like_that;1117049 wrote:Browns are just not going to get the good FAs until they start winning plain and simple.

Agreed

wes_mantooth;1117055 wrote:

reps

BR1986FB;1116993 wrote:Apparently H&H are having a conference call with "select fans" today at 2pm to discuss what's going on in free agency. If I get any recaps I'll post but I'm assuming they will be screening calls, etc and giving the usual canned/bull**** answers that most front offices give.

I actually got a call yesterday about that. They told me to expect a call around 2 pm to ask h n h a question

shook_17;1117072 wrote:I actually got a call yesterday about that. They told me to expect a call around 2 pm to ask h n h a question

Choose wisely, you don't want to get cut off for saying something that might make others think you belong in the role of CZAR!

Lol It will be interesting for sure. I need to think of a good question..

I did see on twitter patterson our db did sign a 3 year deal today

ProFootballTalk ‏ @ProFootballTalk Dimitri Patterson agrees to terms on a three-year deal with the Browns, per league source.

shook_17;1117086 wrote:Lol It will be interesting for sure. I need to think of a good question..

Hometown Buffet or Golden Corral?

Commander of Awesome;1117090 wrote:ProFootballTalk ‏ @ProFootballTalk Dimitri Patterson agrees to terms on a three-year deal with the Browns, per league source.

Good deal. I like his potential.

Commander of Awesome;1117090 wrote:ProFootballTalk ‏ @ProFootballTalk Dimitri Patterson agrees to terms on a three-year deal with the Browns, per league source.

$16 million ($6 guaranteed)

I like the signing as well.

Tis a shame that the draft isn't for over another month...

I'm starting to think the trade down may be the best way to go. Heckert has said they won't be major players in free agency. Building through the draft will take forever. The ONLY way to expedite this process is to have MORE draft picks so if you should miss on a player you increase your chances of "hits" by sheer numbers.

Also notice that to prevent the young studs (Thomas, DQ, Rubin, etc) from walking they are pulling a John Hart/mid 90's Cleveland Indians model by re-signing these young guys before their rookie contracts are up. Alex Mack should be next.

BR1986FB;1117110 wrote:I'm starting to think the trade down may be the best way to go. Heckert has said they won't be major players in free agency. Building through the draft will take forever. The ONLY way to expedite this process is to have MORE draft picks so if you should miss on a player you increase your chances of "hits" by sheer numbers.

Also notice that to prevent the young studs (Thomas, DQ, Rubin, etc) from walking they are pulling a John Hart/mid 90's Cleveland Indians model by re-signing these young guys before their rookie contracts are up. Alex Mack should be next.

And in doing so, the Indians made the 95 and 97 World Series... hmmm, I like the sound of that. Move down to 6, get at least 3 picks back, and we could still fill a need at that position (Claiborne, Richardson, Blackmon). I LOVE the idea of having 5 picks in the first 39 players taken off the board. With the way H +H have drafted over the past two years, I have to believe that AT LEAST 4 of those 5 picks would virtually become a lock for a starting role and a producer.

Dr. KnOiTaLL;1117117 wrote:And in doing so, the Indians made the 95 and 97 World Series... hmmm, I like the sound of that. Move down to 6, get at least 3 picks back, and we could still fill a need at that position (Claiborne, Richardson, Blackmon). I LOVE the idea of having 5 picks in the first 39 players taken off the board. With the way H +H have drafted over the past two years, I have to believe that AT LEAST 4 of those 5 picks would virtually become a lock for a starting role and a producer.

Well since it's obvious that Heckert has NO interest in free agency, I guess this is the way they will have to go. It will still be another 3 years before they can even say "playoffs" at this rate but at least I understand it better now.

BR1986FB;1117122 wrote:Well since it's obvious that Heckert has NO interest in free agency, I guess this is the way they will have to go. It will still be another 3 years before they can even say "playoffs" at this rate but at least I understand it better now.

I think they are doing exactly what someone said yesterday and waiting until the dust settles to get some of the "bargain" players. I'm really curious what the plan is for guard and tackle considering most of the projected early picks show the Browns taking offensive weapons. Are they planning on starting Lauvao still? Should be interesting to see if we can lure in a few more FA's at a reasonable cost.

Anyone know how much cap space we have left?

Steinbach released a statement thanking the Browns, owner Randy Lerner and Cleveland’s fans.
“It has been a good ride in Cleveland and I hope it can continue,” he said. “I’m proud to say that the offensive line has been a bright spot through the past few seasons. It has been a privilege to play for the city of Cleveland and its rich tradition. Mr. Lerner has always treated me with respect and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work for him and his organization.
“I will continue to work with the Browns through my agent in hopes of striking a deal that is practical and fair for both sides. In the meantime, I will explore other opportunities. If I do move on, I want to thank the people and fans of Cleveland who have treated my family and I with great support and hospitality. If my time here comes to an end, I want the people of this great city to remember one thing; `You stay classy Cleveland!”’

Dr. KnOiTaLL;1117137 wrote:I think they are doing exactly what someone said yesterday and waiting until the dust settles to get some of the "bargain" players. I'm really curious what the plan is for guard and tackle considering most of the projected early picks show the Browns taking offensive weapons. Are they planning on starting Lauvao still? Should be interesting to see if we can lure in a few more FA's at a reasonable cost.

