It is rumored that it is unrealistic that WR Tyrell Williams will remain a Charger past free agency 2019. The Chargers will opt to lock up WR Mike Williams, who they drafted out of Clemson, long term.
Tyrell burned the Browns on a career day in Cleveland this past October. The rest of the season? Up and down. So buyer beware
I like Williams a lot. He's the kind of guy that's pretty reliable, a solid athlete and better than anybody on our roster not named Jarvis Landry. What I worry about is that he isn't on the level we need. I think Williams tops out as a solid number two receiver. You need guys like that, definitely, but we have to be careful with our money on guys like him.
It doesn't look like FA DE Frank Clark of the Seahawks will be leaving the Coffee Capital anytime soon. Looks like the Hawks intend to play "Tag - You're it!"
Here is a great free agent tracker that I got when I was on Ourlads website. It shows all the UFA's (I didn't see any restricted FAs). It looks like it will be updated every time it is opened.
Yup, Brooksie, I like a lot of the targeted FA's in that vid. Kinda surprised there's only one CB, but then it's likely there isn't a lot of good CB FA's becoming available. I really DO NOT want Clowney, he's a big price tag and is injury prone, if we didn't go after Khalil Mack, who is the best DE in football (imo), and he stays healthy, then Clowney is a hard pass for me. Dee Ford is another name from KC that I could easily see being brought in, Dorsey knows his Chiefs. lol I'd really like to see us get a really good WR, but that seems to be a tough thing for us right now. I'm not sure if this is a great class for WR's coming out in 2019 and I expect not many big FA WR's either.
IMHO, I think we can pretty well forget about any of the top 6-8 FAs as teams will be locking these guys up unless those teams are in an awful cap situation. But, we can dream can't we and I will be disappointed if the Browns don't upgrade our LB corps with a top guy either drafting or FA.
I found this list on Bleacher Report. Some of these guys just feel like "Dorsey guys". I'd like to touch on a few here.
WR Tyrell Williams - We saw first hand last season how dangerous Tyrell can be when he is on his game. Trouble was, that was not every week, for 16 games. Of course, if he did, he would not have made this list. Question is - do you reward him financially like a #1 WR and hope you get 2016 Tyrell? I am torn. I don't want to burn a premium draft pick on a WR. I think there are some mid-round guys who could develop into that. But Tyrell is NFL proven. May be your best option.
The only other offensive free agency option I would explore is swapping out Tyrod Taylor with Ryan Fitzpatrick. (Todd Monken connection obviously).
Defensively - I hit DT and DE with premium draft picks. But I am really intrigued by pursuing Terrell Suggs at DE. The old theory of helping yourself and hurting a division foe. I know we don't need another coach on the field - but let's be brutally honest here. The young kids on the roster here will look up to a veteran like Terrell. It won't hurt that he could flash that Super Bowl Bling at them...... But I would want Suggs here as a player, not as a mentor. I think he would have value here as a 1-2 year stop gap.
But they player I really want on this list is CB Pierre Desir. True to his rise to the NFL - he has continued to work his ass off to stay in this league. You may think you are set at corner, but in this pass happy league, you can never have enough quality corners. And I would be happy to bet that Pierre the person makes sure that Pierre the football player succeeds. It is just in his DNA.
And lastly - I would go after PK Jason Myers. Greg Joseph just burned one too many bridges for me to be confident in him.
Keep your eye on OLB Justin Houston of the Chiefs as an edge rusher. He is being mentioned as a possible trade/release candidate. Trade is unlikely because of age (30) and cap hit ($21M). But if released - the cap hit goes away.
Barr is an athletic and versatile linebacker who is good but will likely command great money on the open market.
7. C.J. Mosley, Ravens
The Ravens have some tough decisions to make with their defense, but Mosley is likely priority No. 1. He should be expected to stay in Baltimore.
8. K.J. Wright, Seahawks
Wright played in just five games in 2018, his first single-digit season in his career. He's been lost in the shadow of Bobby Wagner and turns 30 in July, begging the question: How much value does he have left?
12. Preston Smith, Redskins
Smith racked up a career-high 53 tackles to go along with 4.0 sacks, three passes defended and one interception in his contract year. At 26, he has room to grow.
