Some early free agent news

[Smooth]

Word out of Cleveland is that the Browns would like to retain free-agent centers Hank Fraley and Lennie Friedman.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=2724078

Nothing huge, but a definite step in the right direction... We need to keep Fraley, because he was without a doubt the best offensive lineman and the guy who kept the line from being a terrible one...

Friedman, it doesn't really matter to me... The guy provides depth on the O-line, but I'm sure there are better options out there...

 

[LyXo]

Fraley is a keeper for sure. He did fine this year, he might be on the downturn of his career, but he does have a few good years left in his tank (unlike Andruzzi) and can still act as a mentor to the younger linemen.

Speaking of Andruzzi, when he went down, Friedman actually looked pretty good. Of course, a 4 foot dwarf could look good after Andruzzi, but it seems we can at least keep him for some depth, as he showed some competency.

 

[Mac]

Roger Brown write that?

 

[cdt]

I hope we keep Russell he's very smart back there sets up the defense...if not as a starter a mentor/role player..

I hope we're active in free agency and actually get guys to come in and do somethings..

 

[chiefwahoo]

I hope we're active in free agency and actually get guys to come in and do somethings..

We'll be able to get guys here - money talks and we will have a lot to spend (I think one projection had us at least $30 mill under the cap). The trick is keeping these guys healthy once they get here.

 

[TrueCavsFan23]

I just hope we pull in Nate Clements.

 

[cdt]

I just hope we pull in Nate Clements.

Me too...he's a damn good corner and he has ties here as a former Buckeye.

 

[Wine and Gold]

I think our top free agent pursuit is going to be Eric Steinbach from the Bengals. We're going to get him in here right away and basically do everything possible to get it done. I think he'll be one of the 1st signings in all of the NFL.

From there, I suspect Nate Clements will be our next high profile target. Money talks, but, Nate Clements has already made it clear that he wants to play ofr the Browns, and the Browns want someone to replace Baxter badly. They prett much know that even IF Baxter eventually comes back and can play in the league, it will likely be as a safety now, and not a corner. He had borderline speed and agiltiy ofr the corner postion pre-injury ...

i would presume that it may be reduced beyond acceptable post injury ...

But, I'd like three major signings via free agency ....one offensive guard of high quality, one high quality corner, and one high quality defensive lineman.

Then attack the college draft for othr primary needs.

Post draft, then get fillers via free agency that couldn't be successfully handled in the draft ...

 

[chiefwahoo]

I agree with you 100% W&G on our priorities. If we could get Steinbach, Clements, and a stud DL we would be in a lot better shape. We still have many other holes but that would be a great start.

Steinbach would be great because he will obviously help here and we would be hurting a division rival if we can pry him away.

Clements would be the first shut-down guy we've had in the secondary since we came back into the league. I would venture to guess that Baxter will never be playing CB in the NFL again after TWO ruptured patellar tendons.

And getting another pass-rushing DL in here would help Wimbley. We already know that Wimbley is a stud and if he's not constantly being double-teamed it would make him that much better.

 

[cdt]

I thought Clements may want to play for us...can you find anything saying he for sure does? I sure hope we get him..he's relatively young too..only his like 5th year right?

 

[cavincali]

Clements would be the first shut-down guy we've had in the secondary since we came back into the league. I would venture to guess that Baxter will never be playing CB in the NFL again after TWO ruptured patellar tendons.

Uhhh, Bodden has been that shutdown corner when healthy.

 

[chiefwahoo]

Uhhh, Bodden has been that shutdown corner when healthy.

Like I said, Clements would be the first shut down corner we've had.

 

[TrueCavsFan23]

Bodden,clements,holly,and cutch would be a nice foursome.

 

[bomber]

I don't think were gonna go after a free agent corner for a couple reasons.

1. Money....corners get FAT contracts, they are a very pricey position.

2. Mel Tucker. He's done a great job with our corners.

3. Browns are looking for the return of Daylon and Minter. Also a healthy bodden along side daven holly they might see to stay content.

4. If we go cb, it'll be in the draft

I think money is the biggest reason why we don't go after the high priced guys of Samuel or Clements. I'd rather spend the money on the lines. Get a better d-line, more pressure on the qb and our cb's look even better.

 

[bomber]

Like I said, Clements would be the first shut down corner we've had.

Clements wouldn't be healthy for long if he signed here.