May have been posted on another thread but it sounds like a team has a trade in place for Alex Smith. The trade can't be announced until the new league year on 3/12. The teams speculated are the Browns, Jags & Chiefs with heavy speculation being the Chiefs. God I hope it's not Cleveland.

Heard on Sirius XM this morning that the Rats expect to tag Flacco with the regular franchise tag.

The big NT from Utah has a heart condition, so that may affect who is available for the Browns in the draft.

BR1986FB;1395612 wrote:Heard on Sirius XM this morning that the Rats expect to tag Flacco with the regular franchise tag.

So that means two first rounders?

Sonofanump;1395623 wrote:So that means two first rounders?

From what I understand, they would have to tender him to make him worth 2 first rounders. I believe a tag keeps him on the ravens, but will make him ridiculously expensive after the following season.

BR1986FB;1395612 wrote:May have been posted on another thread but it sounds like a team has a trade in place for Alex Smith. The trade can't be announced until the new league year on 3/12. The teams speculated are the Browns, Jags & Chiefs with heavy speculation being the Chiefs. God I hope it's not Cleveland.

Heard on Sirius XM this morning that the Rats expect to tag Flacco with the regular franchise tag.

It's not the Browns or Jags

bases_loaded;1395635 wrote:It's not the Browns or Jags

Just saw that. They're bringing in Steve Breaston for a visit too....

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/steve_breaston_to_meet_with_br.html

The Browns will actively look at guards, defensive backs, wide receivers, tight-ends and a fullback immediately in free agency.

The organization seeks a starting quality cornerback, a starting quality guard, potentially a starting quality safety, wide receiver and tight-end – and a FB is likely.

They like Mike Wallace but not his projected $10 million/yr pricetag.

All of this is from the OBR. The OBR is also calling "BS' on Haslam's comments about "not being very active in free agency." They think the organization will be very active.

bases_loaded;1395610 wrote:http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/42620/309/top-50-free-agency-forecast

Evan Silva predicts the Browns end up with Kruger and Keenan Lewis

They supposedly have major wood for Keenan Lewis.

From Joe Banner....

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/joe_banner_says_jury_still_out.html

Hopefully he's just saying this to fire Gordon up and make him better. But I don't believe this for a second. Gordon is by far worth the 2nd round pick we gave up, especially in this draft.

Benny The Jet;1395665 wrote:From Joe Banner....

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/joe_banner_says_jury_still_out.html

Hopefully he's just saying this to fire Gordon up and make him better. But I don't believe this for a second. Gordon is by far worth the 2nd round pick we gave up, especially in this draft.

I have no problem with what he said in regards to Gordon. I think the point he was attempting to make was that any WR you take with the 38th overall pick had better turn out to be a legit weapon. I dont see it as a personal attack at all. That being said, it sounds to me like banner wants to trade down. Doesn't want to take OG or secondary at #6. The comments about weeden getting a second chance but with competition smells like a mid-round pick. No way you take a TE or FB that early. That means its either pass rush or trade back. Sounds to me like banner would rather get two guys in the 18-60 range than one guy at #6.

CLEconomically Speaking;1395690 wrote:I have no problem with what he said in regards to Gordon. I think the point he was attempting to make was that any WR you take with the 38th overall pick had better turn out to be a legit weapon. I dont see it as a personal attack at all. That being said, it sounds to me like banner wants to trade down. Doesn't want to take OG or secondary at #6. The comments about weeden getting a second chance but with competition smells like a mid-round pick. No way you take a TE or FB that early. That means its either pass rush or trade back. Sounds to me like banner would rather get two guys in the 18-60 range than one guy at #6.

I would rather do that as well, but good luck finding a team to trade with.

like_that;1395696 wrote:I would rather do that as well, but good luck finding a team to trade with.

