Laveranues Coles coming to Cleveland?
Posted February 26th, 2009 by Dan
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.
February 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Better off bringing back Travis Wilson…remember the best receiver in the 06 draft?
February 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Man, he was beyond terrible. If anyone is wondering where Wilson serviced, he's on Dallas' practice squad.
But James, I see your Travis Wilson and raise you an Andre Davis.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Derrick Ward and Jason Brown should be the two target players in free agency.They could also target on a cornerback but use the draft for filling in the linebackers.There's a lot of 3-4 linebackers in this draft and defensive ends.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I don't think the Browns have money to add a big-name guy like Brown this year. I could be wrong, though.
February 27th, 2009 at 12:42 am
It helped that the cap went up another $4 million, but I still doubt it.