<![CDATA[Browns going to franchise Sean Jones?]]>http://www.examiner.com/x-1287-Cleveland-S...or-DBs-is-short

There are five days left for the NFL deadline to name the players that teams will tag as franchise players. However, we will try to narrow down what defensive backs would be worth pursuing for the Browns with the current free agent list.

Unfortunately, quality cover cornerbacks are missing from the 2009 free agent list. The one true gem is Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders. Asomugha, 6’2”, 210 pounds, is at the top of every NFL team free agent want list that is looking for a cover corner.

But, the problem is that the Raiders will not let him go. The probability that Asomugha will be franchised by Oakland is near 100 percent, which would give the Raiders’ cornerback a salary of $11.7 million for the 2009 season.

Dunta Robinson of the Houston Texans is a notch below Asomugha, but the Texans have indicated that they will probably place the franchise tag on him. Robinson started the 2008 season on the injured list after suffering a knee injury in 2007 that limited him to seven games that season and 11 this year.

Robinson showed great potential in his rookie year (2004) when he intercepted six passes and forced three fumbles. However, he hasn’t progressed from that point and regressed the last two years due to his knee injury. He would be a risk if the Browns pursued him, especially for the big money Robinson may be looking for in free agency.

After Asomugha and Robinson, the talent level drops off to players like Jabari Greer (Buffalo), Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh), and Phillip Buchanon (Tampa Bay). Two players let go by their 2008 team- Leigh Bodden (Detroit) and Adam “Pacman” Jones (Dallas) are also available. Jones has way too much personal baggage and Bodden probably doesn’t want to come back to Cleveland.

So, it doesn’t look like the Browns will find a cover corner in free agency. However, Cleveland may find a cheaper-priced and lower-rated one that will probably be an upgrade on what the Browns had last year.

As far as safeties go, a likely scenario might have Sean Jones, who played with Cleveland last year, returning to the Browns in 2009. The reason may be that there is a dearth of old safeties eligible for free agency this year.

Brian Dawkins, 35 (Philadelphia), Rodney Harrison, 35 (New England), Darren Sharper, 33 (Minnesota), and Lawyer Malloy, 35 (Atlanta) have 53 years of experience between them and all of them are too old to commit to multi-year, big-money contracts.

Another high-rated safety (Scout.com) is the Chicago Bears’ Mike Brown. But, Brown has been injured every year for the last five years and most of the time they have season-ending injuries.

Brown, who just turned 31 yesterday, is an exceptionally hard hitter and has a nose for the ball. Unfortunately, he can’t stay on the field long enough to justify a long-term contract commitment.

The top two free agent safeties are Jermaine Phillips of Tampa Bay and Oshiomogho Atogwe of St. Louis. However, neither will make it past the February 19th NFL deadline without getting the franchise tag hung around their necks.

The Browns’ own Sean Jones will likely be franchised by Cleveland if they can’t sign him to a long-term deal before February 19th. Jones, 27, still has a lot of potential. He is a hard hitter, and after all is said and done, is the best option left at safety in free agency.

With great linebackers in a 3-4 defense, Jones, with his big-hit ability, would flourish at safety. Jones has 14 interceptions in his short 4-year NFL career, along with 286 tackles (202 solo). Those numbers are with a below average defense. A very good front seven would propel Jones to the Pro Bowl.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/3087/browns-going-to-franchise-sean-jonesRSS for NodeFri, 02 Oct 2026 14:56:10 GMTSun, 15 Feb 2009 16:04:53 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:12:24 GMT]]>Sorry to keep adding to this.........

What's the signficance of Feb 19?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44535https://brownsboard.com/post/44535Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:12:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:31:25 GMT]]>BTW, i'd give Cribbs a look if he's up to it. We know the guy can tackle. i have no idea if he has cover skills.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44485https://brownsboard.com/post/44485Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:31:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:24:13 GMT]]>

@sisky-fringo said:

so how would you fill the void roach? a Pool/Adams tandem possibly?

