The Cleveland Browns have had some serious roster turnover the past few seasons. The team is now full of young promising faces and does not have many players past the age of 30. This article takes a look at the 3 players on the Browns roster over the age of 30.
The Cleveland Browns have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL. This is due to the constant roster turnover and large draft classes the team has brought in as of late.
They surely have made it a priority of bringing in young talent to hopefully develop for long term success.
However, the team has brought in some older veteran leadership to help develop the young Browns talent. Two of the three currentBrowns players over the age of 30 were brought in this off-season.
These players are quarterback Drew Stanton and tight end Darren Fells. The third player over the age of 30 was on the roster last season, and his name is Britton Colquitt.
Each of these players has had a special path to the Cleveland Browns. These paths provided them with the experience to help contribute to the Browns in each of their own ways. Take a look at each of their back stories, and what they’re expected to bring to the field this season.
Quarterback Drew Stanton
Coming out of high school, Drew Stanton was a fairly heavy recruited prospect. He played high school ball in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and was the 6th overall quarterback in the 2002 class, according to Rivals. Stanton had offers to Michigan, Michigan State, Florida, Oregon, and UCLA.
He would eventually go to Michigan State, having a successful college career as their starting quarterback.
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Drew Stanton was a 2nd round pick by the Lions in the 2008 draft. He has been a career backup in the NFL, never starting more than 8 games in a season.
He did so in the 2014 season, stepping up for the Cardinals after quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a season ending injury. In those 8 games, Stanton would lead a talented Cardinals team to go 5-3.
Stanton is entering his 12th season in the NFL, and this should be his 9th season making a 53-man roster. Over his long career, he has started only 17 games, going 11-6 in those.
Drew Stanton is not known for his ability to put up crazy statistics. He has a career completion percentage of only 52.4%, 4059 yards, 20 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. The Browns are not expecting Stanton to beat out Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield in some three way quarterback battle.
Throughout his time in Detroit, Indianapolis, and especially Arizona, Stanton learned how to do just enough to win football games. The Browns are expecting Stanton to be able to mentor first overall pick Baker Mayfield, teaching him this very important quality.
Stanton, like many veteran backup quarterbacks in the NFL, is expected to be a mentor to Baker. This takes a bit off of Tyrod Taylors plate, allowing Tyrod to attack the season without having to worry if he is teaching his backup too many tricks, causing him to lose his starting role.
At 34 years old, Stanton’s playing career is coming to an end. This off-season, he signed a 2 year $6.5 million dollar contract with the Cleveland Browns. With $4.15 million dollars of that guaranteed, expect him to finish the contract out with the Browns, and maybe even his career.
Tight End Darren Fells
Darren Fells has had a weird path to the NFL. Like fellow tight end Antonio Gates, he played basketball in college. Darren played his college hoops at UC Irvine, taking his talents over seas afterwards. Fells played basketball over in Belgium, then Finland, France, Mexico, and lastly Argentina.
In 2013, he would sign with the Seahawks, but would fail to make the roster. Eventually finding a home in Arizona, he would stay there until the 2017 season, where he played for the Rams.
He makes his way to the Browns at the age of 32, only entering his 5th season in the NFL. With his massive size, listed at 6’7 and 270lbs, he is expected to contribute in the run game as a blocker mostly.
With young tight ends David Njoku and Seth DeValve on the roster, Fells is also expected to mentor them. Njoku and DeValve have been more of pass catching tight ends so far in their respective careers, so someone like Fells can give them tips in the run game.
Expect Fells to also be in many short yardage situations due to his ability to run block. Fells should be in most of the goal line situations the Browns play this year.
Signing a 3 year, $12 million dollar contract with the Browns this off-season, expect Fells to stick around for a while. He has $6.15 million dollars guaranteed, so he will most likely be on the roster for at least the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Punter Britton Colquitt
Britton Colquitt comes from the great state of Tennessee. He played his college ball at the University of Tennessee, the alma mater of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.
The Colquitt family is known for their great punting abilities. In fact, it’s easy to say they’re the Manning’s of the punting world as their roots run deep in this league.
Craig Colquitt, Britton’s father, won two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dustin Colquitt, Britton’s brother, made two Pro Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. Britton’s cousin, Jimmy Colquitt, spent one season punting for the Seattle Seahawks.
Britton Colquitt also has one Super Bowl ring himself, back when he was punting for the Denver Broncos.
Last season, Britton saw his first blocked punt, which occurred week 1 against the Steelers. Despite that, he went on to have the best yards per punt of his career, averaging 47.6 yards per punt.
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Britton has 3 years left on a 4 year, $11.2 million dollar contract he signed last year. With $5.7 million dollars guaranteed, expect him to be the teams starting punter for at least this season. With his talent, showing no signs of slowing down, he should finish out his contract with the team.