Free Agents Still Out There
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The reason will vary from player to player, from wanting too many, not being an upgrade over current players, being a 'bad influence' or anything. But you can bet if Rhodes was going to be a significant upgrade, Ray Horton would know all about it and put his foot down to get him for a couple of years.
I see that Rhodes is "only" 31 years old....but it seems to me that the Browns have a hard and fast policy of not signing anyone over 30.
I see that Rhodes is "only" 31 years old....but it seems to me that the Browns have a hard and fast policy of not signing anyone over 30.
See, there you go, that's one reason for not signing rhodes.
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Call me crazy but I think we should bring in Braylon and Beanie Wells as sort of a tryout.
Braylon could be a two week thing really. Have him come in during the Gordon suspension and if he performs, keep him. I know we have some good depth at WR now, but I don't think that anyone on this roster can replicate what Gordon can do. Not saying that Braylon will, but they do have a lot of the same attributes (minus the hands). Both are big-quick-fast-physical receivers. Looking at the rest of our line-up. We have size in Nelson, but not the speed. We have the quickness and speed in Bess and Benjamin but not the size and physicality. I am still a Braylon fan so that's probably why I want him back more than anything. That and I still have his jersey collecting dust in my closet.
Beanie has the talent to be a solid RB, but he also has plenty of injury issues. I know we have a crowded backfield, but I think that he would be a definite upgrade over Jackson, Lewis, Obi, Hardesty, and whatever other scrub is on our roster, provided he is healthy. I'm also not an Ohio State homer by any stretch of the imagination, in fact quite the opposite.
If they can't stay healthy, don't outperform anyone, etc., we can just cut them.
Other than them, I would have interest in Vonta Leach, Richard Seymour, Brandon Moore, Kerry Rhodes, and/or Quinton Mickell.
- Vonta Leach is an instant upgrade over Marecic/Smelley
- Seymour would just add even more depth to our deep DL, so this is a bit of a stretch
- Brandon Moore would likely take one of the two starting G spots while the other three on our roster duke it out for the second one.
- Kerry Rhodes and Quinton Mickell would bring some depth to the safety spot and would fight for the starting job. Although I am becoming more and more intrigued with the competition we have going on there.
At the right price I believe just about anyone on these lists (sans QBs) would bring solid depth to this team, so at the right price and length of contract (probably a 1 year tryout--non-guarenteed contract/or only partially guaranteed) I would not be upset about any of them.
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There's always a reason so called "big names" don't get contracts. There's certain money vets have to make or want just to play. If someone is good enough to play they'd be on a roster.
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Strangely, the only one that makes a lot of sense to me is Braylon Edwards. He might help for a couple weeks while Gordon's inactive, then you cut him if he doesn't show big.
I don't see adding an old guard when we have three guys fighting for two spots, plus Gilkey and the LSU kid.
TE or corner are only places I'd really be watching for. Some decent vets will get cut over money.
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Overall, unimpressive list... I'll pass... None of these guys are worth spending the money on just to push back one of our young players from developing. Plus, I only see one upgrade and that's Leach at FB... All the talk about Rhodes is interesting, but like somebody said Horton coached him and if he wanted him we'd go get him. I am trully intrigued that our coaching staff likes the Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter competition we're about to see, so I wouldn't interrupt that by bringing in an older middle-of-the-road starter instead of letting these young guys fight it out...
Better and younger players will get cut during camp for money reasons and b/c some teams are just stacked at some positions. If we're looking for depth, that's where we go get it...
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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/11/report-kerry-rhodes-says-hes-looking-at-four-teams/
Kerry Rhodes says he "looking at" four teams.
Maybe the Browns are one of the four... I'm kinda hoping not
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Shep put the hookah on the table and step away from the weed.
Can't see that making one bit of sense for anyone but him to collect a check.
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I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
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I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
I'm awesome, and I fuck dolphins. Ghoolie 12/2/2012: I have absolutely no skills, training or pride -
I'm guessing if Braylon is still around his knees are still messed up pretty bad. They've been a major reason for his decline and have required surgery. Team's aren't going to look to a older WR with knee problems unless they're desperate. Hopefully someone picks him up though.