Sure that is worth exploring. i don't think the solution is necessarily on the current roster.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44483https://brownsboard.com/post/44483Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:24:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:00:28 GMT]]>

AdaM said:

I want my safety to lay the wood and be a ball hawk, corners cover.

Jones hasn't shown that "lay the wood" play for quite a while. If he did, I'm sure he would be looking at a new contract. He stopped hitting and can't cover and leaves the corners on an island too often.

Jones's has knee problems and none of us know if their's a problem there or not. Also, how much has that knee problem slowed him down? That is something I'm sure the coaches weigh in making their decision.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44459https://brownsboard.com/post/44459Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:00:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:49:45 GMT]]>well, they didn't franchise him. think we're going after yeremiah bell?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44426https://brownsboard.com/post/44426Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:49:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:33:13 GMT]]>

AdaM said:

I want my safety to lay the wood and be a ball hawk, corners cover.

Troy P and Ed Reed cover.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44421https://brownsboard.com/post/44421Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:33:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:26:09 GMT]]>

@ytownbrownsbacker said:

I guess the new staff has a different opinion because it doesn't look like he is going to be tagged. Butler from the Giants is a good option and way cheaper. Butler is a player also. I'd like to have him. I think he has better cover skills then Jones.

I want my safety to lay the wood and be a ball hawk, corners cover.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44414https://brownsboard.com/post/44414Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:26:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:18:58 GMT]]>I guess the new staff has a different opinion because it doesn't look like he is going to be tagged. Butler from the Giants is a good option and way cheaper. Butler is a player also. I'd like to have him. I think he has better cover skills then Jones.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44412https://brownsboard.com/post/44412Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:18:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:23:53 GMT]]>I think it's a wise move to franchise him. We are not getting better at DB by letting him go. Even the bean counting accountants would have to agree with that ..

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44292https://brownsboard.com/post/44292Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:23:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:42:44 GMT]]>

@sisky-fringo said:

so how would you fill the void roach? a Pool/Adams tandem possibly?

Neither could play SS. The best in FA is Phillips but you also have guys like Jerrod Page, Will Allen and James Butler. There are also some very good SS that will be available in round 2 headed by Patrick Chung, who I love. Then again, it would be important to have some additional picks from a Anderson trade because there will be some nice looking LBs there in the 2nd round also.

It will be interesting to see how this staff goes with this situation. I don't think they will franchise Jones and pay him over $6 million.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44276https://brownsboard.com/post/44276Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:42:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:29:57 GMT]]>

@roach said:

No. He's too soft for that kind of money. Good riddance.

so how would you fill the void roach? a Pool/Adams tandem possibly?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44273https://brownsboard.com/post/44273Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:29:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:12:13 GMT]]>

@geech said:

I am somewhat biased. Sean Jones is the guy that I wanted the Browns to draft in the 2nd round of the 2004 Draft. Safeties used to be cheap to franchise. Not so anymore. It will cost $6,342,000 to Franchise a Safety in 2009. Do we really want to pay that much for a Safety? Is Jones really that good?

No. He's too soft for that kind of money. Good riddance.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44248https://brownsboard.com/post/44248Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:12:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:43:59 GMT]]>

Aloysius said:

Yeah, those are the numbers. And according to one report, the $2.4M base salary is guaranteed.

thanks A. like you said earlier, i hope they can come to some agreement. paying someone 2.4M to leave is a terrible business move! this seems to be a theme in Cleveland lately.

i'd be fine w/ the 4.4M you suggested Aloysius. sure hope JLew is. 😎

**crosses fingers**

seriously though, just look at him! you wanna tackle that guy?!?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44202https://brownsboard.com/post/44202Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:43:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:24:29 GMT]]>

@ithika said:

It will be a huge loss if we let Jones get away. He will be a Pro Bowl Safety and his best days are in front of him!

and his character and attitude are great. he doesn't complain that i've ever heard, leads by example, and he's aggressive against the run. he makes picks and tackles well too. he's actually one of my favorite players......i'll admit i'd be pretty bummed if he left.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44200https://brownsboard.com/post/44200Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:24:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:56:12 GMT]]>Yeah, those are the numbers. And according to one report, the $2.4M base salary is guaranteed.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44198https://brownsboard.com/post/44198Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:56:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:23:32 GMT]]>