22. Jordan Hicks, Eagles
Hicks was having a stellar season before he suffered an ACL tear to cut his 2017 campaign short. He bounced back in 2018, recording 91 tackles, 3.0 sacks and five passes defended in just 12 games. At 26, he has a very bright future.
23. Kwon Alexander, Buccaneers
Alexander suffered an ACL injury against the Browns last season that essentially served as the deciding factor as to why he's not being retained by Tampa Bay. If he can return fully healthy, the speedy middle linebacker can be a great bargain addition for a team in need of some help.
30. Dante Fowler, Rams
Fowler's best play came in the playoffs with a loaded Rams defense, which happened after he was traded away from another loaded defense because he was under-performing. So which Fowler is the real Fowler? A team will have to take a chance on him to find out.
37. Denzel Perryman, Chargers
Perryman is a solid linebacker who won't command top dollar but will be a valuable addition to whichever team he chooses. The Chargers would be wise to attempt to keep him.
39. Shaquil Barrett, Broncos
Barrett struggled to get consistent reps early in his career, thanks to being on the same team as Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but he's also had to fight injuries. When healthy, though, he's been good in spots. Maybe more field time will produce better results.
40. Terrell Suggs, Ravens
Suggs is officially in ageless wonder territory, and though he's not the All-Pro he once was, he can still make an impact. The question now: Will he leave Baltimore or stay at a lower rate?
54. Deone Bucannon, Cardinals
Bucannon suffered from the team-wide struggles experienced in Arizona, which came after he no longer had Bruce Arians as his coach. Might a reunion be shaping up in Tampa?
55. Clay Matthews, Packers
Matthews was in the headlines early for being penalized for playing football, but he didn't do a good job of the latter portion for the rest of the season. It seems as though his stardom has passed him by.
72. Markus Golden, Cardinals
Golden made the switch from outside linebacker to defensive end in 2018, and much like everything else related to the Cardinals in that season, it was a struggle.
81. Thomas Davis, Panthers
Davis' parting of ways with the Panthers was a surprise -- for goodness sake, the guy played in the Super Bowl with a broken arm! -- but at 35 years old, it wasn't entirely unjustified. He still has some good football left in him, though, and will get picked up because of it.
86. Mark Barron, Rams
A safety-turned-linebacker, Barron lays the wood but also wasn't worth the money to a cash-strapped team. He's 29, and thanks to being banged up plenty and tons of miles racked up on him in recent seasons, he's not getting any younger.
88. Shane Ray, Broncos
Ray should've had more success than he did playing opposite Von Miller. He was the lesser of the pairing of he and Barrett.
90. Derrick Morgan, Titans
Morgan is a reliable veteran but saw his sacks fall off a cliff in 2018, going from 7.5 in 2017 to just 0.5. At 30 years old, that's concerning.
99. Brandon Marshall, Broncos
A veteran with value as a run-down linebacker, Marshall remains in play even as the wide receiver with the same name coasts into the sunset.
Here is one that I ran across that fills a need that could be had for in the neighborhood of $5M to $7M. Meet Rodney Gunter, DT, of the Arizona Cardinals. Last year, under current Browns DC Steve Wilks, Rodney came into his own with his highest career sack total of 4-1/2. The Cards want him back - but will the prioritize him, and can they afford him?
The Cardinals are not in an enviable position - they currently have SEVENTEEN unrestricted free agents, four restricted free agents, and six exclusive rights free agents to resign.
Here's a look at the best NFL free agents out there by position.
NFL free agency negotiations kick off on Monday, with unrestricted free agency officially beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST. We’ve already looked at the best free agents out there regardless of position, but what if the best pending free agents were to form their own team? Here’s what the starting lineup would look like…
Quarterback: Nick Foles
Colin Kaepernick is the backup simply because he’s gotta be rusty and Foles has some magic dust. The 2013 Pro Bowler and 2017 Super Bowl MVP led another surprising playoff run in Carson Wentz’s stead last season, and he is at least a middle-of-the-pack starter in his prime.
