Find the poll at the bottom of this post

It's a few minutes after midnight, and free agency has begun.  Dan and I will be updating throughout the day with all the Browns-related free agency news.

Since it's so quick into free agency, news likely won't break until morning, unless Bill Parcells is cutting deals 17 minutes into free agency again.

Five predictions for free agency:

1. The Browns will not sign a big name free agent because of the financial implications.

2.  Expect general manager George Kokinis to be more reserved in negotiating contracts than Phil Savage.

3.  Sean Jones will sign a contract before Sunday.

4.  If Jones leaves, look for the Browns to push hard for former Ravens SS Jim Leonhard or Patriots FS James Sanders.

5.  Look for the Browns to make at least one move to solidify the offensive line's right side.

11:11 Update

Well, not much is happening today, minus the Winslow trade.  The Broncos, having realized that pursuing former Browns defensive linemen, are now going after their linebackers.  They have interest in former Cleveland inside linebacker Andra Davis.

4:15 Update

Guard Chris Kemoeatu has returned to the Steelers.  There had been some speculation the Browns would be interested.

Furthering the Kellen Winslow news, he is already under contract negotiations with the Buccaneers, per Rotoworld.  He was slated to make $4.5 million in 2009.

2:35 Update:

Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer is reporting, albeit not totally confirmed, that the pick is at least a 2009 second rounder and a pick in 2010.

I've always trusted TP's first reaction to things, so make sure to check out his column.

12:30 p.m. Update

The Browns have traded TE Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks.   We will follow this story as it develops!

As a point of reference, the New York Giants traded tight end Jeremy Shockey to the Saints last offseason for picks in the second and fifth rounds.

Noon Update

Ray Lewis is possibly heading to Denver, to reunite with former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. It's likely that Lewis will not end up returning to Baltimore.

The Bengals have allegedly made an offer to running back Derrick Ward, but this cannot be confirmed anywhere else. The former Giants running back has a long line of suitors including the Rams, Broncos, Bucs, and Lions.  It's rumored that Ward's price tag has dropped also.

There are some unconfirmed rumblings that the Browns and Bengals both have interest in middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

11:30 a.m. Update

Bart Scott will signed with Jets.

10 a.m. Update

ILB Bart Scott, who was our readers pick for the Browns to pursue in a recent poll, is visiting the Jets and possibly the Rams.   Word is that Scott is leaning toward the Jets.

In an interesting turn of events, free safety Brian Dawkins is now testing the market and likely won't return to the Eagles.  He has no prior ties to the ManKok Regime, but he is worth looking at.

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That is the hot rumor right now, which was started after Coles asked for an received his release from the New York Jets on Wednesday.

Tony Grossi of the Plain Dealer ponders the Coles to Cleveland question here.

The logical landing place for the nine-year veteran is Miami, where he would be reunited with close friend and Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington. The Dolphins need a receiver, so that is a possibility.

Cleveland is an option because Coles and new Browns coach Eric Mangini bonded when Coles' contract demands were not met by the team.

Last season, Coles had 70 receptions for 850 yards and seven touchdowns. By comparison, Browns leading receiver Braylon Edwards had 55 receptions for 873 yards last season and Kellen Winslow had 43. Of note, 43 of Coles' receptions were for first downs, so he could be a dependable second receiver.

The problem is that Coles is 31 and wanted a long-term deal before last season. He won't be cheap and the Browns are already paying a lot of money to Donte Stallworth. The team also has bigger needs at other positions.

Free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Notes…
Vic Carucci of NFL.com broke down the AFC noting team needs and top free agents. Here's what he said about the Browns' needs:

What needs fixing: A replacement for aging RB Jamal Lewis is needed. Cornerback, defensive end and outside linebacker must be addressed.

Sounds about right. Steve Wyche took a look at the NFC.

With free agency set to begin on Friday, here is a quick look at the team's free agents:

Mike Adams, Safety
2009 season starting age: 28
2008 stats: Played in 14 games, starting five. 44 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended
Cap value: $658,600
Notes and prediction: Adams is a dependable backup defensive back who has seen spot start duty and can play both free safety and cornerback. Should re-sign.

