The Browns today signed former Arizona cornerback Rod Hood. He started for the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII but was released a week after the NFL Draft.

Hood's best season came in 2007 when he intercepted five passes and had 54 tackles. The Browns have also signed veteran cornerbacks Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy this offseason.

Hood, 27, will more than likely compete for a spot in the starting lineup. He has started 87 games in his six-year career. He was signed in 2003 by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent from Auburn.

See the complete press release from the Browns after the jump:

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According to one of Pro Football Talk's league sources, the Browns have signed Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy to a one-year deal.

Ivy would be the second cornerback the team has signed following the signing of Hank Poteat.

A nine-year veteran, the Browns will be Ivy's fifth team.

ESPN's John Clayton believes the Browns have the best pieces available to acquire disgruntled Denver quarterback Jay Cutler:

The team with the best chance to interest the Broncos would be the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, you ask? Yes, the Browns would be best because they could offer a promising quarterback in return in either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.

While merely speculative on Clayton's part, he does make a good point. Financially acquiring either quarterback would be a wash for both teams. Trading for Cutler will likely force his new team's hand into negotiating a new contract, given the past of his agent Bus Cook.

In other news, the Browns brought in former Chicago Bear John St. Clair for a visit Monday. No news on the offensive tackle and if he was offered a contract.

The Arizona Cardinals plucked a running back off the Browns' roster Monday. They signed backup Jason Wright to a deal reportedly reportedly $2 million over two years. Wright should take on the same role he did in Cleveland and will back up starting running back Tim Hightower. If the season started today, Jerome Harrison would be the Browns' No. 2 running back. This could mean the Browns will make a move in the draft to add another back.

The Browns signed cornerback Hank Poteat today. He played for the past three seasons for the New York Jets and Browns coach Eric Mangini. Before that he played for New England, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.

In 13 games last year, Poteat started one, finishing with 41 tackles and two interceptions. The 31-year-old Poteat was drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh in 2000.

Notes…

Cornerback Karl Paymah will visit the Browns on Tuesday. No word yet if that interview will be canceled based on the signing of Poteat.

The Browns (and Bengals) have shown a good bit of interest in South Carolina tight end Jared Cook. He's an athletic pass-catching tight end, but I don't see the Browns taking him.

Linebacker David Bowens should be signed by the Browns soon.

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.

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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