Best bet would be that a playoff team looking at Milliner or one of the O-linemen. Needs to be a team with one glaring need willing to give up a couple picks for their guy. I'd look for the browns to trade down into the sub 20 range for a second and fourth

CLEconomically Speaking;1395711 wrote:Best bet would be that a playoff team looking at Milliner or one of the O-linemen. Needs to be a team with one glaring need willing to give up a couple picks for their guy. I'd look for the browns to trade down into the sub 20 range for a second and fourth

Kind of like what the Cowboys did last year to trade up for Claiborne. I think Jerry Jones thought they were one piece away so they went for it. Would be nice if someone else felt that way about Milliner.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Browns take one of the 3 E's at tight end in the first or second if they are able to trade down. Escobar isn't worth a first, but the other two would be. Not saying its what I want, but I could see it happening.

There's always an opportunity to trade down in the NFL Draft now that the salaries are slotted. While this could be regarded as a "weak" draft at the top, there is a high probability that there will be a team that values someone at #6 more than the Browns do, even if there's no chatter now.

CLEconomically Speaking;1395714 wrote:I wouldn't be surprised to see the Browns take one of the 3 E's at tight end in the first or second if they are able to trade down. Escobar isn't worth a first, but the other two would be. Not saying its what I want, but I could see it happening.

Eiffert is going to be a stud

[h=1]Cleveland Browns ready to spend big in free agency?[/h]66


[LEFT]INDIANAPOLIS -- Once the [/LEFT]NFL Scouting Combine[LEFT] wraps up, the NFL world will focus its attention on free agency. We still have more than two weeks until the new league year begins, but the market already is starting to shape up.[/LEFT]
Offseason Forecast: Browns
With the offseason under way, Around The League examines what's next for all 32 teams. Marc Sessler covers the Browns.
More ...


[LEFT]The Alex Smith-to-Kansas City Chiefs chatter is picking up steam. And there has been plenty of after-hours chatter here that points toward how next month will look.

One expectation: "Cleveland's going to try to spend some money early," SI.com's Peter King told us on NFL.com's live coverage of the combine.It's not a huge shock. The Browns have salary-cap space to burn, a new owner and plenty of roster holes.
The Browns are fairly deep at offensive tackle, but they could look to add a big-name wide receiver or cornerback.

The Browns are seriously lacking in pass rushers, but it's not like many of those players are available in free agency.

The Browns' linebacker group also could use some numbers.
Spending big money in free agency always is a dangerous prospect, as current Browns president Joe Banner learned in Philadelphia. First-time owners like new Browns chief Jimmy Haslam often only learn to not overspend in free agency by making a few big mistakes.

by Gregg Rosenthal
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000144912/art icle/cleveland-browns-ready-to-spend-big-in-free-a gency[/LEFT]

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/256453/football-headlines?r=1

Mallett on the trade block.

From the OBR...

Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi # Browns QB Brandon Weeden on ESPN 850 WKNR right now.


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Brandon Weeden on offseason: "I know all the moves made so far have been great for this organization. Mr. Haslam & Co. have done a great job


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Brandon Weeden: "I know I'm a better player than I played all year ... I see a lot of areas of improvement ... I feel it starts with me."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Bernie Kosar on Weeden: "I don't personally think the (Browns offensive) system was set up to Brandon's strengths."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden: "I've always felt my strength was throwing the football down the field. I feel we have the pieces around, Gordon, Benjamin, Little."


Dennis Manoloff ‏ @ dmansworldpd Bernie taking on role of father figure to Weeds during radio interview on espn 850's Hooligans.


Dennis Manoloff ‏ @ dmansworldpd Bernie barely holding back his distaste for the Shurmurnator's West Coast Offense. # browns


Dennis Manoloff ‏ @ dmansworldpd Weeds owns his rookie season on the Hooligans: "I know I'm better than the way I played." # browns


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden: "I can tell by seeing what Phillip (Rivers) has done, it looks like they give the QB freedom to put his team in the best position."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden on excessive batted balls: "Looking back, I think 1. I need to speed up my drop. 2. We threw a lot of those shallow crossing routes."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Kosar railing on short passing game as biggest reason for Weeden batted balls.


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden on Banner/Lombardi public comments: "I get it. They haven't been here. These weren't the guys that drafted me."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden: "If I would have played better and we'd won more games, that would be different case. I'm very confident in my ability ...


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden on Chud/Norv: "I'm excited to work with these guys."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden on possible motivation from public comments: "I know where I am mentally. Know I'm one of the most competitive guys."