@ytownbrownsbacker said:

I think putting a tag on Jones would mean goodbye to Lewis because of his $6.4 mil contract.

and

@ytownbrownsbacker said:

They are trying to get Lewis to do a new contract. He is due $6.4 million this year.

do you have a link to direct me to where you got that #? i just want to see it myself...cuz a # that big does change things a bit.

are these the #s: 4 mil bonus + a 2.4M base?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44195https://brownsboard.com/post/44195Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:23:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:51:13 GMT]]>One thing we don't know that the new staff if privy to.................................Jones's long term health.

I got to think if they are willing to let him walk or let him go into the open market then they may know something we don't.

I don't think they keep Lewis at his salary either. He had some minor clean out surgery so I don't know where they are with him and his contract.

Kokinis did say that they haven't talked to any of their FAs yet. They have until Feb 27th to work something out with our FAs. After that they are free to talk to any other teams. I think that some players are going to get a wakeup call and realize that teams aren't willing to spend, like in prior years, with this economy.

IMO some of the top FAs will still get their price, but the middle of the road guys may get squeezed.

The new staff and Kokinis may just be waiting to see who gets tagged and who will be in FA before they decide on Jones and some others.

Personally, I like Jones even though he isn't the greatest in coverage and has had some injury issues but, I don't think I pay him over $6 million. He's good, but he isn't great.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44108https://brownsboard.com/post/44108Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:51:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:19:39 GMT]]>If we lose jones and keep Lewis I am going to have a coronary... JL is years past his prime while Jones is in his physical prime.

Cut Lewis or restructure his deal massively, Franchise Jones if necessary to keep him.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44095https://brownsboard.com/post/44095Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:19:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:01:59 GMT]]>If this team loses Jones to keep Jamal I think i'm gonna sh|t my pants

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44089https://brownsboard.com/post/44089Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:01:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:50:47 GMT]]>

@mr.-t said:

Working out a contract may be cheaper in the long run the Browns could save 1 or 2 million a year and everybody is happier that way.

If we franchise him then we still have to work something out the next year.

If we have to tag him to get more time to work out a LTC then so be it, but we can't let the guy go. So many of you fail to remember the year he had in 07 he was far and way this defenses best player, we didn't see that in 08 due to injury but he will "MARK MY WORDS" "WILL" have a break out year next season and I hope the new regime is smart enough to realize that!

Like I said cut JLew and use that 6 mill on a new LTC for Jones he will be worth it. JLew is washed up and the only way he should be kept around is for short yardage situations on a much smaller contract. It's time to draft a stud at RB and keep our youth intact by keeping Jones. How long do we have to sign him before he becomes a FA? Lets get it done!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44085https://brownsboard.com/post/44085Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:50:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:40:32 GMT]]>Working out a contract may be cheaper in the long run the Browns could save 1 or 2 million a year and everybody is happier that way.

If we franchise him then we still have to work something out the next year.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44083https://brownsboard.com/post/44083Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:40:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:32:30 GMT]]>In fact Id rather cut Lewis and franchise Jones!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44082https://brownsboard.com/post/44082Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:32:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:30:26 GMT]]>It will be a huge loss if we let Jones get away. He will be a Pro Bowl Safety and his best days are in front of him!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44081https://brownsboard.com/post/44081Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:30:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Browns going to franchise Sean Jones? on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:18:42 GMT]]>In Kokinis's press conference he indicated they may not tag anybody. He also said that some things change at the 11th hour but it didn't sound like they wanted to pay Jones over $6 million. That would be over half their money they are under the cap. They are trying to get Lewis to do a new contract. He is due $6.4 million this year.

Between Jones, Anderson and resigning Holly and Adams they would only have enough left to sign their draft picks. There would be no money for FA.

Kokinis and Mangini say they have evaluated the roster and have a plan to move on. Seems like they are willing to move on if Jones doesn't sign a decent contract. They have targeted some FAs they are interested in and I don't think they want their hands tied.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/44060https://brownsboard.com/post/44060Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:18:42 GMT