Cleveland Browns (5 Viewers)

[MAC_32]

I'm going to step in again after a long hiatus from the thread.

Nice to see you guys again.

NC guy who grew up with Ray Farmer.

Panthers fan.

Wanted to get your take on a few things.

I can take it; how do you guys feel about Farmer?

Admittedly, he whiffed on two first round picks but did pretty well on the rest of the draft no? He also accumulated another first for this year which will come in handy and a chance to "redeem himself."

Then there's "text gate." talk about that. He came out and took responsibility. Of course, he may have run off Shanahan in the process.

What do you guys think about Cleveland building through the draft, resigning top players, etc.?

I'll hang up the phone and listen.

Early indicators, a lot like Heckert. Good talent evaluator. Not a good architect of a team. Has done a good job making value plays - role players, contracts, draft trades. Poor job building the core though. I think the texting was just Shanahan spin to get out of here. Stupid? Silly? Sign of a poor leader? Yes, yes, and maybe. It wasn't why Shanahan left though.

 

[ghostguy123]

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/rumor-has-it-johnny-manziel-wants-to-sit-out-2015-the-cleveland-browns-couldnt-be-that-lucky/

Rumor has it Johnny Manziel wants to sit out 2015. The Cleveland Browns couldn’t be that lucky.March 14, 2015 ·

Cleveland Browns QB, Johnny Manziel wants to sit out the 2015 NFL season. According to rumors and sources close to the young QB, Manziel doesn’t want to play in the up-coming season. It’s amazing what rehab will do for a person.

One of the first things that happens when a person enters into to a rehab program, is realizing one’s truths. Manziel may have realized, he isn’t NFL quarterback material. He was a major bust in the limited amount of playing time he had last season.

He was injured on a play most guys would have gotten up and walked away from. He is too slow, too small, and too cocky to become an elite QB, in the NFL. His cockiness isn’t going to be enough to carry him on the NFL playing field.

The stuff this kid pulled in College isn’t going to cut it in today’s NFL. Manziel may have woke up and smelled the coffee, now that he’s been sober for a few weeks. It’s no surprise that the Cleveland Browns may have wasted another first round draft pick on Manziel.

The team has a long history of doing that. The Browns may have put too many eggs in one basket with Manziel. They let Brian Hoyer walk, in free agency. Now the team could be scrambling to find a starting QB, before the start of the 2015 NFL season.

If Manziel does take himself out of contention for the starting job, he would be doing the Browns and the fans a huge favor. This kid is a mistake waiting to happen. He won’t make it through the season, and there is no sense is wasting a spot on the roster, if Manziel realizes he isn’t NFL material.

He is no leader of men folks. The Browns need to find someone who is. Otherwise it’s going to be a very painful season for Browns fans……

I dont even like JOhnny and this is ridiculous.

 

[ghostguy123]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

 

[Soulfly3]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

 

[Dr. Octopus]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

How are you defining "far more likely to get the ball?", because on Planet Earth we would likely use targets - where Bowe had more than Kelce.

 

[Soulfly3]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

How are you defining "far more likely to get the ball?", because on Planet Earth we would likely use targets - where Bowe had more than Kelce.

cuz Smoth can complete a 3yd pass... once we get to 10yds or so, he fails quite handily. targets or not

eta: I was gonna fix my spelling mistake for Smith... but feel like Smoth just sounds like how he plays

 

[Dr. Octopus]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

How are you defining "far more likely to get the ball?", because on Planet Earth we would likely use targets - where Bowe had more than Kelce.

cuz Smoth can complete a 3yd pass... once we get to 10yds or so, he fails quite handily. targets or not

eta: I was gonna fix my spelling mistake for Smith... but feel like Smoth just sounds like how he plays

Alex Smith had a higher YPA than McCown last season, so maybe Bowe isn't a good fit for the Browns offense either. :dunno:

 

[MAC_32]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

and that motivation issue will change here because....

 

[Soulfly3]

Cuz the Browns are awesome?