Travis Daniels, Cornerback
2009 season starting age: 26
2008 stats: Played in seven games, starting one. 5 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 passes defended
Cap value: $927,000
Notes and prediction: The Browns traded their seventh-round pick to the Dolphins to acquire Daniels, who play sparingly. Has played cornerback and safety. Should re-sign.

Andra Davis, Linebacker
2009 season starting age: 30
2008 stats: Played and started in 16 games. 90 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defended.
Cap value: $3,600,000
Notes and prediction: In his career, Davis has led the Browns in tackles three times. However, he doesn't appear to be a great fit in the 3-4 defense. Should not re-sign.

Darnell Dinkins, Tight end
2009 season starting age: 32
2008 stats: Played in 14 games, starting two. 5 receptions for 41 yards, 1 touchdown
Cap value: $661,688
Notes and prediction: Dinkins has been a good third tight end, playing a lot on special teams. He's not much of a pass catcher, however. Should re-sign.

Lennie Friedman, Guard
2009 season starting age: 32
2008 stats: Played in 16 games
2008 cap value: $488,960
Notes and prediction: Friedman is only a special teams player who rarely sees the field on offense. Should not re-sign.

Kris Griffin, Linebacker
2009 season starting age: 28
2008 stats: Played in 10 games. 7 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions, 0 passes defended
Cap value: $704,800
Notes and prediction: D'Qwell Jackson's backup rarely sees the field and doesn't make a lot of plays on special teams. Should not re-sign.

Daven Holly, Cornerback
2009 season starting age: 27
2007 stats: Played in 15 games, starting 6. 48 tackles, 0 interceptions, 8 passes defended.
2008 cap value: $1,423,360
Notes and prediction: Holly missed the entire 2008 season after tearing two ligaments in his knee. He is solid, but unspectacular, when he does see the field. Should re-sign.

Sean Jones, Safety
2009 season starting age: 27
2008 stats: Played and started 12 games. 56 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defended.
2008 cap value: $ 2,415,720
Notes and prediction: The Browns' top free agent, Jones was hurt most of the season and didn't look like the player he was in 2007 where he had 96 tackles and five interceptions. However, he wants top dollar. Should re-sign.

Willie McGinest, Linebacker
2009 season starting age: 37
2008 stats: Played and started 14 games. 56 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended
2008 cap value: $3,666,668
Notes and prediction: Clearly a step slower than when he was in his prime in New England. Many think he played in 2008 because of his friendship with former head coach Romeo Crennel. Should retire.

Seth McKinney, Guard
2009 season starting age: 30
2008 stats: Played in 16 games, starting 3
2008 cap value: $490,640
Notes and prediction: McKinney is listed as the direct backup to center Hank Fraley. He's also played guard and is dependable in spot duty. Should re-sign.

Shantee Orr, Linebacker
2009 season starting age: 28
2008 stats: Played in 15 games. 10 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 passes defended
2008 cap value: $445,000
Notes and prediction: Orr was often overshadowed by rookie linebacker Alex Hall. He was initially cut by the team in August but brought back. Should not re-sign.

Jason Wright, Running back
2009 season starting age: 27
2008 stats: 15 games played. 23 rushing attempts for 85 yards, 0 touchdowns. 22 receptions for 156 yards, 1 touchdown.
2008 cap value: $945,500
Notes and prediction: An above-average receiver for a running back, but little else. Should not re-sign.

Scott Young, Offensive tackle
2009 season starting age: 28
2008 stats: Played in one game
2008 cap value: $520,000
Notes and prediction: Rarely saw the field. Should not re-sign.

Charles Ali (fullback), Brad Cieslak (tight end), Louis Leonard (defensive lineman), Chase Pittman (defensive end) and Syndric Steptoe (wide receiver) are all exclusive rights free agents. That means they have less than two years of service in the NFL and can only sign with the Browns. If they do not sign a contract the Browns tender, the player has to sit out the season.

Ali and Steptoe saw the most time last season for the Browns.

Information on player salaries was found here.

