Cleveland Browns join free agency, sign a pair of players
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns finally joined in on free agency by signing offensive lineman Alvin Bailey and linebacker Justin Tuggle.
It may have taken them a couple of days, but the Cleveland Browns finally decided to join the free agency fun on Friday, signing a pair of players.
Joining the team are offensive lineman Alvin Bailey and linebacker Justin Tuggle. The moves were announced on the team’s website.
Contract details were not released by the club.
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Bailey comes over from the Seattle Seahawks, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas in 2013. He appeared in 42 games with the Seahawks, making eight starts, and has played at every position along the offensive line except center.
"Alvin Bailey went into last season as the heir at left guard. That plan lasted only a couple of weeks before he was replaced by Justin Britt. Bailey returned to his role as a backup, and continued to show his value in the role."
"Bailey can competently play four different positions along the offensive line. That’s rare, and extremely valuable on game days when teams can only dress 46 players."
"It isn’t easy to find a backup offensive linemen who can step in and play left tackle without a massive drop off in quality from the starter. Bailey has filled in admirably for Russell Okung when he was needed."
"The Seahawks dealt with having to replace two starters last season on the line. They have two more free agent starters this season. Having a guy that can fill in everywhere will be extremely valuable as the unit remains in a state of flux."
Not a bad fit for a team that just lost two starters along the offensive line.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Tuggle comes from the Houston Texans, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas State in 2013. He appeared in 42 games, making 11 starts, for the Texans, posting 52 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception, while adding 19 tackles on special teams. (He also started his collegiate career as a quarterback at Boston College, but let’s not getting any crazy ideas here, Browns fans.)
It was just a year ago that Toro Times tabbed Tuggle as a potential breakout star:
"The son of five-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL All-Pro selection for the Atlanta Falcons, linebacker Jessie Tuggle, Justin was undrafted out of Kansas State in 2013. But the younger Tuggle shined in his second year with Houston last season, starting in eight games, recording 39 total tackles and getting his first interception as a pro."
Tuggle was able to focus on just one position in 2015, which for a player still learning how to play defense was a plus.
“It’s my third year in the league, my fourth year playing defense,” Tuggle told ESPN. “… I feel really comfortable with what I’m doing. I put a lot of time and effort into a lot of film work in the offseason. Just really just tried to catch up because everyone else has been [playing defense] for so long. But I feel good in the spot that I’m at.”
It may not be the type of splash that makes headlines, but at least the signings of Bailey and Tuggle show that the Browns are still in the game.
Next: Browns, Kaepernick have discussed new deal
As the Cleveland Browns work their way through free agency, be sure to follow Dawg Pound Daily for all the latest news on free agency as the Browns work to rebuild their roster.