 

[Soulfly3]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

How are you defining "far more likely to get the ball?", because on Planet Earth we would likely use targets - where Bowe had more than Kelce.

cuz Smoth can complete a 3yd pass... once we get to 10yds or so, he fails quite handily. targets or not

eta: I was gonna fix my spelling mistake for Smith... but feel like Smoth just sounds like how he plays

Alex Smith had a higher YPA than McCown last season, so maybe Bowe isn't a good fit for the Browns offense either. :dunno:

And yet, McCowns shortest TD of the season to a WR, which was 5yds to Mike Evans, was 5 yds longer than any TD Smith threw to a WR.

We could get into the 50, 40 and near 30 yd TDs too, but it's pointless.

Smith is a disaster of a QB for downfield and/or large body WRs. McCown is not.

 

[ghostguy123]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

Motivated or not, I would say generally on an NFL field when a guy has the ball he will be trying. Bowe just looks slow and old. Very slow, and very old.

I am gonna hate telling you I told ya so, but I will make sure I do

 

[Soulfly3]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

Motivated or not, I would say generally on an NFL field when a guy has the ball he will be trying. Bowe just looks slow and old. Very slow, and very old.

I am gonna hate telling you I told ya so, but I will make sure I do

If he arrives, you and I will make a friendly "told ya so" wager on yards

 

[amnesiac]

looked up some of his video from last year.

he's ok.

if it's a reasonable contract, i have no problem with it.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Bowe is not going to help the Browns O if he is signed. He should no longer be a starting NFL wr. If he is going to be one of your starting WR's your team is in trouble. He is no longer very good. He was always overrated by one good NFL season where he scored a bunch of td's but outside of that he has never been that good of a player.

Another year older and going to a new team won't make him better.

 

[amnesiac]

Bowe is not going to help the Browns O if he is signed. He should no longer be a starting NFL wr. If he is going to be one of your starting WR's your team is in trouble. He is no longer very good. He was always overrated by one good NFL season where he scored a bunch of td's but outside of that he has never been that good of a player.

Another year older and going to a new team won't make him better.

the Browns had practice squad WRs outside of Austin and Hawkins last year.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Bowe is not going to help the Browns O if he is signed. He should no longer be a starting NFL wr. If he is going to be one of your starting WR's your team is in trouble. He is no longer very good. He was always overrated by one good NFL season where he scored a bunch of td's but outside of that he has never been that good of a player.

Another year older and going to a new team won't make him better.

the Browns had practice squad WRs outside of Austin and Hawkins last year.

It is a telling sign that the Chiefs themselves only have one NFL caliber WR in Maclin who they recently just signed and let Bowe walk away. He just does not offer your O very much.

I would much rather my team draft some younger guys and or sign a guy with much more upside than a guy like Bowe.

 

[Englishteacher]

I'm going to step in again after a long hiatus from the thread.

Nice to see you guys again.

NC guy who grew up with Ray Farmer.

Panthers fan.

Wanted to get your take on a few things.

I can take it; how do you guys feel about Farmer?

Admittedly, he whiffed on two first round picks but did pretty well on the rest of the draft no? He also accumulated another first for this year which will come in handy and a chance to "redeem himself."

Then there's "text gate." talk about that. He came out and took responsibility. Of course, he may have run off Shanahan in the process.

What do you guys think about Cleveland building through the draft, resigning top players, etc.?

I'll hang up the phone and listen.

Last year he killed it in free agency with WR Andrew Hawkins, LB Karlos Dansby, and SS Donte Whitner, before factoring in the post-draft flurry of free agency signing when he got RB Isaiah Crowell and their were other pretty good signings like WR Miles Austin amongst others like WR Gabriel.

In the draft, first pick #4 I think everyone loved the trade-down with Buffalo getting extra 1st and 4th round picks this year before we heard about WR Josh Gordon's suspension and that Ray didn't bother to draft a WR in a very-deep WR draft class. I think most still love the trade but don't agree with the decision to not pick a single WR in last year's draft.

Then after the trade we held the 9th pick in the draft but I think Ray panicked and basically blew a 5th round pick to move-up one spot. Hated that trade because it made Ray look like an amateur IMHO. I was terrified that we'd pick QB Johnny Manziel with the 8th pick and was relieved we took CB Justin Gilbert but honestly hated that pick at the time. I had no idea about WR Josh Gordon's suspension or I probably would have thought about ODB Jr but I wanted LB C.J. Mosley. Gilbert caught me off-guard so I stayed up late that night pouring over everything on what the Browns were saying and came away convinced it was Head Coach Mike Pettine needing a shut down press cover cornerback to start opposite Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden. So I wasn't happy but felt better about the pick after hearing the reasoning. Gilbert was picked mostly due to Pettine IMHO.