The Browns have already released linebacker Antwan Peek, quarterback Ken Dorsey and defensive back Terry Cousin had their contracts terminated, while quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, punter Mike Dragosavich, kicker Jason Reda and offensive lineman Eric Young were waived.

4:30 UPDATE: According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer, Rogers' agent has met with the Browns. He wouldn't reveal much, but said "there are no financial or contract concerns on our behalf."

Following a Pro Bowl 2008 season, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers reportedly wants out.

That is according to a Tuesday night report from Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. Schefter reports that Rogers despises new head coach Eric Mangini so much that he told the organization not to pay him a $6 million roster bonus due next month and to release him.

Should the Browns release Rogers, it would cause a $9.7 million hit against the team's salary cap. But according to Schefter's source, the Browns have no intention of releasing Rogers.

Rogers is reportedly upset after Mangini failed to acknowledge him during two offseason functions.

The source told Schefter that Mangini remains optimistic that he can change Rogers' mind. Mangini had to deal with a similar situation when he was coach of the New York Jets. Wide receiver Laveranues Coles was a initially skeptical of Mangini, but the two eventually bonded.

The Browns traded a third-round pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden to the Detroit Lions to acquire Rogers prior to the 2008 season. Rogers finished the year with 76 tackles and 4.5 sacks, which secured him his third Pro Bowl invitation.

In 2006, Rogers was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

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(photo by Phil Masturzo / Akron Beacon Journal)

Terry Pluto thinks that the Browns best bet for trading Derek Anderson would be to eat his $5 million roster bonus, due on March 13th.

Q: Anderson makes all that money, who will take him?

A: He will be a bargain for another team. Anderson is due a $5 million roster bonus on March 13, and his salary for 2009 is $1.5 million. The Browns should pay the bonus, then trade Anderson because he will cost the new team only the $1.5 million in salary and on the cap. That increases his trade value.

Q: Don't the Browns take a huge salary cap hit?

A: It happens either way. If they keep Anderson, he counts $8.8 million on the cap. If they trade him, it's $8.2 million on the cap. Going through another season with these two young quarterbacks seems to be another way of having no starting quarterback — and the Browns need draft picks and talent.

Pluto may be on to something.  If a team knows they don't have to pay Anderson's roster bonus, he becomes that much more viable.  No team is going to be willing to trade for Anderson unless they can renegotiate his contract, which seems unlikely given the guarantee on his roster bonus. Once the $5 million has been paid though, Anderson's value should easily rise.

Enter in the Detroit Lions.  Beat writer Tom Kowalski thinks that the Lions are in the hunt for Anderson for those same reasons.  He even goes so far to say that the Lions recently renegotiated the date of incumbent quarterback Daunte Culpepper's roster bonus for that very reason.

The Browns need to look heavily at the Lions as a trade partner.  The Lions own the 1st, 20th, 33rd, 65th, and 82nd picks in the first three rounds.  They also have an extra sixth round pick as a result of the Roy E. Williams trade with Dallas.

What seems likely is swapping picks with the Lions if they are unable to make a straight Anderson for a draft pick trade.  Swapping second picks and then picking up at least a third round pick would be a great boon for a team who has sent several draft picks to the Dallas Cowboys over the past two seasons.

Combine news

Looking for the Buckeyes Malcolm Jenkins to be the Browns pick at five?  He still may be the pick, but not at cornerback.  He had a disappointing Combine per Mary Kay Cabot. Jenkins has lost some steam as a cornerback, but he could still be a prospect at  free safety, per Tony Pauline.

If you're a workout junkie, check out NFL.com Top Performers.  A few workout notes on prospects the Browns are interested in:

Oregon SS Patrick Chung put up 25 reps on the bench press.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez threw in the position drills and was impressive.

Texas defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo posted a quality workout that included a 39.5 vertical jump, 4.70 40-yard-dash,

Connecticut defensive end/linebacker Cody Brown posted the fourth highest 20 yard shuttle, which measures a player's ability to cut laterally and pursue sideways, which is highly exciting for his potential to convert to linebacker in the 3-4 defense.

