2023 Off-Season Free Agent moves/signings
-
DT - #1 priority. As much as I would love to see if pairing Javon Hargrave with Myles would be similar to Hayward and Watt, I don't see us spending that kind of money. Remember the combined pressure of those two had our O-line blocking in a posture reminiscent of the Neil Degrasse meme. They didn't want any part of them.
I've mentioned before that I think Dalvin Tomlinson is probably the best value FA. Doesn't get to the passer anywhere near as much as Hargrave, but at less than half the price and a year younger, he is just better value. Would probably still draft another development DT in a later round.
Goes back to a wishlist I have - a monster edge and a 3 tech to push the interior. Especially on the same side of the center, it's incredibly difficult to deal with.
Agreed. And I'm fine with Dalvin not being a big interior pass rusher, this teams sorely lacks the ability to limit the run. Which means, as a defensive whole, we miss out on opportunities to rush the passer.
this teams sorely lacks the ability to limit the run. Which means, as a defensive whole, we miss out on opportunities to rush the passer.
Right. Because, does it matter how well you can rush the passer...if you can't stop the run?
All of the good CB's and edge rushers that we draft and/or acquire...to defend in this pass happy NFL...aren't of real value to us when the worst rushing team(s) in the league put up 200 yards on us. (Chargers, 238 yards)
The reality is, we've gotta do WhatEver it takes to fix that.
-
this teams sorely lacks the ability to limit the run. Which means, as a defensive whole, we miss out on opportunities to rush the passer.
Right. Because, does it matter how well you can rush the passer...if you can't stop the run?
All of the good CB's and edge rushers that we draft and/or acquire...to defend in this pass happy NFL...aren't of real value to us when the worst rushing team(s) in the league put up 200 yards on us. (Chargers, 238 yards)
The reality is, we've gotta do WhatEver it takes to fix that.
Right. Because, does it matter how well you can rush the passer...if you can't stop the run?
All of the good CB's and edge rushers that we draft and/or acquire...to defend in this pass happy NFL...aren't of real value to us when the worst rushing team(s) in the league put up 200 yards on us. (Chargers, 238 yards)
The reality is, we've gotta do WhatEver it takes to fix that.
Kind of like the chicken or the egg question.
I suppose one could say that stopping the run doesn't matter if you can't stop the pass. I think back to something Schwartz said in an early presser. He wants to stop the run on the way to rushing the passer. LOL.. I guess that is his way of saying he wants guys who can do it all.
I can agree with that. Right now we all seem to be in "either or" discussions. If we are going to talk in those terms I guess I would favor the pass rusher.
It's harder to find those guys and you can get some run stopping ability. Run stoppers do pretty much just that and don't do much to collapse a pocket. We also have to consider that DT's don't get many sacks. Their real help in the pass game is to be able to collapse the pocket. If the DTs can push the pocket, QB's don't like not being able to step up. They start to feel surrounded and begin to panic. We don't need sacks out of DT's, we just need them to be able to push the pocket back 3-4 yards.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. -
Browns attend Odell Beckham Jr. workout
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10068372-odell-beckham-jr-rumors-cowboys-skip-wrs-workout-jets-patriots-giants-attendFits in with WR2 being a position of interest for the Browns. But again, surely not!
PFF projects the Browns to land Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency
https://brownswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/10/browns-dalvin-tomlinson-pff/Now that's more like it.
-
round 3 and Berry drafted DE Alex Wright with our 3rd choice in that round...Isaiah Thomas, looked even better
Tia also favors Thomas. So maybe they stand pat and go with their draft picks of last year. It worked out so well with Elliott and Togiai.
a decent WR2 in DPJ, and a talented guy for the slot in Bell. We also have Jakeem Grant coming back from injury, and Demetric Felton
Hopefully Bell will progress year by year (like, this year
). Grant, I don't have anything to base optimism or pessimism on. I'd be surprised if Felton survives roster cuts. If he does, then we didn't improve the position much, IMO.
