago, Bentley was the centerpiece of the Browns’ offseason spending spree, a player expected to galvanize a leaky offensive line. But he suffered a serious knee injury in his first training-camp practice with the club, and he has not played a regular-season down since. The Browns moved on without him, rebuilding the line through free agency (OLG Eric Steinbach), trade (C Hank Fraley) and the draft (OLT Joe Thomas). Bentley lasted only one day at Browns camp before deciding he wanted to sever ties with the club, and the team was happy to oblige. “We want to wish him the best of luck in his future pursuits as we go forward with our preparations for the 2008 season,” general manager Phil Savage said of Bentley. Lennie Friedman, Rex Hadnot and Seth McKinney are the options at center behind Fraley.

May

May 30, 2008   

Could scenery change be just the ticket for DL Rogers?

There is no doubting DL Shaun Rogers' talent. Most evaluators would agree he's among the most gifted linemen in the game. But he hasn't always played to that ability, which goes a long way in explaining why the Browns were able to acquire him for CB Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick in March. However, the early returns on Rogers' performance from Cleveland are promising. The way we hear it, Rogers, 29, does not appear out of shape; he's listed at 340 pounds. An in-shape Rogers could do wonders for Cleveland's defensive line play, which has been a sore spot in recent years. Look for Rogers to get most of his practice work at nose tackle as he adjusts to the rigors of that key role in Cleveland's 3-4 defense. He will also work at defensive end.

May 23, 2008   

Injuries piling up for Browns

Updated at 5 p.m. EDT Friday, May 23

It is only May, but the injuries have begun to mount for the Browns. The most serious one was suffered by CB Daven Holly, who will miss the 2008 season after injuring his left knee. Holly had been competing with Brandon McDonald for a starting job across from 2007 second-round pick Eric Wright, with the loser of that competition still expected to see regular playing time on passing downs. Losing Holly leaves the Browns rather thin at a position that already wasn’t as deep as it had been a year ago, with Leigh Bodden having been traded to Detroit and Kenny Wright having been released following two arrests. “(Cornerback) was a position, if you look at our roster and our depth chart, it certainly was kind of a soft spot,” general manager Phil Savage said this week. “We feel pretty secure about most every spot on our team, but that was one we were concerned about already. To sustain an injury like this is not a good thing by any means, but at the same time it does give us time to react. If this is something that happens in the middle of August, you’re kind of hung up.” Savage did react quickly, signing 11-year veteran CB Terry Cousin to a two-year contract Friday. The former Jaguar is likely to become the top backup at corner and a presence in the nickel defense, although he could challenge McDonald for a starting job if the latter should falter. Behind Cousin, A.J. Davis and Jereme Perry are the next options off the bench. Last week, Ryan Tucker, who is expected to start at right guard, underwent surgery for a non-displaced hip fracture. Tucker will miss at least two months. The health of TE Kellen Winslow, who is recovering from another knee injury and staying away from the Browns’ OTAs, is another issue that will draw a lot of attention entering training camp.

May 16, 2008   

With McGinest to retire after season, Browns need long-term OLB solution

LOLB Willie McGinest’s decision to retire after the 2008 season puts all the more pressure on the Browns to find a long-term solution at the position. ROLB Kamerion Wimbley, a 2006 first-round pick, is entrenched at his current position and could be a star in the making, but the Browns need someone to step up on the other side. The McGinest-Antwan Peek pairing at left outside linebacker has been solid, but it would not be a surprise if the Browns looked to upgrade the talent at the position next offseason. For now, the Browns will count on McGinest and Peek to do the job. McGinest isn’t the pass-rush threat he was earlier in the career, but the 36-year-old is a valuable resource for young team dealing with higher expectations than ever, head coach Romeo Crennel said this week. “I think the fact that’s he’s experienced some of the things that we will have to experience this year — short weeks, Sunday, Monday and Thursday night (games) — he’s been through all of that,” Crennel said. “I think he’ll be able to help the guys on the team get through that because you have to adjust your schedule. It throws you off a bit. If you can adapt to it, you have a better chance to handle it. His experience will be helpful there.”

May 2, 2008   

Browns expecting little training-camp drama

By and large, expect the drama in Browns' training camp to be minimal. There will be no great QB debate this year (remember Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson and Charlie Frye?), and the speculation about head coach Romeo Crennel's future is no more after a successful 2007 season. Another factor the Browns believe will work in their favor, the way we hear it: their biggest offseason acquisitions were via trade (DLs Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams) and free agency (WR Donte' Stallworth). Each of those players, who are expected to play big roles this season, have had plenty of offseason time to get acclimated to their new surroundings. The starting lineup will be veteran-laden: The Browns are unlikely to start any rookies, though fourth-rounders LB Beau Bell and TE Martin Rucker figure to compete for playing time off the bat, and sixth-rounders DT Ahytba Rubin and WR Paul Hubbard look to be in good position in the battle for roster spots.

