NFL Free Agency: Browns Mock
Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, left, and general manager Ray Farmer talk before a game against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency comes before the NFL Draft. Much of what happens in Free Agency has a dramatic impact on the Draft. Yet, unlike the Draft, decisions in Free Agency are decisions made by two sides (player and team) with open competition from the rest of the NFL. The Draft is a decision by one team after another with the only competition being when a player is chosen but it is done orderly.
The Cleveland Browns have the money to spend, needs at multiple positions and a desire to be competitive next season. That sets them up to be highly active in NFL Free Agency. Both GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine also are aware that they work for an owner who isn’t overly patient in Jimmy Haslam. While the owner has made it clear that he believes strongly in his team’s leadership, He isn’t long for losing. After a 7 – 9 season his expectations are also likely high.
While the record is an improvement from the past few seasons it isn’t an accurate be all end all evaluation of a team. The Browns buoyed their record with wins over Oakland, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans and Tennessee all teams with losing records. The Browns only victories over teams with winning records came against division foes Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
Next year the Browns could face a fare more difficult schedule as they face off with the dreaded NFC West, the strong AFC West to go along with the rugged AFC North. The Browns could significantly improve their talent, coaching and performance and still end up with the same, or worse record.
Farmer and Pettine can’t think that way but fans can often struggle with their expectations especially after the type of NFL Free Agency and NFL Draft that we expect this off-season. So let’s get started on our Browns Mock NFL Free Agency.
Next: Browns Free Agents: Letting Some Go