Browns Making Noise in Free Agency
Signings, Trades Helps Cleveland Improve on Offense and Defense
The Cleveland Browns have been busy in the 2008 offseason. An unexpectedly good offense helped the Browns to a 10-6 record in 2007, but the defense remained a problem; in fact, it was one of the worst in the NFL. General Manager Phil Savage sought to improve the defense and managed to do so only 48 hours into the start of free agency.
In the first two days of free agency, Phil Savage instantly improved the Browns’ defense with two key additions – defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers.
- Corey Williams – the Browns traded their second-round pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Williams’ services. At the age of 27, the defensive lineman is entering is prime and should bolster what was one of the weakest points for the Browns’ defense last season. He received a six-year deal worth $38 million, with $16.3 million guaranteed.
- Shaun Rogers – the Browns gave up their third-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and cornerback Leigh Bodden to the Detroit Lions for Rogers. He wore out his welcome in Detroit, as character issues and a significant weight gain drew the ire of just about everyone in Detroit. However, he is a lineman with All-Pro abilities and will be a great addition to the defense if he manages to keep his mouth shut and let his actions on the field do the talking. He is a risk, but one worth taking.
The Offense Improves, Too
Not stopping with the defense, Phil Savage helped improved what was already a potent offense. Wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth had an $8 million option that was not picked up by the New England Patriots. Fending off a number of other potential suitors, Savage managed to sign Stallworth to a seven-year, $35 million deal, with $10 million guaranteed.
Stallworth’s biggest asset is his speed. Lining up alongside Pro Bowler Braylon Edwards, Stallworth will be able to open up the field, keeping the pressure off Edwards. Quarterback Derek Anderson, assuming he is the starter next season, will have a number of options, with defenses now forced to pay attention to Stallworth’s speed in addition to Edwards’ big-play ability.
These moves have vastly improved the Browns on defense, and have constructed an offense that should stack up with the best the NFL has to offer. However, these new additions obviously come at a price: the Browns currently have no picks in the first three rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft (the team’s first-rounder was given up in order to obtain Brady Quinn in 2007).
People point to this as the potential downfall of Savage’s whirlwind deal-making, but think about what he received in return: two franchise defensive linemen and a speedy receiver that will open up the field.
That being said, Phil Savage and the Browns are by no means finished with free agency. There are still moves to be made on defense (at least one linebacker and some help in the secondary), but this is a step in the right direction. With the free agent moves that have been made, the Cleveland Browns can look forward to a potential playoff run in 2008. They may be without picks in the NFL Draft, but for what they got in return, it will prove to be worth it.
Savage is making smart moves in free agency.
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