Obviously QB Johnny Manziel is a failure but most people think that was owner Jimmy Haslam behind that pick. The QB coach who took that damn text message was hired BEFORE Pettine so he seemed like a plant from the owner IMHO. He got fired after the season and may have been tied up in the text gate. So not only was Johnny a failure we also traded-up so we blew the 22nd pick in the first round and our 3rd round pick on that fiasco.

Second round OG Joel Bitonio is a stud and was a first round talent. Should be a staple of the offensive line for a long time.

Third round we took LB Christian Kirksey and he has been solid, good pick. We signed RB Ben Tate but still drafted RB Terrence West in the third rond but had no extra third round pick due to Johnny trade-up so we had to blow extra picks to trade-up to take West. West has had his share of issues but reports are he dropped some weight and hopefully has matured because he is shiftier than Crowell and could have a big role in new OC Flip's offense.

Fourth round CB Pierre Desir started out looking like a long term project but got PT late in the year and looked really good in limited action. Could be a legit sleeper even though he lacks the speed and overall athleticism of Justin Gilbert.

Ray then traded away a late 7th round pick for an additional 6th round pick this year to add to the extra 1st and 4th round picks from the Buffalo trade.

Ray is a mixed bag but overall his draft was good even if both 1st round picks bust because of the extra 1st and 4th round picks and how big Joel Bitinio pick turned out and the solid play of Kirksey and promise of West and Desir before factoring in Crowell and the rest of the free agents.

Some in the media don't like his demeanor because he doesn't answer questions directly and they think he is trying to be the smartest guy in the room. I hate that saying because goddamit NFL GMs are PAID to be the smartest guys in the room on draft day so I think that is petty bickering by frustrated old men who cover the team and are truly sad-sac characters who basically whine.

But per Ray.

Its all about the QB.

He has to learn that if he hasn't already.

He blew it on Johnny and should have stood up to Haslam and told him NO that he was sitting tight and not trading up for that Texas QB and would take QB Teddy Bridgewater at 22. If he did that then he would be seen as a savior because not only would we have the QB we also would have been able to keep that 3rd round pick and save the picks we blew to move-up into the 3rd round to take RB Terrence West.

I don't think Ray can get his QB this year. I hope he doesn't blow both 1st round picks to move-up because I am not sold on Mariota and would prefer to trade-down one of those picks to get an additional 1st round pick in 2016 to load up to get a QB then.

That's a really great write up. Thank you.

 

[Englishteacher]

I'm going to step in again after a long hiatus from the thread.

Nice to see you guys again.

NC guy who grew up with Ray Farmer.

Panthers fan.

Wanted to get your take on a few things.

I can take it; how do you guys feel about Farmer?

Admittedly, he whiffed on two first round picks but did pretty well on the rest of the draft no? He also accumulated another first for this year which will come in handy and a chance to "redeem himself."

Then there's "text gate." talk about that. He came out and took responsibility. Of course, he may have run off Shanahan in the process.

What do you guys think about Cleveland building through the draft, resigning top players, etc.?

I'll hang up the phone and listen.

Early indicators, a lot like Heckert. Good talent evaluator. Not a good architect of a team. Has done a good job making value plays - role players, contracts, draft trades. Poor job building the core though.I think the texting was just Shanahan spin to get out of here. Stupid? Silly? Sign of a poor leader? Yes, yes, and maybe. It wasn't why Shanahan left though.

I'll agree on the talent evaluation.

I'm looking at his style. He seems to be going the route that many of the truly successful teams in the NFL are going. Building through the draft, comp picks, and a few select free agency signings.

Obviously, he doesn't have a Brady, Roethlisberger, Rogers, or Wilson to build around.

I actually don't think Cleveland is that bad of a team. They are competitive and are getting better. There's no quick fix but I think they are going in the right direction.

A solid talent evaluator will go a long way toward advancing your franchise as well as not getting tied up in contracts that do you a disservice.

