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
Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns have a number of players that will become free agents off their 2014 roster. Some of those players were starters, some contributors and others were low on the roster. We will focus on the contributors.
These are the ones that we will not have the Browns re-signing in our Mock NFL Free Agency:
Ahtyba Rubin – Rubin has started for the Browns for a few years. He has been loved by Browns fans for his all go, high motor style of play. His play however has fallen off and the Browns were the worst at stopping the run last season. In the 3-4 defense the nose tackle, in this case Rubin, is the most important position to stopping the run. He needs to be replaced and could struggle to get a decent contract this year.
Brian Hoyer – The Cleveland Browns starting QB in 2014 will not be back with the team next year. Hoyer is a hometown boy and did a fine job at the start of the season but fell off as the Browns season started to unravel. He was replaced by Johnny Manziel near the end of the season that started out with high hopes. Where once he was the jewel of Cleveland’s eye, following the Bengals game, he was seen as THE problem before being pulled for Manziel. With Manziel’s terrible performances it is clear that Hoyer was not the only problem. Unfortunately the Browns and Hoyer both will have trepidation about re-entering the relationship, leading to the separation.
Buster Skrine – Skrine did a good job as the Browns #2 corner over the past few seasons. He fits the “Play Like a Brown” mindset that is so important to the team. However cornerbacks get overpaid in free agency and Skrine is likely to be one of those corners. If the bidding doesn’t get too high then it will be far more likely that the Browns retain him. If not the team will feel comfortable with Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert, K’Waun Williams, Pierre Desir and Robert Nelson as their depth chart. Skrine’s free agency was planned for in last year’s draft, and in undrafted free agency, so his return would be seen as a bonus.
Next: Browns Free Agents: The Returners
Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (97) against Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
While Rubin, Hoyer and Skrine, all important starters, will not return in our Browns Mock NFL Free Agency, there are some important Browns contributors that we believe will return:
Miles Austin – Austin was a solid player for the Browns before getting a lacerated kidney trying to fight for extra yards. If Josh Gordon returns they will want Austin to be an important leader in the locker room. If Gordon doesn’t return the Browns are likely to have some young players, via the NFL Draft, on their wide receiver depth chart. Austin will be important to them as well. Austin returns on a low salary much like last year’s 1 year, $2 million deal.
Jordan Cameron – Much like Buster Skrine, Cameron could get a ton of action in free agency. Unlike Skrine, Cameron was injured for much of last season and that will likely keep him from getting the kind of contract he had hoped for at the end of last season. For the Browns, unlike the CB position, they have no starting level tight end to take Cameron’s place. The Browns will sign Cameron to a deal similar to Jeremy Maclin‘s 1 year make good deal coming off a torn ACL.
Jabaal Sheard – Sheard is a player that many fans have little positive regard for. He hasn’t had huge numbers as an outside linebacker but his abilities to rush the passer, play against the run and even play in coverage earned him an 8.2 rating from PFF. That is 9th best among “edge defenders” who are free agents this season. He will get attention in free agency but his lack of sacks could actually play in the Browns favor. A 3 or 4 year deal for Sheard is to be expected. His versatility and strength is vital for Mike Pettine’s defense.
Next: Getting Wide Receivers Early
Nov 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts III (84) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Jacksonville 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Duron Carter – CFL
The Cleveland Browns have looked at Carter already with a workout on Friday. The team met with Carter about a month ago as well. While Farmer has made it clear that drafting a wide receiver high is not something he is likely to do, bringing in one in free agency is likely. The team gets a little best of both worlds with Carter. He is young but has experience professionally from his time in the CFL. He is a huge receiver, 6’5″, that projects as a low level #1 or a great #2 over the next few seasons. The Browns will be making decisions this year as if Josh Gordon is not a part of their long term future. Carter, and the return of Miles Austin, is the start of that.
Cecil Shorts – Jacksonville Jaguars
Shorts is the completion of that. Shorts is a perfect #2 type receiver to go along with Carter and Andrew Hawkins. Shorts runs all the routes well, has great hands and is from the area. With a number of high profile receivers hitting the market the Browns strike quickly to bring in Shorts before other teams move on from their primary, bigger, targets. We profiled Shorts earlier this off-season and feel great about his fit with the culture of the Browns. The 6′ receiver had 53 catches for 557 yards and 1 TD last season. Chad Henne and Blake Bortles, along with missing 3 games, can impact anyone’s stats. It will also help the Browns pull in Shorts for less than expected.
