(Editor’s Note: Rick will be on ESPN Lima 93.1 The Fan at 11:15 this morning talking Browns, Cavs, and Tribe. Be sure to check it out the stream- LINK.)
With the start of NFL Free Agency yesterday, there have been a flurry of moves made around the league. Although there have been no big signings thus far by the Browns, there has indeed been movement by the organization.
At this point, we know that the Browns received a fifth round-pick as compensation for Corey Williams, cut Hank Fraley, and D’Qwell Jackson wants to make that paper. The Browns have also decided to place a second-round tender on LB Matt Roth and have not tendered CB Brodney Pool. Additionally, the brass reached a contract restructuring Joshua Cribbs’ deal. Last night, the team announced that it has signed safety Ray Ventrone to a 3 year, $2.2 million contract. Ventrone was under contract with the team starting this past September.
The Browns have long been rumored to be looking to add a quarterback, and PFT is reporting that Mike Holmgren may be interested in Seneca Wallace. Additionally, Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith has expressed his interest in returning to Cleveland and has been tendered for a fifth-round pick. Lane Adkins at The OBR has said that Baltimore would block a move of Smith to Cleveland.
The Browns are scheduled to meet with New Orleans LB Scott Fujita today. Fujita is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. At this point, it’s the only move that has been publicly acknowledged by the team administration.
Other relevant moves around the league include Julius Peppers signing with the Bears, and Anquan Boldin signing with the Ravens (for second- and third- round picks). The Ravens have suddenly bolstered their depleted receiver corps, with the addition of Boldin and Donte Stallworth this offseason.
In other interesting connect-the-dots, the Jets cut veteran RB Thomas Jones. Though it’s not known how Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert feel about former Jets, we all know coach Eric Mangini loves him some former Jets. With the Browns’ need for a big back, a move for Jones would not be surprising.
