Browns free agency preview
Posted February 26th, 2009 by Dan
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.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Great report, Dandy Dan. I didn't know about that rule for players with one or two years of service. Poor Syndric Steptoe.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Thanks mang.
February 27th, 2009 at 2:10 am
do any body but me thinks we need some help on the defensive line? Our defensive backs could cover some one if they didn't have to guard them for 15 seconds. Rogers needs help badly!
The only thing Savage has left the Browns, is a savage headache.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
You're right frank, but I think that will be the focus of the draft. There are some decent 3-4 ends this year.