Browns Free Agency Given ‘D’ Grade
Fans thought Cleveland Browns Free Agency was bad starting off but settled in as a part of the second week. The Browns didn’t make a big splash in Week 1 but have signed starters Josh McCown, Brian Hartline, Tramon Williams and Dwayne Bowe along with possible defensive starter Randy Starks.
So while PFF’s ranking shows that the Browns have improved (New Window), some fans and media think otherwise. ESPN had their experts give grades for team’s free agency and the Browns were given the worse grade, a ‘D’:
"Polian offered an incomplete grade. Williamson said he would give the “worst grade you possibly can give” — and it was tough finding anyone to disagree too strongly.“Tramon Williams and Randy Starks could be smart signings after the initial rush of free agency,” Yates said. “They needed wide receivers in the worst way and they clearly still lack a No. 1. Maybe they intend to be a more run-oriented team. McCown is fine. I am not decidedly in favor or against their offseason so far.”Riddick saw a team that was making moves without clear purpose. Wiliamson was harsher: “They had so much to spend and they settled for what they got. I like Starks and Williams. I do not like Bowe. Hartline is a local guy. I just do not think anyone wants to play for the Browns. They are the new Raiders. It’s easy to say I would go out and get Suh if I were the GM, but he does not want to play there.”"
A few things stick out that make us wonder where the logic for the grade comes from:
“They needed wide receivers in the worst way” – They signed two in Bowe and Hartline. While neither is a #1 receiver per se, both are upgrades as Yates said the team needed. That should help the Browns grade.
“Maybe they intend to be a more run-oriented team” – They ARE a run-oriented team. That is what Mike Pettine has clearly stated the Browns are and want to be. Last year they proved that and they will continue to. No one who follows the team at all would think they ever wanted to be anything different.
“Making moves without a clear purpose” – The Browns signed 4 or 5 players that will start next year. That is the definition of purpose. Williams has the length to play the way Pettine wants his corners to. Bowe and Hartline gives the Browns two receivers in a run-oriented offense. McCown could start and help mentor Johnny Manziel or another young QB and Starks fills multiple roles on the defensive line.
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“I just do not think anyone wants to play for the Browns. They are the new Raiders. It’s easy to say I would go out and get Suh if I were the GM, but he does not want to play there.” – A very damning statement but possibly true. Players don’t want to go to losing situations, especially when the team doesn’t play in a destination city. Once/when the Browns start winning this changes. Besides Trent Cole and Jordan Cameron the Browns didn’t lose out on any players that they seemed willing to match the salary the player got. Cole went where he could win and Cameron chose a location and a new start.
Browns Free Agency was not “won.” Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine are okay with that. There are no examples of teams winning free agency and then winning on the field.
What do you think of ESPN’s grade of Browns Free Agency?