 

[Englishteacher]

Did you guys see the PFT article that speculated Cleveland was the team that offered a first for Bradford after Kelly acquired him?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

Motivated or not, I would say generally on an NFL field when a guy has the ball he will be trying. Bowe just looks slow and old. Very slow, and very old.

I am gonna hate telling you I told ya so, but I will make sure I do

If he arrives, you and I will make a friendly "told ya so" wager on yards

who do you think will be throwing him the ball?

do they have a qb rostered yet?

 

[Soulfly3]

To be fair, ppl think of Kelce as a top 3 TE these days, and he averaged 53.8ypg last season

Bowe averaged 50.2ypg in the same offense

an offense where Kelce was far more likely to get the ball

Soul, love ya man, but Bowe is terrible.

I'll disagree.

I really think a guy like him had no motivation to play hard in KC. Imagine being a WR and KNOWING you're rarely, if ever, gonna see the ball?

Im not saying hes a top WR... far from it. But i think 1000yd seasons are attainable for him in a good system.. or hell, a system where a QB can throw the ball past 5 yds

Motivated or not, I would say generally on an NFL field when a guy has the ball he will be trying. Bowe just looks slow and old. Very slow, and very old.

I am gonna hate telling you I told ya so, but I will make sure I do

If he arrives, you and I will make a friendly "told ya so" wager on yards

who do you think will be throwing him the ball?

do they have a qb rostered yet?

turn that frown upside down mccown.

 

[Englishteacher]

In limited play under Trestman in Chicago two years ago, McCown was very good. He fell on his face mostly in Tampa though did he not?

 

[Englishteacher]

Also, watching a panel of guys (Casserly, Jeremiah, Baldinger, Conway?) the other day of Mariotta's Pro Day, they said he was a "project QB" that would need to sit and learn. That the only couple of teams he'd fit would be the Birds and Hawks. Obviously the latter has their guy.

I'd doubt Ray would pull the trigger on Winston given last year's debacle with Johnny Rehab. If he does, he puts his job on the line. WInston would have to present crazy mad value like him falling in the draft I'd bet. With teams being so hungry for a QB, I don't see that happening.

Are you guys fans at all on any of the later round QB's to be drafted by Cleveland?

 

[Englishteacher]

Was reading where Hartline had basically been demoted to like the fourth WR or target in Miami last year. He's a guy. He's a vet. If he's the #1 or #2 guy he's not going to get open much.

Also, Bowe would be better served as a 2.

How angry are you guys at Charles Johnson getting cut and going to Minnesota and playing pretty well? Did Ray and the staff miss the boat on that?

Regardless, it looks like running the football will be very important. Actually, given the strength of the O line, it plays to their strength.

 

[Englishteacher]

What are a couple different scenarios where you think the Browns can really improve themselves in 2015 and compete for a playoff berth?

Or, do you think Farmer is doing this slow cook style and looking at 2016?

Which of the existing stars are due up for contract renewals soon that are integral to keeping on the team, to keep the core talent?

 

[MAC_32]

Was reading where Hartline had basically been demoted to like the fourth WR or target in Miami last year. He's a guy. He's a vet. If he's the #1 or #2 guy he's not going to get open much.

Also, Bowe would be better served as a 2.

How angry are you guys at Charles Johnson getting cut and going to Minnesota and playing pretty well? Did Ray and the staff miss the boat on that?

Regardless, it looks like running the football will be very important. Actually, given the strength of the O line, it plays to their strength.

Passing on Bridgewater was a much...much bigger mistake.

 

[Englishteacher]

Throw this scenario out... what if the browns were to get Bradford since they've been linked to him? Say, Mariotta makes it to a Clevland pick and Chip offers the #20 and change to move up and get another Duck?

 

[MAC_32]

Also, watching a panel of guys (Casserly, Jeremiah, Baldinger, Conway?) the other day of Mariotta's Pro Day, they said he was a "project QB" that would need to sit and learn. That the only couple of teams he'd fit would be the Birds and Hawks. Obviously the latter has their guy.

I'd doubt Ray would pull the trigger on Winston given last year's debacle with Johnny Rehab. If he does, he puts his job on the line. WInston would have to present crazy mad value like him falling in the draft I'd bet. With teams being so hungry for a QB, I don't see that happening.

Are you guys fans at all on any of the later round QB's to be drafted by Cleveland?