Ja.brill Peppers - Cleveland Brown OldBrownsFan, on 02 Jun 2017 - 5:09PM said: "No you are not the work of the devil but you are deceived by the devil." Who's got it better than us? Nooooobody! -
I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
I don't think there's anything wrong with attempting to develop your own talent rather than bring someone in who will 'do a job' for a year or two. I agree those three won't likely light up the league next season, but neither would someone like Rhodes. But, the following year, maybe one of them might have developed in to a playmaker - my money's on Slaughter - and we're set at the position then, instead of looking again in 2 years.
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I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
Again, if Horton wanted him... he'd be here. There's probably a reason we haven't signed him, or even heard of our team having any interest. I doubt they see Rhodes as any sort of upgrade over the guys we have. But, if he does end up signing here then it would only be for the reason you stated... as a stop-gap/mentor... I just don't see the need... that's what coaching is for...
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I'd like to see us add a safety of some sort, even though there isn't an appealing one on that list.
We should pull the trigger on one of the experienced ones just for depth.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
Adding a guy like Kerry Rhodes would not be a detriment to the development of our younger players nor would it make our starting roster weaker.
Face it: the trio of Gipson/Bademosi/Slaughter isn't going to be tearing up the league this year. They have the potential to be good players, I will admit it. But this year is a learning year for all involved, plus one is returning from major surgery.
Rhodes is an older vet who still has played at a competitive level. ProFootballFocus has him rated as high as 4th in production for the previous season. He is a solid defender in both the run game as well as the pass and he is a vet of Horton's system.
He can come in and become the starter from day 1 and mentor these younger players on what it takes to be a safety in this system. With the way Horton utilizes different personnel groupings, there could be times when Gipson plays nearly 50% of the snaps.
Makes sense....but then you bump heads with that apparent hard fast 30 year old rule. I don't know if this guy is getting offers that he is turning down or what. I suspect he will go whereever the cashola is greatest. So, yea, maybe it will take a training camp injury to get a lot of these guys signed.
I remember the biggest mistake the Browns have probably made since 1999: They sign LeCharles Bentley to start at center and trade away Jeff Faine in anticipation of Bentley having a long productive career for the Browns. A one training camp play career is what he had, and that left the Browns stuck with no decent center. Luckily, in the next year or so they got Alex Mack.
So, yes, getting depth is a good thing.
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I'm guessing if Braylon is still around his knees are still messed up pretty bad. They've been a major reason for his decline and have required surgery. Team's aren't going to look to a older WR with knee problems unless they're desperate. Hopefully someone picks him up though.
I'm guessing if Braylon is still around his knees are still messed up pretty bad. They've been a major reason for his decline and have required surgery. Team's aren't going to look to a older WR with knee problems unless they're desperate. Hopefully someone picks him up though.
Actually, I think Braylon should go back to Michigan, get his degree from that fine institution, and go on with the rest of his life. (and yes, I am being serious)
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Couch, I totally get where you're coming from on Rhodes. I don't completely agree that it isn't a detriment. You don't sign Rhodes to be a backup. I'm sure that's one of the reasons he's still available: At his age, with his stats, he wants assurance that he's a starter if healthy.
The Browns are working the plan. They don't want to sign 30+ veterans that slot in front of younger guys they really like. And the Browns really do like both Gipson and Bademosi. Both guys are faster, younger, and more athletic than Rhodes. Either needs to play to learn and have a chance to become a long-term starter. On top of that, Slaughter is said to be 100% and working out with no restrictions.
Here's the thing: All three of those guys are gonna be on the roster. Slaughter would've been a 3rd round pick at worst without the injury. Bademosi runs a 4.39. Gipson played really good football in the actual NFL last year. I don't know how many safeties a team usually keeps but along with Ward, that's four.
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Given how Bademosi performed on special teams, and he seems to be taking over as main gunner, would he be a sensible backup to Ward at SS if he goes down? Not too sure how the responsibilities differ that much, but as far as I see it SS basically just needs to be a big tackler with some ability in pass defence - sounds like Bademosi?