Southern California linebacker Clay Matthews had an impressive 3-cone-drill time of 6.90, good for second best amongst linebackers.  The 3-cone drill is one that is especially important for pass rushers and linebackers.  He also ran an official 4.67 40-yard-dash, which shows he has more than enough speed to play the position.

For the past several days, the top players in the draft have been in Indianapolis working out for scouts and coaches at the NFL Scouting Combine.

At the Combine, teams are allowed to hold 60 private interviews with players. Fortunately for you, Luke and I read a lot and have a few contacts. We've found out the Browns have interviewed the following:

Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State
Tom Brandstater, QB, Fresno State
Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU
Jeremy Childs, WR, Boise State
Austin Collie, WR, BYU
Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Maurice Evans, DE, Penn State
Zach Follett, MLB, California
Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State
Ramon Foster, OT, Tennessee
Juan Garcia, C, Washington
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU
Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
Taurus Johnson, WR, South Florida
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Look for that list to grow over the next several days as the Combine concludes on Wednesday.

But what exactly can you take out of it? Well, not much to be quite honest. It's just a neat draft-related thing to look at. Of all those players, the Browns have been closely associated with Curry and Orakpo the most.

Local notes…
Akron-area products Chris Wells and Tyrell Sutton didn't run the best 40-yard dash times.

Ohio State's Brian Robiskie has had a good Combine experience so far.

On the heels of the Browns head coach Eric Mangini's admitted interest in free agent running back Derrick Ward, Mike Florio of PFT is saying that Mangini's comments could constitute tampering under NFL rules regarding free agents.

While Mangini's comments definitely could be construed as tampering, Florio makes a key point:

Then again, the Anti-Tampering Policy requires a complaint to be made by the team that is victimized by the tampering.  In many situations like this, the franchise that holds the player’s rights opts for the high road.

It's not a secret that the Giants are ready to move on from Ward, so a tampering charge likely won't be filed with the league office.

Also of note, the Broncos are expected to pursue Ward heavily when free agency begins in one week.

In other news, Wyoming running back Devin Moore held a workout in his hometown of Indianapolis on Thursday.  The speedy back had not been invited to the Combine, so he instead ran on his own.  He posted some impressive numbers, including running his 40-yard-dash in 4.41 seconds.  The Browns have been rumored to be watching Moore this offseason.

Mangini also took another step towards finalizing his coaching staff by naming Toledo native Matt Eberflus the team's linebackers coach.  Eberflus was previously the defensive coordinator at Missouri.  This could drive up the Browns interest in the Tigers two top draft prospects, free safety William Moore and defensive end/linebacker Stryker Sulak.

The Browns have yet to fill the position of receivers coach, which is still technically held by Wes Chandler (who is of no relation to this Chandler).

During the Combine, the Browns are expected to do their homework on the Ohio State talent.

Finally, general manager George Kokinis spoke this week about the team.

While head coach for the Jets, Mangini's offense spread the ball out amongst two running backs, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. It would not be a surprise for the Browns to bring in a free agent to compliment their current stable of running backs, but also in case they decide to part ways with free agent Jason Wright.

Former New York Giant running back Derrick Ward was a guest on Rome is Burning yesterday, and the new should be intriguing to Browns fans:

Ward mentions Cleveland as a potential destination for his services around the six minute mark. I would recommend listening to the whole piece, as Rome gets into Ward's relationship with his Giant backfield mates Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. To summarize, Ward was happy for his fellow running backs accomplishments, and talks of the strong bond the three of them had.

He mentions his desire to be a starting running back, which could happen in Cleveland. In fact, with the right arrangement, the Browns could easily replicate the Giants backfield system which produced two one thousand yard running backs this season, Jacobs and Ward.

Ward's desire to become a starter could be fulfilled, and he would be the focal point of the running game. He would still split carries, likely averaging near 200 carries and 45 to 60 receptions a season. Lewis would be near his same total in rushes. Ward's role would be as an all purpose back. It would allow the Browns to take advantage of his more slashing running style.