Chris Bonner, but only because I know absolutely nothing about him and a couple of my twitter follows who has an opinion I trust really like him.

 

[MAC_32]

I'm going to step in again after a long hiatus from the thread.

Nice to see you guys again.

NC guy who grew up with Ray Farmer.

Panthers fan.

Wanted to get your take on a few things.

I can take it; how do you guys feel about Farmer?

Admittedly, he whiffed on two first round picks but did pretty well on the rest of the draft no? He also accumulated another first for this year which will come in handy and a chance to "redeem himself."

Then there's "text gate." talk about that. He came out and took responsibility. Of course, he may have run off Shanahan in the process.

What do you guys think about Cleveland building through the draft, resigning top players, etc.?

I'll hang up the phone and listen.

Early indicators, a lot like Heckert. Good talent evaluator. Not a good architect of a team. Has done a good job making value plays - role players, contracts, draft trades. Poor job building the core though.I think the texting was just Shanahan spin to get out of here. Stupid? Silly? Sign of a poor leader? Yes, yes, and maybe. It wasn't why Shanahan left though.

I'll agree on the talent evaluation. I'm looking at his style. He seems to be going the route that many of the truly successful teams in the NFL are going. Building through the draft, comp picks, and a few select free agency signings.

Obviously, he doesn't have a Brady, Roethlisberger, Rogers, or Wilson to build around.

I actually don't think Cleveland is that bad of a team. They are competitive and are getting better. There's no quick fix but I think they are going in the right direction.

A solid talent evaluator will go a long way toward advancing your franchise as well as not getting tied up in contracts that do you a disservice.

Asset acquisition and building a team are two completely different things.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Also, watching a panel of guys (Casserly, Jeremiah, Baldinger, Conway?) the other day of Mariotta's Pro Day, they said he was a "project QB" that would need to sit and learn. That the only couple of teams he'd fit would be the Birds and Hawks. Obviously the latter has their guy.

I'd doubt Ray would pull the trigger on Winston given last year's debacle with Johnny Rehab. If he does, he puts his job on the line. WInston would have to present crazy mad value like him falling in the draft I'd bet. With teams being so hungry for a QB, I don't see that happening.

Are you guys fans at all on any of the later round QB's to be drafted by Cleveland?

Pro Days mean nothing IMHO and the NFL Network coverage of Pro Days means less than nothing, again IMHO.

I don't care about what he will do in the NFL or what he's capable/projected to do. Maybe some other team but the Cleveland Browns can't take Winston.

Per taking flyers on QBs taken later in the draft I'll just refer to the odds of finding a solid starting NFL caliber QB broken down by position taken in past drafts. If a team truly expects to hit or is banking on one of those guys hitting they can reasonably expect finding a starting NFL QB once every 100 years. Short answer, NO!

What are a couple different scenarios where you think the Browns can really improve themselves in 2015 and compete for a playoff berth?

Or, do you think Farmer is doing this slow cook style and looking at 2016?

Which of the existing stars are due up for contract renewals soon that are integral to keeping on the team, to keep the core talent?

We're not making a playoff push this year. Haslam might think that but come on. He thought Johnny was the answer. Ray is already locking up some key pieces. He just extended DT John Hughes contract and he locked up Joe Thomas and Joe Haden and I think we'll see some action on FS Tashon Gibson at some point. Ray is already locking up core talent.

Throw this scenario out... what if the browns were to get Bradford since they've been linked to him? Say, Mariotta makes it to a Clevland pick and Chip offers the #20 and change to move up and get another Duck?

This exact same scenario had been speculated over a month ago where some idle rumors were floated about the Eagles leap-frogging up the board to pick #12 offering the Browns QB Nick Foles and their #20 pick then they'd move-up as far as they needed to secure QB Marcus Mariota.