Less than a week to FA.
Tia also favors Thomas. So maybe they stand pat and go with their draft picks of last year. It worked out so well with Elliott and Togiai.
That, or we could just start redrafting the same position in the first round we enter the draft every year. That'll move us as far forward as sprinting on a treadmill would.
I posted numerous times pre-draft that I wanted a DT last year with our very 1st selection (#68 overall) of round 3 (and I wasn't the only one wanting this pre-hindsight 20/20). I even named the guy I thought we could get there (Travis Jones). Turns out we drafted a very good corner with that selection; and then the Rats drafted Jones at #76 overall. 2 spots later, the Browns reached on Alex Wright at #78 overall. Not at all what I wanted our FO to do with our 2nd pick; but something was warming Berry's groin about the guy to reach that far. IMO, we didn't have the volume of early picks to dick around like that. I don't hold my opinions hostage so I shared a wtf or 2 about it all.
I know a lot of people think I'm really negative about Berry; but here you are challenging me about standing pat on a guy I didn't even want us to draft. Now that Berry committed to him, he's not just gonna cut the guy and re-draft his position before seeing what his guy does with a year of experience under his belt. So yeah, it's important he pans out whether some of us thinks he can or not. We're at the mercy of this GM nobody wants to hold accountable. If he doesn't pan out, you can pretend I drafted him and get mad at me all you want. I'll still have nothing but love for ya!
As for the part I bolded from you above, instead of trying to do better at the DE position the Browns have given attention to in the draft and FA - I'd rather have us address the IDL/DT position this FO neglected. I'm sure our LBers would appreciate that too. I was hoping we got a steal with Winfrey in round 4; but Nurse Ratched wasn't his position coach. Maybe the Browns will actually REASEARCH the DT position for a refreshing change under Berry.
I welcome the only Defensive Coordinator to earn a Superbowl Ring in New Orleans while understanding Revenge of the Nerds is a sequel. "Come get some!" -
Right. Because, does it matter how well you can rush the passer...if you can't stop the run?
All of the good CB's and edge rushers that we draft and/or acquire...to defend in this pass happy NFL...aren't of real value to us when the worst rushing team(s) in the league put up 200 yards on us. (Chargers, 238 yards)
The reality is, we've gotta do WhatEver it takes to fix that.
Kind of like the chicken or the egg question.
I suppose one could say that stopping the run doesn't matter if you can't stop the pass. I think back to something Schwartz said in an early presser. He wants to stop the run on the way to rushing the passer. LOL.. I guess that is his way of saying he wants guys who can do it all.
I can agree with that. Right now we all seem to be in "either or" discussions. If we are going to talk in those terms I guess I would favor the pass rusher.
It's harder to find those guys and you can get some run stopping ability. Run stoppers do pretty much just that and don't do much to collapse a pocket. We also have to consider that DT's don't get many sacks. Their real help in the pass game is to be able to collapse the pocket. If the DTs can push the pocket, QB's don't like not being able to step up. They start to feel surrounded and begin to panic. We don't need sacks out of DT's, we just need them to be able to push the pocket back 3-4 yards.
Kind of like the chicken or the egg question.
I suppose one could say that stopping the run doesn't matter if you can't stop the pass. I think back to something Schwartz said in an early presser. He wants to stop the run on the way to rushing the passer. LOL.. I guess that is his way of saying he wants guys who can do it all.
I can agree with that. Right now we all seem to be in "either or" discussions. If we are going to talk in those terms I guess I would favor the pass rusher.
It's harder to find those guys and you can get some run stopping ability. Run stoppers do pretty much just that and don't do much to collapse a pocket. We also have to consider that DT's don't get many sacks. Their real help in the pass game is to be able to collapse the pocket. If the DTs can push the pocket, QB's don't like not being able to step up. They start to feel surrounded and begin to panic. We don't need sacks out of DT's, we just need them to be able to push the pocket back 3-4 yards.
