Let’s Re-Sign Chaun Thompson, and Take the Chance on Al Wilson

In terms of available linebackers, the free agency pool is draining quickly.  Phil Savage has hardly any options to choose from, and his best is in the form of a guy who is coming off a neck injury that kept him out for all of the 2007 season.  Therefore, Savage has turned his attention to re-signing Chaun Thompson, a defensive role player since being drafted in the second round in 2003.   He is expected to get a two-year deal.

If the Browns do not manage to sign Wilson – at this point he’s the best available option for the Browns (why aren’t they visiting with Clark Haggans?) – then there aren’t many players left for the Browns to pursue.  That would leave them with a vastly improved defensive line, but what about the linebacker corps and the secondary?  I believe that Kamerion Wimbley will benefit greatly from the improved line, but there are still a number of questions with the rest of the defense and the Browns could really use another outside linebacker, considering they have yet to obtain someone.

As far as the secondary goes, I don’t know about you, but I’m not 100% confident in Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald.  Despite their surprising success as rookies, they still have a lot to learn without much room for failure and they are going to have to do some serious on-the-job training.  The Browns’ tough schedule next season is going to force them to develop quickly, and one can only hope those two are capable of that.  However, the success of the defense overall all depends on the improved D-line, assuming that Shaun Rogers truly does find a reason to want to play.  At least there is optimism, right?