I thought the Foles/Bradford trade put that speculation to bed but I just heard the exact same thing from an Eagles fan. The big issues with Bradford are injuries coupled with his huge contract. Browns have, far and away, the most cap room of any NFL team so they could absorb his contract but they would have to deal with the injuries so he doesn't look like a long term solution.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I didn't see this on the last page or two, so apologies if already posted. What a clown show there in Cleveland:

Expressing their growing concern after being inundated with grievances throughout the past week, officials from the NFL Players Association confirmed Monday that they have received multiple complaints from free agents being harassed by the Cleveland Browns front office. “We’ve unfortunately heard from a host of free agents around the league who have been forced to deal with continuous unwanted and, frankly, pretty aggressive overtures from Browns front office executives and coaches,” said NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, adding that allegations against the Browns organization include calling potential free agent signings at all times of night, leaving long, rambling messages on their voicemails, and mailing them numerous Browns jerseys already stitched with their name and number. “Several players have independently complained that Browns officials are constantly sending them text messages offering to fly them out to Cleveland and treat them to expensive dinners and a few nights on the town. They evidently just won’t take no for an answer.” At press time, Smith had received a phone call from a distressed free agent claiming that Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been standing on his doorstep holding a contract offer for the past four hours and has refused to leave.

 

[Old Smiley]

Worst situation in football? You know what your team needs most is constancy, but you know you're going to have to fire your GM because he's looking more and more like an idiot.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I didn't see this on the last page or two, so apologies if already posted. What a clown show there in Cleveland:

Expressing their growing concern after being inundated with grievances throughout the past week, officials from the NFL Players Association confirmed Monday that they have received multiple complaints from free agents being harassed by the Cleveland Browns front office. “We’ve unfortunately heard from a host of free agents around the league who have been forced to deal with continuous unwanted and, frankly, pretty aggressive overtures from Browns front office executives and coaches,” said NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, adding that allegations against the Browns organization include calling potential free agent signings at all times of night, leaving long, rambling messages on their voicemails, and mailing them numerous Browns jerseys already stitched with their name and number. “Several players have independently complained that Browns officials are constantly sending them text messages offering to fly them out to Cleveland and treat them to expensive dinners and a few nights on the town. They evidently just won’t take no for an answer.” At press time, Smith had received a phone call from a distressed free agent claiming that Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been standing on his doorstep holding a contract offer for the past four hours and has refused to leave.

Cleveland fans have to hope this is a BS story (and frankly it just may be). If true it seems the new spin of sitting out of free agency in order to collect supplemental picks is just a way to save some face for the fact that no one wants to sign with them.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I didn't see this on the last page or two, so apologies if already posted. What a clown show there in Cleveland:

Expressing their growing concern after being inundated with grievances throughout the past week, officials from the NFL Players Association confirmed Monday that they have received multiple complaints from free agents being harassed by the Cleveland Browns front office. “We’ve unfortunately heard from a host of free agents around the league who have been forced to deal with continuous unwanted and, frankly, pretty aggressive overtures from Browns front office executives and coaches,” said NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, adding that allegations against the Browns organization include calling potential free agent signings at all times of night, leaving long, rambling messages on their voicemails, and mailing them numerous Browns jerseys already stitched with their name and number. “Several players have independently complained that Browns officials are constantly sending them text messages offering to fly them out to Cleveland and treat them to expensive dinners and a few nights on the town. They evidently just won’t take no for an answer.” At press time, Smith had received a phone call from a distressed free agent claiming that Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been standing on his doorstep holding a contract offer for the past four hours and has refused to leave.

Cleveland fans have to hope this is a BS story (and frankly it just may be). If true it seems the new spin of sitting out of free agency in order to collect supplemental picks is just a way to save some face for the fact that no one wants to sign with them.

It's an Onion article. Picked it up via Feedly and didn't see source.

 

[Old Smiley]

Gotcha.

But, it's funny cause it's kinda plausible.

 

[daveR]

Gotcha.

But, it's funny cause it's kinda plausible.

Except that they've done pretty much the opposite.

 

[amnesiac]

I didn't see this on the last page or two, so apologies if already posted. What a clown show there in Cleveland:

Expressing their growing concern after being inundated with grievances throughout the past week, officials from the NFL Players Association confirmed Monday that they have received multiple complaints from free agents being harassed by the Cleveland Browns front office. Weve unfortunately heard from a host of free agents around the league who have been forced to deal with continuous unwanted and, frankly, pretty aggressive overtures from Browns front office executives and coaches, said NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, adding that allegations against the Browns organization include calling potential free agent signings at all times of night, leaving long, rambling messages on their voicemails, and mailing them numerous Browns jerseys already stitched with their name and number. Several players have independently complained that Browns officials are constantly sending them text messages offering to fly them out to Cleveland and treat them to expensive dinners and a few nights on the town. They evidently just wont take no for an answer. At press time, Smith had received a phone call from a distressed free agent claiming that Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been standing on his doorstep holding a contract offer for the past four hours and has refused to leave.