Yes and no. The great divide being the red zone, or money zone, depending on who you ask. A team like the Ravens, despite having a pretty awful secondary, was able to make their bones off being an effective redzone defense. Their ability to snuff out the run when the field shrinks to the bare minimum, the passing game takes a back seat and you have to move bodies was pretty outstanding.
While I was just a kid, the 02' Browns were VERY similar. Gave up a ton of yards for various reasons, but bowed their necks in the redzone to force field goals.
Meanwhile CLE was the total opposite this year and the opposing TD% in the redzone speaks to that.
But, much like anything else, you can't be too out of balanced. Having awful DB's means that your pass rush doesn't get that extra half second it might need to get pressure. Having a terrible pass rush means your DB's are out in patterns for a lifetime. I will say this though, I'm probably the youngest person on this board, but in my lifetime I've NEVER seen a great defensive backfield makeup for a below average defensive front. However I have seen a great defensive front make up for below average DB play. And I say that as somebody who calls DB 'home'.
-
round 3 and Berry drafted DE Alex Wright with our 3rd choice in that round...Isaiah Thomas, looked even better
Tia also favors Thomas. So maybe they stand pat and go with their draft picks of last year. It worked out so well with Elliott and Togiai.
a decent WR2 in DPJ, and a talented guy for the slot in Bell. We also have Jakeem Grant coming back from injury, and Demetric Felton
Hopefully Bell will progress year by year (like, this year
). Grant, I don't have anything to base optimism or pessimism on. I'd be surprised if Felton survives roster cuts. If he does, then we didn't improve the position much, IMO.
Less than a week to FA.
Tia also favors Thomas. So maybe they stand pat and go with their draft picks of last year. It worked out so well with Elliott and Togiai.
Hopefully Bell will progress year by year (like, this year
). Grant, I don't have anything to base optimism or pessimism on. I'd be surprised if Felton survives roster cuts. If he does, then we didn't improve the position much, IMO.
Less than a week to FA.
IT has shown more in his rookie season than Double T did in 2 years. As much as it pains me to say that about a Buckeye.
-
Tia also favors Thomas. So maybe they stand pat and go with their draft picks of last year. It worked out so well with Elliott and Togiai.
That, or we could just start redrafting the same position in the first round we enter the draft every year. That'll move us as far forward as sprinting on a treadmill would.
I posted numerous times pre-draft that I wanted a DT last year with our very 1st selection (#68 overall) of round 3 (and I wasn't the only one wanting this pre-hindsight 20/20). I even named the guy I thought we could get there (Travis Jones). Turns out we drafted a very good corner with that selection; and then the Rats drafted Jones at #76 overall. 2 spots later, the Browns reached on Alex Wright at #78 overall. Not at all what I wanted our FO to do with our 2nd pick; but something was warming Berry's groin about the guy to reach that far. IMO, we didn't have the volume of early picks to dick around like that. I don't hold my opinions hostage so I shared a wtf or 2 about it all.
I know a lot of people think I'm really negative about Berry; but here you are challenging me about standing pat on a guy I didn't even want us to draft. Now that Berry committed to him, he's not just gonna cut the guy and re-draft his position before seeing what his guy does with a year of experience under his belt. So yeah, it's important he pans out whether some of us thinks he can or not. We're at the mercy of this GM nobody wants to hold accountable. If he doesn't pan out, you can pretend I drafted him and get mad at me all you want. I'll still have nothing but love for ya!
As for the part I bolded from you above, instead of trying to do better at the DE position the Browns have given attention to in the draft and FA - I'd rather have us address the IDL/DT position this FO neglected. I'm sure our LBers would appreciate that too. I was hoping we got a steal with Winfrey in round 4; but Nurse Ratched wasn't his position coach. Maybe the Browns will actually REASEARCH the DT position for a refreshing change under Berry.
Now that Berry committed to him, he's not just gonna cut the guy and re-draft his position before seeing what his guy does with a year of experience under his belt.