Tony Grossi ‏ @ TonyGrossi Weeden on competition: "I'm not discouraged about it. I'm excited about the competition."


Now meeting with reporters:


Nate Ulrich ‏ @ NateUlrichABJ # Browns QB Brandon Weeden said he thinks competition can bring best out of him. Said it's his job to get better & he expects to do that.


Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot # browns qb Brandon Weeden said he hasn't sat down and had any talks w/ banner or brass about his standing yet.


Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot # browns Weeden said "I worked my tail off last year."


Nate Ulrich ‏ @ NateUlrichABJ # Browns QB Brandon Weeden said he worked his tail off last year. Doesn't understand why anyone would suggest otherwise.


Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot # browns Weeden said cba rules have prevented him from seeing new playbook yet. "I completely expect to be the starter."


Scott Petrak ct ‏ @ ScottPetrak # Browns Weeden said league rules prohibit much contact with coaches in offseason. No playbook yet. Will be here when workouts start April 1.


Nate Ulrich ‏ @ NateUlrichABJ # Browns QB Brandon Weeden said he's "absolutely" confident he can beat out any competition team acquires.


Mary Kay Cabot ‏ @ MaryKayCabot Former # browns qb Kosar said this is best offense for Weeden "to showcase his skills," big arm, etc.


Scott Petrak ct ‏ @ ScottPetrak # Browns Weeden said worked "tirelessly" last year every night, every week. Banner, Chud said he has potential, up to him to make most of it.

I expect weeden to have a much better year tbh. He is mentally strong imo, and will do the work to get better. I also just think Chud's offense will help him tremendously. If Chud allows T-Rich to do his thing, Weeden will look completely different than last year. The few times Shurmur allowed T-Rich to pwn, Weeden ended up looking very good for those games. He just needs to find a way to eliminate interceptions. He is not a rookie anymore, he does not have an excuse for throwing 17 ints.

T-Rich comments on Weeden's troubles reading defenses...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/nfl_network_reporter_says_clev.html

like_that;1396183 wrote:I expect weeden to have a much better year tbh. He is mentally strong imo, and will do the work to get better. I also just think Chud's offense will help him tremendously. If Chud allows T-Rich to do his thing, Weeden will look completely different than last year. The few times Shurmur allowed T-Rich to pwn, Weeden ended up looking very good for those games. He just needs to find a way to eliminate interceptions. He is not a rookie anymore, he does not have an excuse for throwing 17 ints.

My biggest concern with him is "is he a leader?" Does he have that "fire in the belly" to be a stud NFL QB or is he just "glad to be here?" I think he has the physical tools. I just don't know if he has that hunger/burning desire to be a winner. I think he can be much better in a system that suits him.

BR1986FB;1396437 wrote:My biggest concern with him is "is he a leader?" Does he have that "fire in the belly" to be a stud NFL QB or is he just "glad to be here?" I think he has the physical tools. I just don't know if he has that hunger/burning desire to be a winner. I think he can be much better in a system that suits him.

I am hoping his criticism will drive him to be that guy, but as far as skill position players go, t-rich will probably be the leader of that offense.

like_that;1396439 wrote:I am hoping his criticism will drive him to be that guy, but as far as skill position players go, t-rich will probably be the leader of that offense.

By reading Banner's comments I get the impression it wasn't so much a vote of confidence for Weeden in as much as it was a "there's nothing better out there." I think that Banner & Lombardi desparately want to dump him while Chud & Turner may have said, "hey, there might be something there to work with.' All speculative but I don't think Banner is all that high on him. Either way, this year for Weeden (if he starts) is "put out or get out."

BR1986FB;1396466 wrote:By reading Banner's comments I get the impression it wasn't so much a vote of confidence for Weeden in as much as it was a "there's nothing better out there." I think that Banner & Lombardi desparately want to dump him while Chud & Turner may have said, "hey, there might be something there to work with.' All speculative but I don't think Banner is all that high on him. Either way, this year for Weeden (if he starts) is "put out or get out."

I agree, and hopefully he proves banner and dipshit lombardi wrong, because I don't want to look for another fucking QB again. Weeden def deserves a 2nd year.