Cleveland fans have to hope this is a BS story (and frankly it just may be). If true it seems the new spin of sitting out of free agency in order to collect supplemental picks is just a way to save some face for the fact that no one wants to sign with them.

It's an Onion article. Picked it up via Feedly and didn't see source.

what a relief.

 

[Old Smiley]

Gotcha.

But, it's funny cause it's kinda plausible.

Except that they've done pretty much the opposite.

Everything's fine!! Go Team!!Q!

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

what a relief.

Not so much for me. More s

 

[The Man With No Name]

Browns have reached agreement with Tramon Williams on a 3 year deal according to Adam Schefter

edit

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Browns have reached agreement with Tramon Williams on a 3 year deal according to Adam Schefter

edit

Yep.

Brent Sobleski @brentsobleski · 3m 3 minutes ago

More than Skrine per year ?! Yeesh --> @RapSheet The #Browns are signing CB Tramon Williams to a 3-year worth $21M, source said.

========================

We lose one compensatory draft pick but still should have three extra picks next year.

Also if people are not aware, CB Tramon Williams has been one of the better NFL cornerbacks over the last few years and should instantly improve what was the top rated defensive backfield in the league last year. He is an improvement over Buster Skrine and allows leeway for Justin Gilbert to progress at his own rate without having to rely on him.

Also I heard that Desir might be asked to take over the role that Jim Lenard played last year in coverage, more of a safety role but Desir is bigger and the tallest DB on the roster so I kinda like that but LOVE the signing of CB Tramon Williams.

 

[amnesiac]

Williams is 32.

how long do CBs usually play?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Williams is 32.

how long do CBs usually play?

Till they don't.

In other news we signed DT Randy Starks as well.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/03/randy_starks_agrees_to_2-year.html

Randy Starks agrees to 2-year, $8 million deal with Cleveland Browns

...In 15 starts last season, Starks recorded 4.5 sacks and 28 tackles. A Pro Bowler in 2010 and 2012, he spent the past seven seasons in Miami and the previous four in Tennessee, where he was a third-round pick out Maryland.

Starks is expected to challenge immediately for a starting role in the Browns' 3-4 hybrid scheme. Starks helps makes up for the loss of Ahtyba Rubin, who's an unrestricted free agent.

Next, expect WR Dwayne Bowe.

The biggest thing Bowe brings is devastating downfield blocking. RB Jamaal Charles broke many long runs with the key block coming from Bowe. Add Ray Farmer was in KC with Bowe and likes him so I expect that to come through soon as well.

 

[Bobcat10]

Williams is 32.

how long do CBs usually play?

He's definitely on the downside and likely won't find that special fountain. Still capable of being a starter this year though. His rating came in 7th on a list of FA CBs on PFF that played over 700 snaps last year. An upgrade over Skrine, imo, who had his moments but ultimately a bit overrated. Not sure what the guarantees were here, but I doubt we reach the 3rd year on this deal.

 

[amnesiac]

Williams is 32.

how long do CBs usually play?

He's definitely on the downside and likely won't find that special fountain. Still capable of being a starter this year though. His rating came in 7th on a list of FA CBs on PFF that played over 700 snaps last year. An upgrade over Skrine, imo, who had his moments but ultimately a bit overrated. Not sure what the guarantees were here, but I doubt we reach the 3rd year on this deal.

guess i'm just wondering that for similar money they could've had 25 year old Skrine who was still improving as a player. but maybe he wanted to move on too?

 

[Bobcat10]

I cut out two guys between Moore and Williams that hardly played any snaps...ratings of 1.7 and 1.6.

Skrine's rating was -6.3 and he's pretty far down the list.