Jacobs is the rarest back of the group, exceptionally large for his position, but still very fast. He is not a pure power back, but more so a perimeter runner who wins matchups because of his size and physicality. In Cleveland, that's what Jamal Lewis is. Lewis has lost some speed, but he still wins a lot of battles at the point of attack because of his power.

To replicate Bradshaw, the Browns would use Jerome Harrison. The Giants like to use Bradshaw as a foil to Ward and Jacobs. His pure speed and break away ability can be used on third and long situations. Harrison has shown he can be highly effective even in limited touches. He would only touch the ball around five to seven times a game.

For the Browns to build an effective offense, they have to solve the inconsistency in the running game. Building a running game that teams have to respect will allow more downfield matchups in the passing game.

With free agency looming on Feb. 27, the Browns will be looking to fill the holes in the wake of another regime change. If history teaches us a lesson, a change in personnel decision making typically brings in a new crop of players from the new boss' old stomping grounds.

New general manager George Kokinis is an experienced pro personnel executive with a deep knowledge of current NFL rosters, and players who were about to become free agents. He would especially know his former team's products best.

The Ravens are going to be faced with several key decisions in free agency, with 3/4 of their starting linebackers ready to hit free agency, along with two starters from their secondary. Of the five players listed, the Ravens may only be able to keep two or three.

So if Kokinis were to rob the Ravens' nest, who should he go after? Submit your vote and let us know!

EDITOR'S NOTE:
When this poll was created last night, Suggs had yet to be franchise tagged. Since the Ravens used their exclusive franchise tag, Suggs cannot negotiate with other teams in free agency. Suggs has since been removed from the poll.  For an explanation of non-exclusive versus exclusive franchise tags, click here.

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We asked, and you told us. More than 1,100 of you voted on whether or not Browns quarterback Derek Anderson will be with the team for the 2009 football season.

A resounding 82 percent of you said he would not.

In 2008, Anderson threw for 1,615 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. That came following a season in which Anderson threw for 29 touchdowns and almost 3,000 yards on his way to the Pro Bowl.

So, following a season of resounding disappointment, let's assume the Browns trade Anderson in favor of Brady Quinn. What exactly could Anderson bring the team in a trade?

At one point in the season, Peter King of Sports Illustrated said the Browns could get a second round pick.

One reader, "jusayin," thinks the Browns could get much more.

"A reasonable exchange for DA," he wrote, "would be to Tampa for a two, three and Brian Griese, the type of limited-arm vet QB who should make an excellent mentor and backup for Brady Quinn."

That wouldn't be bad, but it's unlikely the Browns could get that much.

Tony Grossi of the Plain Dealer practically wrote off Anderson's trade value. He thinks the Browns would also have to eat a lot of Anderson's $5 million roster bonus due in March.

If new general manager George Kokinis gets the feeling that will increase Anderson's trade value, expect owner Randy Lerner to open the checkbook. Anderson then could be held onto until the draft where the Browns could set his value against where the top three quarterbacks, Matt Stafford, Josh Freeman and Mark Sanchez, are falling in the draft. That would also mean the Browns will have to pay Anderson's entire roster bonus.

But who could be the teams in play for Anderson?

The Vikings could be a choice, but many expect them to go after the recently released Jeff Garcia. Conversely, with the Buccaneers releasing Garcia, they could be a player for Anderson's services. The Jets seem to be after a veteran quarterback. San Francisco could theoretically need one with Shaun Hill just being average. Kansas City is also somewhat up in the air at quarterback. New coach Todd Haley uses the vertical passing game a lot, which fits Anderson perfectly.

So, for now, we're still left with plenty of questions. Help us find the answers. In the comments, tell us who you think will trade for Anderson and what the Browns could get for him.

Notes…
The Browns hired two more assistant coaches today. Steve Hagen is back with the Browns to coach tight ends. He held the same position with the team from 2001 to '03 and was quarterbacks coach in 2004. Hagen was on Butch Davis' coaching staff at the University of North Carolina.

The team also hired Gary Brown as its running backs coach. Brown, an eight-year NFL running back, held the same position with Rutgers University in 2008.