Running back: Le’Veon Bell
You’d think he’d be fresh after a year away, and in 2017 he was one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL. He’s still only 27, which gives him an edge over 29-year-old Mark Ingram.
Outside wide receivers: John Brown and Michael Crabtree
Okay, this isn’t great. Who wants Baltimore’s starting receiver corps from last season? Neither is a star at this point, but this wouldn’t be the worst starting duo in the league. The former can stretch the field and the latter is quite an accomplished playmaker.
Slot receiver: Golden Tate
He’d probably serve as the No. 1 option anyway, and this team would also want emerging slot specialist Adam Humphries for depth. This wouldn’t be a top-heavy receiving group, but it’d be deep.
Tight end: Jared Cook
The 10-year veteran is coming off a career year in which he scored six touchdowns and cobbled together nearly 900 receiving yards in Oakland. He’d be backed up by Jesse James and Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Left tackle: Trent Brown
The mountainous 25-year-old played a key role down the stretch for the Super Bowl champion Patriots. He’s still emerging and he has to become more consistent, but Brown has a chance to become a perennial Pro Bowler.
Left guard: Rodger Saffold
The steady nine-year veteran is coming off a strong year for the NFC champion Rams.
Center: Mitch Morse
The architect of this team would also want Matt Paradis from the Broncos, but Morse is only 26 (Paradis is 29) and he’s coming off a stronger season as a pass protector. You’d want both because they’ve both had issues staying healthy.
Right guard: Ramon Foster
The longtime Steeler is fairly steady and worth a shot at the age of 33, but with two old guards, you’d have to add Andy Levitre for insurance.
Right tackle: Ja’Wuan James
The 2014 first-round pick hasn’t lived up to expectations but has still flashed at times, and he could still have a bright future at the age of 26. This team would want to complement Brown and James with a swing tackle, and Daryl Williams from the Panthers would make a lot of sense. He and James would probably have a hot camp battle.
Interior defensive linemen: Ndamukong Suh and Sheldon Richardson
Former Pro Bowlers who are no longer as effective as they used to be, but they’d still form a strong, experienced duo. They’d have to be complemented by a strong young backup. Darius Philon from the Chargers makes sense as an underrated presence.
Edge-rushers: Trey Flowers and Za’Darius Smith
The market was crushed by franchise tags to Dee Ford, DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney and Frank Clark, but Flowers is one of the most versatile young defensive ends in the game and the 26-year-old Smith is quietly coming off an 8.5-sack season in Baltimore. He could turn into a star in a new environment. Preston Smith and Dante Fowler Jr. could rotate in as well.
Linebackers: Anthony Barr, C.J. Mosley, K.J. Wright
Mosley is a four-time Pro Bowler coming off his fourth triple-digit-tackle season in five years. Like Mosley, Barr is a 26-year-old four-time Pro Bowler. And Wright is the steady elder statesman with Super Bowl experience. Throw in Jordan Hicks as a backup.
Outside cornerbacks: Ronald Darby and Pierre Desir
Kareem Jackson is too old to be relied on as a regular on this team, but he can be there to provide insurance for the talented but injury-prone Darby and/or the talented but potential one-year-wonder Desir. Both have high ceilings.
Slot cornerback: Bryce Callahan
Before suffering a late-season foot injury, Callahan was one of the top inside corners in the league last season.
Safeties: Adrian Amos and Landon Collins
These two young studs would complement each other perfectly. Amos is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, while Collins struggles in coverage but is a monster near the line of scrimmage. Both are only 25 years old, and they’d be backed up by veteran superstar Earl Thomas, who could use a lighter load at this stage. You’d probably also want to put Lamarcus Joyner and Eric Weddle on this team.
Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski
He might be sliding after a rough year, but that New England experience counts for a lot.
Punter: Ryan Allen
Also from the Pats’ 2018 Super Bowl team, Allen is a middle-of-the-pack punter who could have room to grow at age 29.
Kicker: Gostkowski
Safety: Collins (help run defense)
CB: Darby (if he can play on opposite side of Ward)
LB(s): Mosley or Hicks (If healthy Hicks is more impactful)
Guys - no real earth shaking developments here, but just a thought. I saw a story yesterday linking current Browns backup QB Tyrod Taylor to a return to Baltimore. That really would be a good move for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson.