That's the way GM's are. The draft picks get the benefit of the doubt. GM's don't want their draft picks getting cut. It makes them look bad. An undrafted player has to really outshine a drafted player almost like the sun compared to the moon in order to unseat a draft pick.
the DE position the Browns have given attention to in the draft and FA - I'd rather have us address the IDL/DT position this FO neglected.
I guarantee you that the DT position will be addressed in the coming month and a half. We all saw the problem. It's impossible to ignore this time around. One could make a strong argument that the DT position lost us multiple games and was probably the main factor that we didn't make a playoff run.
That said, there would be no guarantee that a suitable DT will be available at pick 43 (or 44, whatever our 1st pick is). And it's SUCH a big issue that I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it happen this Monday when legal tampering begins.
-
Now that Berry committed to him, he's not just gonna cut the guy and re-draft his position before seeing what his guy does with a year of experience under his belt.
That's the way GM's are. The draft picks get the benefit of the doubt. GM's don't want their draft picks getting cut. It makes them look bad. An undrafted player has to really outshine a drafted player almost like the sun compared to the moon in order to unseat a draft pick.
the DE position the Browns have given attention to in the draft and FA - I'd rather have us address the IDL/DT position this FO neglected.
I guarantee you that the DT position will be addressed in the coming month and a half. We all saw the problem. It's impossible to ignore this time around. One could make a strong argument that the DT position lost us multiple games and was probably the main factor that we didn't make a playoff run.
That said, there would be no guarantee that a suitable DT will be available at pick 43 (or 44, whatever our 1st pick is). And it's SUCH a big issue that I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it happen this Monday when legal tampering begins.
I guarantee you that the DT position will be addressed in the coming month and a half. We all saw the problem. It's impossible to ignore this time around. One could make a strong argument that the DT position lost us multiple games and was probably the main factor that we didn't make a playoff run.
That said, there would be no guarantee that a suitable DT will be available at pick 43 (or 44, whatever our 1st pick is). And it's SUCH a big issue that I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it happen this Monday when legal tampering begins.
I'll start with the good. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better about DT.
My worries? I'm gonna forget I've never smoked a cigarette in my life and be a chain smoker by the time we draft a long snapper in round 2.
I'm still worried about a GM who decides he wants to go with lighter/smaller framed LBers while forfeiting/neglecting the IDL positions in front of them LOST us multiple games and 4 LBers to IR. That type of planning from a guy that is responsible for building our team showed me a guy that didn't understand the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball at all
I'm not nearly as worried about a suitable DT being available at pick #43 overall as I am about Berry knowing who is suitable and who is not at that spot. I think that's why the guy reaches more than he needs to. This will be Berry's 4th draft. The only offensive or defensive linemen he has drafted that definitively projects to be starting this year is Wills; and that's not exactly impressing the masses. If we can't keep Pocic, we may be deciding between 5th round pick Nick Harris and 7th round pick Dawson Deaton or Hjalte Froholdt (a former 4th rd pick and offensive guard for NE that filled in at C here when Pocic was injured).
Before the NFL increased the salary cap for this offseason, the Browns were one of the teams with the least amount of money to spend. I'm guessing the Browns are still in this situation. When you have to keep signing FA veterans from other teams because you're not drafting well - they cost way more than rookies under the rookie salary cap restrictions. This HAS to get better; but it won't if the Browns keep scapegoating the symptoms of Berry's bad decisions on draft day.
-
The 30-year-old appeared in just seven games during the 2020 season before suffering a torn ACL. He appeared in six games with Cleveland in 2021 before being released and signing with the Los Angeles Rams, whom he won a Super Bowl with in 2022.
Beckham tore his ACL during the Super Bowl with L.A., and he sat out the entire 2022 season while recovering from the ailment.
The three-time Pro Bowler held a workout for interested teams earlier this week in Arizona, and the Browns were among the franchises that had a group in attendance. According to Cabot, "the Browns and Beckham have remained on good terms since his controversial departure from the team in November of 2021."
