Daily Dawg Tags: Cleveland Browns letting free agents test market
By Dan Justik
The Daily Dawg Tags brings you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including the organization letting multiple free agents test the market.
With a new regime in the front office in place, the Cleveland Browns have tough decisions to make when it comes to their 2020 free agent class. Several significant contributors are set to be free agents this offseason and it will be a test of how the new front office values certain positions.
It is clear that analytics will play a large role in decisions made by Cleveland’s front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry. As the front office enters contract negotiations with the free agents, the extra information from the analytics department will help set the price the Browns would want to pay their free agents.
The Browns have yet to re-sign any of the players set to be free agents, and they could be awaiting a decision on the CBA negotiations. However, at this point it appears several of Cleveland’s free agents will hit the market.
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Today’s featured article discusses Cleveland’s intentions with the negotiations for Rashard Higgins, as well as the decision to let Joe Schobert reach the open free agent market.
Cleveland Browns News
"Higgins, who slipped off the carpet last year and into Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse, is still wanted by the Browns at the right price, a league source told cleveland.com.The Browns met with the receivier’s agent, Michael Swensen, at the NFL combine about Higgins’ future, and told him they’re still interested in the 2016 fifth-round pick."
Rashard Higgins being put into Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse in 2019 certainly tanked Higgins’ value as a free agent. After showing a great connection with Baker Mayfield in 2018, it would make sense for the Browns to re-sign Higgins to see if the connection can rekindle in 2020. However, it is clear the Browns are not going to overpay to re-sign a potential depth player.
Letting Joe Schobert walk an unpopular but smart move
Cleveland’s decision to let Joe Schobert walk in free agency has drawn the ire of the Dawg Pound. However, Randy Gurzi believes Schobert’s production does not equate the contract Schobert desires this offseason.
"The Browns have a glaring hole at left tackle, could use an upgrade at right tackle and are unsettled at right guard.“I’ve always been a tackle,” Wirfs said. “I think I’m a tackle, but wherever. If somebody wants me to guard, then that’s fine with me. I just want to get on the field.”"
After his stellar performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Tristan Wirfs has a good chance of being the first offensive tackle selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Wirfs showing off his athleticism helped solidify his good film, and it also showed how Wirfs could be a perfect fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense, which requires athletic offensive linemen.
Next. Replacement candidates for Joe Schobert. dark
Cleveland Browns looming free agent and draft day decisions
Several players at positions of needs for the Browns had solid performances at the Combine. Greg Newland takes a look at how the Combine could affect Cleveland’s draft day plans, which will ultimately change the Browns’ approach to free agency.