I could see them grabbing Collins or Dunlap to play RT and then coming back with perhaps a trade down and grabbing someone like Cordy Glenn to play RG (with a later 1st rounder). Lauvao & Greco as depth...

LT-Thomas
LG-Pinky
C-Mack
RG-Glenn
RT-Collins or Dunlap

BR1986FB;1117145 wrote:I could see them grabbing Collins or Dunlap to play RT and then coming back with perhaps a trade down and grabbing someone like Cordy Glenn to play RG (with a later 1st rounder). Lauvao & Greco as depth...

LT-Thomas
LG-Pinky
C-Mack
RG-Glenn
RT-Collins or Dunlap

I like the look of that offensive line. Definitely room for development too as there would be some youth. If we move down from 4 and receive, say 2-2nd round picks, it would be interesting for them to try to package a couple more picks to move up into the 1st round for a third pick. That would be phenomenal.

Dr. KnOiTaLL;1117149 wrote:I like the look of that offensive line. Definitely room for development too as there would be some youth. If we move down from 4 and receive, say 2-2nd round picks, it would be interesting for them to try to package a couple more picks to move up into the 1st round for a third pick. That would be phenomenal.

This is how the Cowboys built that fantastic O-Line for Emmitt Smith. Jimmy Johnson parlayed that Herschel Walker trade into something real nice. Maybe Heckert can do it with the Julio Jones deal and another trade down this year?

BR1986FB;1117122 wrote:Well since it's obvious that Heckert has NO interest in free agency, I guess this is the way they will have to go. It will still be another 3 years before they can even say "playoffs" at this rate but at least I understand it better now.

You can say that again.

We are in year 3 of the rebuild and still don't have a QB, RB, or #1 caliber receiver.

When Holmgren came in I thought at worst even if we sucked the offense would be good and we'd be exciting to watch. That couldn't be further from the truth.

IggyPride00;1117158 wrote:When Holmgren came in I thought at worst even if we sucked the offense would be good and we'd be exciting to watch. That couldn't be further from the truth.

This question isn't directed at just you but how many people here can HONESTLY say that they thought we'd be going into year 3 with Mike 'The QB Guru" Holmgren in charge and STILL not be settled on a franchise QB?

BR1986FB;1117160 wrote:This question isn't directed at just you but how many people here can HONESTLY say that they thought we'd be going into year 3 with Mike 'The QB Guru" Holmgren in charge and STILL not be settled on a franchise QB?

I thought it would be the first thing he did.

He of all people understands just how important that position is. That it has been neglected as it has is mind blowing.

Tweets from Frostee the Snowman's conference call (I cut & pasted the group...didn't post each one individually off Twitter )

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge All set for the # Browns new DE Frostee Rucker's conference call w the media. Quotes coming shortly

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said "It was pretty much a no brainer. I want to be a part of something on the rise."

Daryl Ruiter ‏ @ RuiterWrongFAN Rucker's agent - Jimmy Gould said that # Browns organization blew them both away; they went all in w/ # Browns

Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Frostee Rucker's agent Jim Gould on # Browns: They've got a major rebuilding program going up there.

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said "(Playing time) was a big factor in it."

Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot # Browns new DE Frostee Rucker said he's been waiting for this opportunity to play a larger role at end, start and not rotate as much.

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said "They approached me with pretty much giving me the keys to the car." Said he will be starting at DE

Nate Ulrich ‏ @ NateUlrichABJ DE Frostee Rucker said he has been bred to be a disciplined player and believes he can help # Browns' run defense b/c of it.

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said "I sat in Mr. Holmgren's office for about a good hour and had a good heart to heart about football."

Nate Ulrich ‏ @ NateUlrichABJ Rucker's agent, Jim Gould, is on conference call, too. Said Rucker had interest from others, but # Browns' intense approach was appealing.

Daryl Ruiter ‏ @ RuiterWrongFAN Gould said the # Browns made Rucker their #1 offseason priority

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said the Browns defense was "a scrappy group" and he was "impressed"

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Rucker said "I know what it takes to play Pit Balt and Cin and I know what it takes to play at a high level against those guys"

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Rucker said the off field problems were "a long time ago" & he "is in a good place right now."

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said he doesn't hang out with "knuckleheads" anymore

Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot # Browns DE Frostee Rucker addressed some of his past off-field issues, saying he's in a good place in his life and that he's matured.

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said Colt McCoy is an "awesome player and tough guy and if they build around him he can he a heck of a player"

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Rucker said "I was mostly used as an inside rusher. I found my nitch inside but...I can rush the passer from the edge"

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge # Browns DE Frostee Rucker said "Coach (Dick) Jauron is a brilliant man."

Will Burge ‏ @ WillBurge Very impressed w Frostee Rucker on the conference call. Especially how he answered questions about his past off the field problems

Not me.

Heath Evans (He works for the NFL network and used to play for the seahawks 2001-2004) said our offense is the same offense that has been used for 15 years. He said he can call plays from his couch watching the game, 0 things changed from his time with the Seahawks. He also thought Colt was a good QB it was just the lack of evolution of the offense that is the problem. He cited his time with the Saints and examples from their offense which is a derivative of the west coach, and was "modernized". It blamed Holmgren and Shurmer for our all offensive issues and he really liked Colt.