Cabot added that Beckham was "universally loved" in the Browns locker room and that "there were rumblings he wanted to return after they traded for Deshaun Watson" last season.
Considering Beckham is a free agent this winter, has familiarity with the team and likely won't command a large contract, he would be a solid option for the Browns.
-
-
Pocic resigned for 3 years. Nice!
Pocic resigned for 3 years. Nice!
Great. I was quite concerned with the center position because everyone was expecting him to sign elsewhere.
-
Sources: Obo Okoronkwo is siging with the #Browns, getting a 3-year deal worth $19M with a chance to make $22M. He gets $12.5M guaranteed.
Games Def Interceptions Fumbles Tackles Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS Int Yds TD Lng PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD Sk Comb Solo Ast TFL QBHits Sfty AV Career 50 8 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 9.5 78 52 26 14 24 8 3 yrs LAR 33 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4.5 34 20 14 5 13 3 1 yr HOU 17 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 5.0 44 32 12 9 11 5 2019 24 LAR LB 45 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.5 7 3 4 1 4 1 2020 25 LAR LB 45 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 12 8 4 1 3 1 2021 26 LAR LB 45 13 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2.0 15 9 6 3 6 1 2022 27 HOU DL 45 17 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 5.0 44 32 12 9 11 5 Seems like a Winovich replacement.
BEING A BROWNS FAN IS A TEST TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN TAKE -
A bit off topic, who's that returner we signed that tore his ACL (Jakeem Grant?), does anybody know where he's at in his recovery. It will be interesting to see him back in the fold.
A bit off topic, who's that returner we signed that tore his ACL (Jakeem Grant?), does anybody know where he's at in his recovery. It will be interesting to see him back in the fold.
i think they re structured his contract and is good to go for us next season
-
Right, so let's list the priorities.
Mike - we've got Anthony Walker and Deon Jones that did decent jobs, until they got hurt. Certainly those two guys did a better job at their position than our DT's did at theirs.
Multi reports.. claimed Iowa LB Jack Campbell was a ace interviewee with the football smarts to call the Mike year one ?.. Jack may get to us at #48
FA's .. I'm a fan of Germaine Pratt as our Mike LB.. He stays healthy/upright.. Need the dollar difference/separation if keeping A.Walker..
Schwartz knows Titans LB David Long.. I'd keep Denzel Perryman & Bobby Okereke has both affordable options..
Browns should know Anthony Walker's injury update/ better than any team
FA's .. I'm a fan of Germaine Pratt as our Mike LB.. He stays healthy/upright.. Need the dollar difference/separation if keeping A.Walker..
What's your opinion on another former 3rd round pick ?
Possible Lions FA? Alex Anzalone/age 28 .. I just love the guys motor/effort since with the Saints. more so, Alex may fit our tight cap budget?
He's played some Mike at 6'3" 235-240lbs. is what I've seen.. Is Anzalone a better option than Taki/Walker in your opinion?
Come to find out..
Both Germain Pratt & Alex Anzalone have re-signed with same teams, Bengals & Lions... about 7M per year was the keeping price tag.. Saw some Linebackers got moved today too..
pricey $ LB market
edit-- Day 1 tampering updates.. https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/LongFormArticle/Analyzing-All-the-Moves-in-NFL-Free-Agency-from-a-Cleveland-Browns-Angle-206266706/#206266706_2
Who's Un-signed by position? https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2023-nfl-free-agency-tracker-cuts-trades-signings
-
-
Takitaki to sign a 1 year for 2.5 million
Good depth guy, glad to see him come back.
Based solely on his last name, he's my mom's favorite Browns player. ?
-
Good depth guy, glad to see him come back.
Based solely on his last name, he's my mom's favorite Browns player. ?
ya a BYU guy good on special teams hopefully he can stay healthy this year
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better 💗
Register Login