The "no secret" part of my statement was that the Browns were always going to have to fill the backup QB position for 2019. If the team attempts to fill that role with a veteran player, what is everyone's feeling about Ryan Tannehill - soon to be released in Miami?
It would mean that Ryan would have to be comfortable as a backup, and that also means he accepts backup, and not starter, money for 2019.
I know that if Ryan was more consistent like the linked clip, he would still be the Dolphins starter. So he has some holes in his game. But he has had success in this league. And he could keep this ship afloat in a short run stretch. He is certainly a better option than the also soon to be released Blake Bortles. That move would reek of desperation.
I am putting this in this forum, and not the NFL forum, because he was a clear Browns target. C.J. Mosley has agreed to terms with the NY Jets. 5y - $85M - $51`M guaranteed ($17M per y)
Sweet! The video upload works GREAT!
Yeah, this is so much better than it was.
WR Tyrell Williams - currently LA Chargers
It is rumored that it is unrealistic that WR Tyrell Williams will remain a Charger past free agency 2019. The Chargers will opt to lock up WR Mike Williams, who they drafted out of Clemson, long term.
Tyrell burned the Browns on a career day in Cleveland this past October. The rest of the season? Up and down. So buyer beware
http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/25969/chargers-free-agent-tyrell-williams-says-hes-a-no-1-receiver
I like Williams a lot. He's the kind of guy that's pretty reliable, a solid athlete and better than anybody on our roster not named Jarvis Landry. What I worry about is that he isn't on the level we need. I think Williams tops out as a solid number two receiver. You need guys like that, definitely, but we have to be careful with our money on guys like him.
Cool the video uploader works from vimeo as well. That's an upgrade
It doesn't look like FA DE Frank Clark of the Seahawks will be leaving the Coffee Capital anytime soon. Looks like the Hawks intend to play "Tag - You're it!"
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-mailbag-is-seattle-scouting-the-alliance-league-what-could-the-tailback-situation-look-like-in-2019-and-more/
Could this be our new outside linebacker in 2019?
I think Ford would strictly be a DE in our scheme. Wilks uses smallish linebackers that are hybrid type players.
Here is a great free agent tracker that I got when I was on Ourlads website. It shows all the UFA's (I didn't see any restricted FAs). It looks like it will be updated every time it is opened.
https://www.ourlads.com/nfl-free-agent-tracker/
Yup, Brooksie, I like a lot of the targeted FA's in that vid. Kinda surprised there's only one CB, but then it's likely there isn't a lot of good CB FA's becoming available. I really DO NOT want Clowney, he's a big price tag and is injury prone, if we didn't go after Khalil Mack, who is the best DE in football (imo), and he stays healthy, then Clowney is a hard pass for me. Dee Ford is another name from KC that I could easily see being brought in, Dorsey knows his Chiefs. lol I'd really like to see us get a really good WR, but that seems to be a tough thing for us right now. I'm not sure if this is a great class for WR's coming out in 2019 and I expect not many big FA WR's either.
IMHO, I think we can pretty well forget about any of the top 6-8 FAs as teams will be locking these guys up unless those teams are in an awful cap situation. But, we can dream can't we and I will be disappointed if the Browns don't upgrade our LB corps with a top guy either drafting or FA.
I found this list on Bleacher Report. Some of these guys just feel like "Dorsey guys". I'd like to touch on a few here.
WR Tyrell Williams - We saw first hand last season how dangerous Tyrell can be when he is on his game. Trouble was, that was not every week, for 16 games. Of course, if he did, he would not have made this list. Question is - do you reward him financially like a #1 WR and hope you get 2016 Tyrell? I am torn. I don't want to burn a premium draft pick on a WR. I think there are some mid-round guys who could develop into that. But Tyrell is NFL proven. May be your best option.
The only other offensive free agency option I would explore is swapping out Tyrod Taylor with Ryan Fitzpatrick. (Todd Monken connection obviously).