1st Step Complete – With the additions of Carter and Shorts the Browns will have shored up the biggest weakness on the roster and given themselves both leverage over Gordon and the freedom to drop him as they see fit. With an engaged Gordon the Browns’ top 5 receivers could rival that of most other teams, which could also lead to cutting Austin at the end of Training Camp. Without him they will still have a solid group of receivers to work with, most with upside to continue to develop.
Next: Stage 2 of Browns Mock NFL Free Agency
Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) throws a pass during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Mallett – In what could become a QB trade the Browns sign Ryan Mallett to compete for their opening as the starting quarterback. Brian Hoyer could find himself replacing Mallett in Houston. Mallett has had very little experience actually on the field in the NFL. He sat behind Tom Brady for awhile and then got hurt in Houston after finally getting a chance. It took him some time to get the playbook down and get a feel for his receivers but he played extremely well against the Browns. His big arm will excite Browns fans and he will help take advantage of the receivers we have added to the roster. He won’t come with a high salary to start out with but will have escalators built into his contract based on starting and performance. Mark Sanchez and Jake Locker are other free agent options. Getting a veteran QB to compete with Johnny Manziel is vital to the team’s off-season plan.
Stephen Paea – While many Browns fans are hoping for Ndamukong Suh to bolster the defensive line, he doesn’t fill their biggest need at nose tackle. Paea, the 2nd rated free agent interior defensive lineman according to PFF, does fit that need but he has some ability to also bounce outside at DE as well. The 6’1″ 300 pound Paea had 6 sacks last year for the Bears and is a monster in the middle of the line. His flexibility makes him useful and he will come much cheaper than Suh.
Stevan Ridley – While the Browns invested in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, Farmer and Pettine will look for a veteran back who can help provide some stability to the rotation. Ben Tate struggled with this but the Free Agent class is littered with young vets that could supply the type of production and leadership that is needed. That should drive down the cost. If one of the backs they target gets a significantly better offer the team will just move on. Ridely, Shane Vereen, Ryan Matthews, Mark Ingram, Daniel Thomas and even C.J. Spiller could be the third head of the running back group next year. Ridley is an interesting back, one who seemed to get harmed by the Bill Bellichick school of hard knocks.
Next: Rounding It Up
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns are likely to sign other free agents but 5 new starters or high level contributors is a good number to look at. The team will always look for depth on the offensive and defensive line and could look for depth at corner if Skrine leaves. With these additions the Browns team is not perfect but it has the makings of a competitive team for years to come.
Offense
The offense will be improved dramatically with the return of Alex Mack. The team also has Michael Bowie, a starter on the Seahawks offensive line during the 2014 Super Bowl run, who could take over as the starting right tackle or guard. Two quick upgrades to the offensive line for a team that likes to run the ball will be huge.
Then with the addition of Carter and Shorts, whether Gordon returns or not, will pair well with the re-signed Austin and Cameron and the returning Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel. Adding a veteran running back should help stabilize things for the two young backs.
For the offense, and the team, the quarterback spot is the most important. Mallett may not excite many but he should put the bulls-eye directly on Manziel’s back. We also expect the Browns to draft a QB. Marcus Mariota will interest Farmer if he starts to fall while Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty could be targets in the 2nd and 4th rounds respectively. With an upgraded group of receivers, a healthy offensive line and a great run game, Mallett could excel or he could be the push Manziel needed to show that he can play in the league.
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Defense
The defense needs far less help than the offense. We expect that the team will address the defense heavily in the NFL Draft, and we have them doing so in our 7 Round Mock as well. Adding Paea and bringing back Sheard will help the defense attack the run. With the run on defensive coaches hired as new head coaches this year we expect that defenders will be highly sought after commodities on the free agent market. That will likely keep the Browns out of that market as they have not shown a desire to overpay by much.
Draft Needs
In the NFL Draft the Browns will continue to look to draft the best player available. We still would expect an interior defensive lineman, an offensive lineman, a high drafted tight end, an inside linebacker, a safety and a quarterback to be added to the roster to fill holes and for long term development. The Browns will use the Draft to identify players they want and go after them. They will continue to be active in both trading up and trading back to get what and who they want.
The Browns Mock NFL Free Agency is finished. While the team is likely to add a number of lower level free agents as well for now Duron Carter, Cecil Shorts, Ryan Mallett, Stephen Paea and Stevan Ridley are the primary contributors that we have them signing. Off-season upgraded started.
What do you think of our first look at NFL Free Agency and our Browns Mock Signings?
Next: Browns 7 Round Mock Draft
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