Daily Dawg Tags: A lesson in free agent quarterbacks

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the second half during the NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the second half during the NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns were active in the opening hours of free agency. Hopefully they also picked up an important lesson along the way.

The Cleveland Browns were busy during the first 24 hours of free agency.

The team signed two offensive lineman who should definitely strengthen the team, added a veteran wide receiver and saw another wide receiver leave town.

The Browns also rocked the NFL by trading for Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, picking up a second-round draft pick in the process. All because the Texans were so very desperate to avoid paying Osweiler the $16 million they owed him this year as part of the ill-fated deal they gave Osweiler a year ago in free agency.

Cleveland has no intention of keeping Osweiler and are looking to deal him for whatever they can get. If that doesn’t work out, they will reportedly release him.

While adding another draft pick is nice, hopefully the Browns also paid attention to what happened with Osweiler in Houston and learned a lesson about the folly of lusting after another team’s backup quarterback.

If so, then the $16 million they will pay Osweiler this year will be worth every penny.

Cleveland Browns news:

Don’t blame the Browns for Terrelle Pryor leaving

The Cleveland Browns lost Terrelle Pryor to the Washington Redskins on Friday. But that says more about Pryor than it does about the Browns.

Browns reportedly looking to trade Brock Osweiler

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly looking to trade Brock Osweiler for a draft pick. Hopefully they are learning the folly of free agent quarterbacks.

If he stays healthy, JC Tretter is an upgrade at center

The Cleveland Browns signed JC Tretter to stabilize the center position. Is he the longterm answer or will his injury history make him a just a quick fix?

Kevin Zeitler solidifies right guard position

The Cleveland Browns addressed the massive black hole on their offensive line by signing right guard Kevin Zeitler. Will it be enough to protect the team’s future quarterback?

Grading the Browns moves in free agency

The Cleveland Browns made waves on Thursday with some major deals on what was the first day of free agency for the 2017 season.

Brock Osweiler should listen to Kurt Warner

The Cleveland Browns are not planning to keep quarterback Brock Osweiler and former QB Kurt Warner has some advice for what comes next.

NFL news:

Tired of the Redskins dysfunction? There’s one person to blame (Washington Post)

"Dan Snyder doesn’t really want to win. He would rather be the controlling figure in a poisonous, culture-of-fear organization than a marginal figure in a successful and happy one. In the nearly two decades that Snyder has owned Washington’s football team, there has been just one constant — him. Apparently he much prefers firing people to winning with them."

Texans sit idly by in free agency and allow quarterback crisis to fester (Houston Chronicle)

"Free-agency frenzy. The NFL’s annual cash circus. Instant multimillionaires, newly branded jersey backs and must-have season tickets. Except in Houston. The only big news out of this football-obsessed city has been Brock Osweiler suddenly being banished to Cleveland."

Anyone need a running back? (ESPN)

"The first wave of NFL free agency revealed at least two indisputable truths: There is no market for veteran running backs. There is wide-spread desperation for credible offensive linemen."

Jimmy Garoppolo’s trade value is cresting (SB Nation)

"One of the most interesting players on the 2017 NFL quarterback market is a man who has made only two starts in his pro career. Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown just 94 passes in his three years as a professional, but may just be the most desirable young building block available this spring."