Defensively - I hit DT and DE with premium draft picks. But I am really intrigued by pursuing Terrell Suggs at DE. The old theory of helping yourself and hurting a division foe. I know we don't need another coach on the field - but let's be brutally honest here. The young kids on the roster here will look up to a veteran like Terrell. It won't hurt that he could flash that Super Bowl Bling at them...... But I would want Suggs here as a player, not as a mentor. I think he would have value here as a 1-2 year stop gap.
But they player I really want on this list is CB Pierre Desir. True to his rise to the NFL - he has continued to work his ass off to stay in this league. You may think you are set at corner, but in this pass happy league, you can never have enough quality corners. And I would be happy to bet that Pierre the person makes sure that Pierre the football player succeeds. It is just in his DNA.
And lastly - I would go after PK Jason Myers. Greg Joseph just burned one too many bridges for me to be confident in him.
Thoughts?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2821963-nfl-free-agency-2019-best-potential-bargain-at-every-position#slide1
Keep your eye on OLB Justin Houston of the Chiefs as an edge rusher. He is being mentioned as a possible trade/release candidate. Trade is unlikely because of age (30) and cap hit ($21M). But if released - the cap hit goes away.
Dorsey knows him well
https://www.rotoworld.com/football/nfl/player/8767/justin-houston
Linebacker group stocked with potential for success
Nick Shook
Staff Writer
Here's a look at who might be available for the hiring come Wednesday.
Who's back?
Joe Schobert - 13 games (13 starts), 103 tackles, six passes defended, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception
Christian Kirksey - Seven games (seven starts), 43 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions
Genard Avery - 16 games (five starts), 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes defended, one forced fumble
D'Juan Hines - 13 games (zero starts), four tackles
Xavier Luster-Woodson - Four games (zero starts), one tackle
Unrestricted free agents
Ray-Ray Armstrong - Nine games (zero starts), six tackles
Top LBs available (rankings from NFL.com's Top 101 free agents)
6. Anthony Barr, Vikings
Barr is an athletic and versatile linebacker who is good but will likely command great money on the open market.
7. C.J. Mosley, Ravens
The Ravens have some tough decisions to make with their defense, but Mosley is likely priority No. 1. He should be expected to stay in Baltimore.
8. K.J. Wright, Seahawks
Wright played in just five games in 2018, his first single-digit season in his career. He's been lost in the shadow of Bobby Wagner and turns 30 in July, begging the question: How much value does he have left?
12. Preston Smith, Redskins
Smith racked up a career-high 53 tackles to go along with 4.0 sacks, three passes defended and one interception in his contract year. At 26, he has room to grow.
22. Jordan Hicks, Eagles
Hicks was having a stellar season before he suffered an ACL tear to cut his 2017 campaign short. He bounced back in 2018, recording 91 tackles, 3.0 sacks and five passes defended in just 12 games. At 26, he has a very bright future.
23. Kwon Alexander, Buccaneers
Alexander suffered an ACL injury against the Browns last season that essentially served as the deciding factor as to why he's not being retained by Tampa Bay. If he can return fully healthy, the speedy middle linebacker can be a great bargain addition for a team in need of some help.
30. Dante Fowler, Rams
Fowler's best play came in the playoffs with a loaded Rams defense, which happened after he was traded away from another loaded defense because he was under-performing. So which Fowler is the real Fowler? A team will have to take a chance on him to find out.
37. Denzel Perryman, Chargers
Perryman is a solid linebacker who won't command top dollar but will be a valuable addition to whichever team he chooses. The Chargers would be wise to attempt to keep him.
39. Shaquil Barrett, Broncos
Barrett struggled to get consistent reps early in his career, thanks to being on the same team as Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but he's also had to fight injuries. When healthy, though, he's been good in spots. Maybe more field time will produce better results.
40. Terrell Suggs, Ravens
Suggs is officially in ageless wonder territory, and though he's not the All-Pro he once was, he can still make an impact. The question now: Will he leave Baltimore or stay at a lower rate?
54. Deone Bucannon, Cardinals
Bucannon suffered from the team-wide struggles experienced in Arizona, which came after he no longer had Bruce Arians as his coach. Might a reunion be shaping up in Tampa?
55. Clay Matthews, Packers
Matthews was in the headlines early for being penalized for playing football, but he didn't do a good job of the latter portion for the rest of the season. It seems as though his stardom has passed him by.
