NFL Free Agency Opening Day: Three Bold Browns Predictions

Nov 17, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is introduced before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at LP Field. The Steelers beat the Titans 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Sign either Trent Cole or Derrick Morgan

Our guy Lane Adkins actually thinks both are possible to sign but that would shock us:

Instead we think either one will sign with the Browns today. Cole is the older, more expensive player with a proven track record while Morgan is the younger player, with more upside but a far less given situation, which could allow the Browns to sign him cheaper. Cole is visiting with the Indianapolis Colts today, knowing a lot about his family who live in my area once he committed to visit them he is a man of his word so he did, don’t read a lot into the fact that he left Cleveland. He still could be signed today and if he is, it will be before 4PM most likely.

Morgan on the other hand has had very little talk out there, a little interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which fits our “quiet theory.” The 26 year old has had all 5 seasons with the Tennessee Titans and has been a steady contributor for the last 3 years. He has 6 or more sacks in each of those seasons and has been durable, either 15 or 16 games in the last 14 years. Morgan and Cole together would play similar to Barkevious Mingo and Paul Kruger together, which would be interesting. Getting the younger Morgan, for a cheaper price, may be the way to go but HC Mike Pettine really likes Cole so anything is possible.

Contract(s) – Cole – 3 years, $22 million, Morgan – 4 years, $21 million

Next: How Signings Impact the Team, Draft