2015 Free Agent CornerbacksName	Age	Pos	 2014 Team  2015 Team	Rating	SnapsDarrelle Revis	30	CB	NE	NYJ	17.7	1032Kareem Jackson	27	CB	HST	HST	9.5	785Rashean Mathis	35	CB	DET	UFA	9.1	1050Chris Culliver	27	CB	SF	WAS	8.5	839Brandon Flowers	29	CB	SD	SD	8.2	837Sterling Moore	25	CB	DAL	UFA	6	752Tramon Williams	32	CB	GB	CLV	1.6	1032

 

[MAC_32]

Buster > Tramon

Starks is a decent signing though.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

NFLPA Received Numerous Complaints From Free Agents Harassed By Cleveland Browns

 

[ghostguy123]

If he arrives, you and I will make a friendly "told ya so" wager on yards

I have seen players suck while getting about 900 yards receiving, and have seen players play well while getting like 700 yards receiving.

A simple "yards" really isn't a determination of his suckiness of goodness, unless it is a bit of an outlier number.

The told ya so will be on how he looks. As for the total yards?? I'll make a wager on that one for fun. A sig bet. I'll accept something along the lines of "Ghostguy123 knows talent much better than me" for a week

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Williams is 32.

how long do CBs usually play?

He's definitely on the downside and likely won't find that special fountain. Still capable of being a starter this year though. His rating came in 7th on a list of FA CBs on PFF that played over 700 snaps last year. An upgrade over Skrine, imo, who had his moments but ultimately a bit overrated. Not sure what the guarantees were here, but I doubt we reach the 3rd year on this deal.

guess i'm just wondering that for similar money they could've had 25 year old Skrine who was still improving as a player.but maybe he wanted to move on too?

For anyone who thinks a younger Buster Skrine would better option than 32 year old Tramon Williams. Why?

Also is Buster Skrine a Pro Bowl player? Has Buster Skrine ever played at a Pro Bowl level before and do you think he will ever be selected to the Pro Bowl? Because Tramon Williams has played at a Pro Bowl level and he's still playing at a high level, higher than Buster Skrine.

Youth is generally over rated and VASTLY over rated by many in the fantasy football community.

We've seen Buster struggle, get physically over matched, get abused with PI calls but we also saw him improve but the fact he improved over his worst performances should not convince anyone he is playing at the level of Tramon Williams.

Heck even Grossi confesses that Tray-Will is better than Buster. Also anyone who knows football agrees that Williams is better.

Tamon Williams is a good character guy, durable, and ranks 2nd in pass breakups in the NFL since 2010 and second in interceptions. Not sure how anyone could possibly say that Buster is better, he's not.

------------------------------------

http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=43161

4. How much better have the Browns gotten by signing cornerback Tramon Williams and defensive lineman Randy Starks?

Williams, 32, is a bigger and better overall cornerback than departed Buster Skrine, but is seven years older. Starks, 31, is a versatile lineman who can play end on running downs and inside on passing downs in the Browns’ 3-4 defensive scheme.

These players have demonstrated terrific durability over the years and make the Browns better in 2015. The Browns now are expected to field four defensive starters over the age of 30 this year – Williams, Starks, linebacker Karlos Dansby (33) and safety Donte Whitner (30 when the season starts). It means Pettine is pushing in his defensive chips and hoping that side of the ball carries the team to a winning year.

5. What does the signing of Williams say about Justin Gilbert?

The details of Williams’ contract are not known beyond the reported figures of $21 million over three years. The guaranteed money, of course, is the true indicator of the Browns’ value of Williams.

While Williams played inside against slot receivers in his eight-year career with Green Bay, he is still seen as a viable press corner on the outside – the type of cornerback coach Mike Pettine needs to pair up with Joe Haden. While Buster Skrine played ahead of Gilbert out of necessity last year, the signing of Williams suggests he may play ahead of Gilbert by choice.

PatMcManamon retweeted

Dan Murphy @DMurph_BrownsPR · 18h 18 hours ago
Most pass breakups since 2010: 1. Joe Haden (@joehaden23) 87 2. Tramon Williams (@HighRizer38) 82

PatMcManamon @PatMcManamon · 18h 18 hours ago

Tramon Williams has 22 INTs since 2010, second in NFL (Richard Sherman). Has played in 140 of 141 games. #Browns
PatMcManamon @PatMcManamon · 18h 18 hours ago

Now #Browns add CB Tramon Williams. Good guy, strong character, 32. Skrine out, Williams in.
Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler 19h19 hours ago

Adding CB Tramon Williams and DT Randy Starks won't grab headlines, but the #Browns got better today. Smart, low-risk moves