72. Markus Golden, Cardinals
Golden made the switch from outside linebacker to defensive end in 2018, and much like everything else related to the Cardinals in that season, it was a struggle.
81. Thomas Davis, Panthers
Davis' parting of ways with the Panthers was a surprise -- for goodness sake, the guy played in the Super Bowl with a broken arm! -- but at 35 years old, it wasn't entirely unjustified. He still has some good football left in him, though, and will get picked up because of it.
86. Mark Barron, Rams
A safety-turned-linebacker, Barron lays the wood but also wasn't worth the money to a cash-strapped team. He's 29, and thanks to being banged up plenty and tons of miles racked up on him in recent seasons, he's not getting any younger.
88. Shane Ray, Broncos
Ray should've had more success than he did playing opposite Von Miller. He was the lesser of the pairing of he and Barrett.
90. Derrick Morgan, Titans
Morgan is a reliable veteran but saw his sacks fall off a cliff in 2018, going from 7.5 in 2017 to just 0.5. At 30 years old, that's concerning.
99. Brandon Marshall, Broncos
A veteran with value as a run-down linebacker, Marshall remains in play even as the wide receiver with the same name coasts into the sunset.
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/2019-free-agency-linebacker-group-stocked-with-potential-for-success
My favourites: Mosley - Hicks - Barr - Smith - Perryman - Alexander.
Here is one that I ran across that fills a need that could be had for in the neighborhood of $5M to $7M. Meet Rodney Gunter, DT, of the Arizona Cardinals. Last year, under current Browns DC Steve Wilks, Rodney came into his own with his highest career sack total of 4-1/2. The Cards want him back - but will the prioritize him, and can they afford him?
The Cardinals are not in an enviable position - they currently have SEVENTEEN unrestricted free agents, four restricted free agents, and six exclusive rights free agents to resign.
They only have $34M in cap space - stay tuned.
https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/09/nfl-free-agency-rodney-gunter-az-arizona-cardinals/
Right in the Browns target age and production range - can we swipe him from the Birds?
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2018/11/14/18094753/2019-arizona-cardinals-free-agent-decisions
The 2019 NFL free agency all-star team
Here's a look at the best NFL free agents out there by position.
NFL free agency negotiations kick off on Monday, with unrestricted free agency officially beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST. We’ve already looked at the best free agents out there regardless of position, but what if the best pending free agents were to form their own team? Here’s what the starting lineup would look like…
Quarterback: Nick Foles
Colin Kaepernick is the backup simply because he’s gotta be rusty and Foles has some magic dust. The 2013 Pro Bowler and 2017 Super Bowl MVP led another surprising playoff run in Carson Wentz’s stead last season, and he is at least a middle-of-the-pack starter in his prime.
Running back: Le’Veon Bell
You’d think he’d be fresh after a year away, and in 2017 he was one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL. He’s still only 27, which gives him an edge over 29-year-old Mark Ingram.
Outside wide receivers: John Brown and Michael Crabtree
Okay, this isn’t great. Who wants Baltimore’s starting receiver corps from last season? Neither is a star at this point, but this wouldn’t be the worst starting duo in the league. The former can stretch the field and the latter is quite an accomplished playmaker.
Slot receiver: Golden Tate
He’d probably serve as the No. 1 option anyway, and this team would also want emerging slot specialist Adam Humphries for depth. This wouldn’t be a top-heavy receiving group, but it’d be deep.
Tight end: Jared Cook
The 10-year veteran is coming off a career year in which he scored six touchdowns and cobbled together nearly 900 receiving yards in Oakland. He’d be backed up by Jesse James and Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Left tackle: Trent Brown
The mountainous 25-year-old played a key role down the stretch for the Super Bowl champion Patriots. He’s still emerging and he has to become more consistent, but Brown has a chance to become a perennial Pro Bowler.
Left guard: Rodger Saffold
The steady nine-year veteran is coming off a strong year for the NFC champion Rams.
Center: Mitch Morse
The architect of this team would also want Matt Paradis from the Broncos, but Morse is only 26 (Paradis is 29) and he’s coming off a stronger season as a pass protector. You’d want both because they’ve both had issues staying healthy.