April

April 25, 2008   

Browns DL Smith could again play multiple roles

In his first season in a 3-4 front, Browns DL Shaun Smith proved he could play both nose tackle and defensive end. And he may be called upon to play both roles again this season for Cleveland's new-look defensive line. How the line will be constructed is still something of a mystery, but ex-Lions DT Shaun Rogers and ex-Packers DE Corey Williams were not acquired to play minor roles. Smith, while stressing that the group needs to develop strong chemistry reminiscent of the Patriots' defensive line, believes that the line's overall talent will make that process simpler than some might expect. "It’s a project, but not a project," Smith told PFW. "These guys are well-established guys in the league. Shaun Rogers is a Pro Bowler. He’s a big, massive body like Corey’s a big massive body." Veteran DE Robaire Smith, long a capable contributor, is also in the mix up front. In the meantime, Smith told PFW he's preparing for the season with the mindset of a starter. His offseason routine has been heavy on conditioning and film work, the latter to learn opponents' tendencies and remind himself of what he did well — and what he needs to improve upon — as he enters his second season in the Browns' defense. Once a defensive tackle in the Bengals' 4-3 scheme, Smith said the 3-4 requires a lineman to develop a different set of skills. "You can’t just shed blocks — you’ve got to be patient," Smith said. "In the 4-3, you’re attacking more. In the 3-4, everybody has to be on the same page. If you’re not in this gap, it’s going to be a long run."

April 11, 2008   

Wright's future with Browns in question after arrest

The way we hear it, the future of CB Kenny Wright with the Browns is up in the air after his April 4 arrest on charges of unlawful restraint, evading arrest and marijuana possession, all misdemeanors. The charges stemmed from an incident in Pearland, Texas, that began when Wright allegedly fled from police on foot as they were investigating a parking-lot disturbance. Wright, who turns 31 in September, played only seven games a season ago and notched only six tackles. The Browns’ depth at cornerback took a hit with the trade of Leigh Bodden to Detroit, and it will not be a surprise if the team drafts at least one player at that position. Even if Wright were to make the club, he likely would be no better than the No. 4 cornerback; the loser of the Daven Holly-Brandon McDonald battle for the CB spot opposite Eric Wright figures to be the nickel back. A source close to the club figures Wright is now no better than 50-50 to make the roster.

April 4, 2008   

Focus is Browns' defensive additions, but several holdovers may be poised for big year

Expectations will be higher for the Browns’ defense next season than at any point in head coach Romeo Crennel’s tenure with the club, and rightfully so, after the acquisitions of DLs Shaun Smith and Corey Williams. However, could several defenders previously on the roster have the biggest impact on the defense? ROLB Kamerion Wimbley is widely regarded around the league as a star in the making, even after a five-sack season in 2007. After an awful start to the ’07 campaign, SS Sean Jones played very well down the stretch and finished with 96 tackles, 10 passes defensed and his second five-interception season in a row. And don’t overlook promising third-year RILB D’Qwell Jackson, who led the team in tackles a season ago. Quick and tough, the only factor that’s held Jackson back the first two seasons is durability. He has missed time with injuries in both NFL seasons.

March

March 28, 2008   

Bentley, Baxter making comebacks

Two of the story lines to watch as the Browns’ offseason progresses are the comeback attempts of C LeCharles Bentley and S Gary Baxter. Bentley has missed the last two seasons because of a serious knee injury; Baxter has missed most of those two campaigns as he attempted to come back from two injured knees. Bentley is working out in Arizona, away from the Browns, while Baxter is with the club. Bentley’s agent, Jonathan Feinsod, told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer in March that his client looks “phenomenal,” but the real test for Bentley would come in training camp. At the time of his injury, Bentley was regarded as one of the top centers in football. Baxter, signed to be a cornerback, has moved to safety. In March, general manager Phil Savage said that Baxter is expected to be “close to 100 percent by training camp.”

March 19, 2008   

Restricted free-agent CB Holly an important part of Browns' defense

With the trade of CB Leigh Bodden to Detroit, Brandon McDonald and Daven Holly will compete to start opposite Eric Wright at cornerback. Retaining Holly, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign his tender, is one of the last orders of business for the Browns as the free-agent market slows to a crawl. The 5-10, 185-pound Holly has proven one of the more shrewd finds by the Browns' pro personnel staff. Released by Chicago in June 2006, Holly has played in 29 games in the last two seasons, starting 18. The way we hear it, the manner in which Holly followed up a five-interception campaign in 2006 with another solid season in '07 was a factor in convincing the Browns they could part with Bodden. This much is certain: With no picks in the first three rounds of the '08 draft, the Browns need McDonald and Holly to come through. Clearly, they are confident that will happen.

