Free agency has begun. Browns trade Winslow
Posted February 27th, 2009 by Luke Chandler
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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February 27th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Predictions: we draft Orakpo, Wood and Chung and if we don't sign Ward, the RB from Liberty[Jennings].I'm assuming an extra pick or two via trade.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:45 am
"He has now prior ties"?
The concept being insinuated is known as proofreading, an admittedly rare accomplishment among bloggers, on fan forums and, with distressing frequency, among the "professional" media.
Anyone and everyone can err; but a conscientious pro strives to catch and rectify. Please be encouraged to embrace this philosophy.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Even the best make mistakes, jusayin.
February 27th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Can you really insinuate a concept?
Also, we're not members of the "professional" media. We're bloggers. No more. No less.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Well,it looks like we might be able to equal the Lions 0-16 record at this rate.I could understand "hands of stone" Edwards…but Winslow? Just who is the face of the franchise?Quinn? Who can he throw to these days???Stallworth?Rucker? In big trouble,in Cleveland.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
In all fairness, it's much easier to acquire a pass catching tight end than it is to find a true #1 receiver, even if he plays when he wants to.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I like Winslow, but let's face it: He's not getting any healthier. IF the draft picks are good, then I have no problem with this trade. But in order for them to be good, one of them has to be at least 2nd round and preferably this year. Extra picks for next year could work out since I've read that they could be useful in trades in a year when there will be no salary cap.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Winslow always seem to be good at hiding his injuries. I don't think he has a lot of time left in the NFL. With the kind of surgery he had on his kneecap I'm surprised he's even running at 80%. He can't block and it's time to look at other tight ends such as Martin Rucker rookie from Missouri and Steve Heiden whom I think has always looked impressive. Dinkins is all right if needed. I got real tired of seeing number 80 make penalties like pass interference. He talked a big game and played a few. Now he can ride his bike all the way to Tampa. I can still see him waving his arms like he was always open and complaining in the huddle. Now maybe Derek Anderson can concentrate on some other receivers. I like Anderson and I hope the Browns keep him.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I hate that I feel this way but it is just way to much emotional work being a browns fan anymore if I could see into the future 10 years ago I would of saved myself alot of grief . It is damn hard rooting for these people anymore . am I alone or what . simply put this team is bad and will be bad for another ten years or as long as randy lerner is the owner . RIP browns.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Winslow was more of a big WR than a TE and a slow one at that.Great hands and the willingness to catch in traffic are great attributes for a receiver but his feeble attempts at blocking struck me as more of a case of his viewing such grunt work as beneath his "superstar" status than the result of bad knees.When some players don't hear their number called in the huddle they view it as a play to take off. I also think his next injury will be his last.