Right guard: Ramon Foster
The longtime Steeler is fairly steady and worth a shot at the age of 33, but with two old guards, you’d have to add Andy Levitre for insurance.
Right tackle: Ja’Wuan James
The 2014 first-round pick hasn’t lived up to expectations but has still flashed at times, and he could still have a bright future at the age of 26. This team would want to complement Brown and James with a swing tackle, and Daryl Williams from the Panthers would make a lot of sense. He and James would probably have a hot camp battle.
Interior defensive linemen: Ndamukong Suh and Sheldon Richardson
Former Pro Bowlers who are no longer as effective as they used to be, but they’d still form a strong, experienced duo. They’d have to be complemented by a strong young backup. Darius Philon from the Chargers makes sense as an underrated presence.
Edge-rushers: Trey Flowers and Za’Darius Smith
The market was crushed by franchise tags to Dee Ford, DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney and Frank Clark, but Flowers is one of the most versatile young defensive ends in the game and the 26-year-old Smith is quietly coming off an 8.5-sack season in Baltimore. He could turn into a star in a new environment. Preston Smith and Dante Fowler Jr. could rotate in as well.
Linebackers: Anthony Barr, C.J. Mosley, K.J. Wright
Mosley is a four-time Pro Bowler coming off his fourth triple-digit-tackle season in five years. Like Mosley, Barr is a 26-year-old four-time Pro Bowler. And Wright is the steady elder statesman with Super Bowl experience. Throw in Jordan Hicks as a backup.
Outside cornerbacks: Ronald Darby and Pierre Desir
Kareem Jackson is too old to be relied on as a regular on this team, but he can be there to provide insurance for the talented but injury-prone Darby and/or the talented but potential one-year-wonder Desir. Both have high ceilings.
Slot cornerback: Bryce Callahan
Before suffering a late-season foot injury, Callahan was one of the top inside corners in the league last season.
Safeties: Adrian Amos and Landon Collins
These two young studs would complement each other perfectly. Amos is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, while Collins struggles in coverage but is a monster near the line of scrimmage. Both are only 25 years old, and they’d be backed up by veteran superstar Earl Thomas, who could use a lighter load at this stage. You’d probably also want to put Lamarcus Joyner and Eric Weddle on this team.
Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski
He might be sliding after a rough year, but that New England experience counts for a lot.
Punter: Ryan Allen
Also from the Pats’ 2018 Super Bowl team, Allen is a middle-of-the-pack punter who could have room to grow at age 29.
Kicker: Gostkowski
Safety: Collins (help run defense)
CB: Darby (if he can play on opposite side of Ward)
LB(s): Mosley or Hicks (If healthy Hicks is more impactful)
OL: Brown (LT) - Morse (C) James (RT)
TE: Cook
WR: Brown
Guys - no real earth shaking developments here, but just a thought. I saw a story yesterday linking current Browns backup QB Tyrod Taylor to a return to Baltimore. That really would be a good move for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson.
The "no secret" part of my statement was that the Browns were always going to have to fill the backup QB position for 2019. If the team attempts to fill that role with a veteran player, what is everyone's feeling about Ryan Tannehill - soon to be released in Miami?
It would mean that Ryan would have to be comfortable as a backup, and that also means he accepts backup, and not starter, money for 2019.
I know that if Ryan was more consistent like the linked clip, he would still be the Dolphins starter. So he has some holes in his game. But he has had success in this league. And he could keep this ship afloat in a short run stretch. He is certainly a better option than the also soon to be released Blake Bortles. That move would reek of desperation.
Thoughts?
I am putting this in this forum, and not the NFL forum, because he was a clear Browns target. C.J. Mosley has agreed to terms with the NY Jets. 5y - $85M - $51`M guaranteed ($17M per y)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2816050-cj-mosley-rumors-jets-to-sign-ex-ravens-lb-to-5-year-85-million-contract
Stabber gets an attaboy - Browns signing DT Sheldon Richardson. Details to be announced soon
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2817099-nfl-rumors-sheldon-richardson-browns-to-sign-3-year-contract-in-free-agency