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Bademosi's appeal is his speed (4.39) and that he's a converted corner, so he can cover in a passing league. He's obviously willing to hit, giving his special teams ability, but I think his speed and coverage ability are what have the Browns so excited about him.
There's a lot of young promising talent at safety. Doubt we'll be worrying much about it once the pads go on. We'll find something entirely unexpected to worry about!!
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Couch, I totally get where you're coming from on Rhodes. I don't completely agree that it isn't a detriment. You don't sign Rhodes to be a backup. I'm sure that's one of the reasons he's still available: At his age, with his stats, he wants assurance that he's a starter if healthy.
The Browns are working the plan. They don't want to sign 30+ veterans that slot in front of younger guys they really like. And the Browns really do like both Gipson and Bademosi. Both guys are faster, younger, and more athletic than Rhodes. Either needs to play to learn and have a chance to become a long-term starter. On top of that, Slaughter is said to be 100% and working out with no restrictions.
Here's the thing: All three of those guys are gonna be on the roster. Slaughter would've been a 3rd round pick at worst without the injury. Bademosi runs a 4.39. Gipson played really good football in the actual NFL last year. I don't know how many safeties a team usually keeps but along with Ward, that's four.
Couch, I totally get where you're coming from on Rhodes. I don't completely agree that it isn't a detriment. You don't sign Rhodes to be a backup. I'm sure that's one of the reasons he's still available: At his age, with his stats, he wants assurance that he's a starter if healthy.
The Browns are working the plan. They don't want to sign 30+ veterans that slot in front of younger guys they really like. And the Browns really do like both Gipson and Bademosi. Both guys are faster, younger, and more athletic than Rhodes. Either needs to play to learn and have a chance to become a long-term starter. On top of that, Slaughter is said to be 100% and working out with no restrictions.
Here's the thing: All three of those guys are gonna be on the roster. Slaughter would've been a 3rd round pick at worst without the injury. Bademosi runs a 4.39. Gipson played really good football in the actual NFL last year. I don't know how many safeties a team usually keeps but along with Ward, that's four.
I believe that, and you can call it however you see it here, Rhodes is waiting on the right offer from us.
He has stated that there are four teams in the mix. There's not a playoff team from last year that is hurting for a safety, so based off roster projections I would say the four teams are Cleveland, Carolina, Minnesota and NYJ. Carolina is reportedly on the verge of signing Quinton Mikell. I don't forsee Rhodes and Ryan reuniting, Ryan isn't one to admit he's made mistakes nor are most NFL players.
That leaves Cleveland and Minnesota. Rhodes called Horton his "right-hand man", saying he would frequently ask his advice on different things. Add to that Cleveland is becoming a "hip" team, for lack of a better word. Our roster is the youngest in the league, we have a young innovative head coach who did wonders with Newton as a rookie, and a fiesty, young defense that is run by a guy who blitzes more than anyone else in the league. Our owner is brand new (and in trouble with the law) and were currently going through what looks to be a big makeover in both the stadium and in attire.
If I were a 30 year old safety looking to get away from swirling rumors and accusations about my sexual orientation, I would pick Cleveland.
Rhodes can come in and be the automatic starter this season. Gipson et. al can learn behind him. The upside is there for them but they still haven't proven to be anything yet. Rhodes has.
Having a safety who's consistently performed at a high level makes our defense instantly better. Especially when that guy is mired in our current system and has nabbed 8 picks and 150-some tackles between two seasons.
It's not like signing Rhodes means the careers of the other safeties are over. Bademosi will hang on for two years because he's so damn fast we can't let him go. He can be a good rotational corner/safety/special teams player while he's waiting in the wings. Gipson, of course, would be Rhodes' backup. I peg Slaughter to be a rotational player for the next couple seasons anyway, splitting time at both SS and FS.
When all is said and done, I could see Rhodes performing for two years then Slaughter taking over at full time FS opposite Ward.
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