March 14, 2008   

Hadnot latest signing that improves Browns' depth

For years, depth was a problem for the Browns. Now the biggest obstacle may be getting playing time for all of the talent accumulated at several positions. The Browns’ signing of ex-Dolphins OG-C Rex Hadnot is the latest example of the improvement of the roster. Hadnot, 26, has 36 career starts at guard (34 on the right side) and 19 at center. Hadnot will likely compete to start at right guard with Ryan Tucker, but Hadnot’s ability to play both center and even left guard in a pinch improves Cleveland’s talent level and roster flexibility — two issues that long were problems for the Browns. Earlier in the offseason, the trades for DLs Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers drastically improved Cleveland’s talent up front. What’s more, the addition of WR Donté Stallworth gives the Browns another speedy target — and allows veteran Joe Jurevicius to log fewer snaps but remain an important part of the offense nonetheless.

March 5, 2008   

Stallworth yet another Browns threat

A potent Browns offense got that much more dangerous with the addition of former Patriots WR Donte’ Stallworth. Stallworth, who signed a seven-year worth a reported $35 million ($10 million guaranteed) with Cleveland, caught 46 passes for 697 yards and three touchdowns in his lone season in New England. Stallworth, 27, is another potential headache for opposing secondaries faced with stopping WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. In the weeks leading up to free agency, few players engendered as many strong opinions from scouts and executives as Stallworth, with those surveyed by PFW either ranking Stallworth among the better free agents available or insisting he wasn’t nearly as good as advertised. This is Stallworth’s fourth NFL team, and the knocks against him are well-known: he’s best on vertical routes, and injuries in stints in New Orleans and Philadelphia limited his production. However, the Browns are not expecting him to be a No. 1 receiver, and given the talent around him, he’s bound to get his share of favorable matchups.

February

Feb. 27, 2008   

Browns aren't losing sleep over lack of '08 first-round pick

The trade for Brady Quinn last April did wonders for the Browns' QB depth but also cost them their 2008 first-round draft pick. Now Cleveland, which is looking to add talent to the 30th-ranked defense from a season ago, will not exercise its first draft pick until late in the second round. But don't expect general manager Phil Savage to lament the loss of the first-round selection, even after Quinn played in only one game in his rookie season. "I’d rather be standing up here with two quarterbacks than one or none," Savage said at the Scouting Combine. "It’s one of the more unique circumstances any team in the league has right now, and it’s going to take some work, some manipulation and some wisdom to work through it, but time has a way of working things out, and if we’ll just be patient with it as an organization, and not let a lot of the outside influences affect how we think about certain situations, we should be fine with it."

Feb. 20, 2008   

Savage: Browns working to keep Anderson

Updated at 5:40 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 22

At the Scouting Combine, Browns general manager Phil Savage said a three-year contract for restricted free-agent QB Derek Anderson “could work for both sides,” and he was hopeful a deal could be struck before the beginning of free agency. Savage said a three-year deal would help both the Browns, who would keep their enviable QB depth intact, as well as Anderson, who will be only 25 at the start of next season. Given the market for young, talented quarterbacks, Savage surmised that Anderson, were he to play well in the years to come, could be looking at a “$70 or $80 million” contract the next time he became a free agent. At present, Anderson would prefer a six-year contract. If a multiyear deal isn’t hammered out before the end of February, the Browns will give Anderson the highest tender offer. At that point, the Browns’ ability to strike a multiyear deal could be somewhat compromised, as the Browns are likely to use some salary-cap space in free agency, Savage noted.

Feb. 13, 2008   

Winslow wants a new deal, but Browns don't figure to be in a rush to tear up old one

In a recent interview with Sirius NFL Radio, Browns TE Kellen Winslow indicated he would like a new contract. However, our sources tell us that giving Winslow a new deal doesn't figure to be a priority in the offseason, as he is signed through 2010. Winslow, who turns 25 in July, caught 82 passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns in 2007. His contract was last an issue in '05, when the Browns were contemplating whether to try to recoup any of his $6 million signing bonus and $4.4 million option bonus after he was injured in a motorcycle accident. Ultimately, the Browns did not go after any of that money. During Super Bowl week, Winslow told a Cleveland radio station that he planned to have offseason knee surgery, which would be the latest in a line of surgical procedures he has undergone since the motorcycle accident.

Feb. 1, 2008   

Crennel signs extension with Browns, who have committed to stability

A little more than two years ago, Browns general manager Phil Savage nearly lost his job in a power struggle that left most observers with the impression that much was unsettled in Cleveland. At the end of last season, the feeling was that head coach Romeo Crennel had to win in 2007 or lose his job. Now, after a 10-6 record in ’07, Crennel had his contract extended through 2011. And Savage is speaking as if he were someone who expects to be making major decisions for the franchise for many years to come. “The one thing that is always at the forefront is stability and continuity,” Savage said last week. “We just feel like Romeo is the man that can lead the team to where we want to go.” The next step for the Browns: re-signing unrestricted free-agent RB Jamal Lewis and restricted free-agent QB Derek Anderson, both of whom have received contract offers from the club.