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Cleveland Browns: 5 Worst free agency signings since 1999

By Randy Gurzi

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 24: Kenny Britt #18 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 24: Kenny Britt #18 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 10: Donte’ Stallworth #19 of the New England Patriots dives across the goal line to score a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans during the game at Gillette Stadium on December 10, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 10: Donte’ Stallworth #19 of the New England Patriots dives across the goal line to score a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans during the game at Gillette Stadium on December 10, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

4. Donte’ Stallworth, Wide Receiver

An electric deep threat early in his career, Donte’ Stallworth joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006 after spending four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. With Philly, he was expected to replace Terrell Owens, who was released the year prior. While T.O. wore No. 81, Stallworth took the No. 18 and some thought he could be the anti-T.O.

Instead, he was a player who had some big splash plays but didn’t provide the consistency of a No. 1 threat. He then headed to the New England Patriots in 2007 where he had 46 receptions for 697 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2008, he was again a free agent and landed with his fourth team in as many seasons as the Cleveland Browns gave him a seven-year deal worth $35 million. The deal was somewhat questionable given the lack of consistency in his game. Yes, he delivered home runs but there weren’t many singles which can also come in handy.

Stallworth ended up playing in Cleveland for just one season, pulling in only 10 receptions for 170 yards in 11 games. Then disaster struck as Stallworth was charged with DUI manslaughter when he hit a pedestrian with his vehicle. His lawyers felt Stallworth could fight the charges but he was contrite and believed he should be charged with the felony.

After serving a one-year suspension, Stallworth was released by Cleveland. He resumed his career in 2010 and played three more seasons with three different teams. He never again had the success from early in his career, although his final catch was a 63-yard touchdown with the Patriots in 2012.

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