Browns Offseason Moves/Free Agency

[British_Pharaoh]

Nothing we didn't know already

The Baltimore Sun reports the Colts and Browns will soon engage in a "bidding war" for free agent OLB Paul Kruger.
The Browns have been "particularly aggressive" on both Kruger and Cliff Avril since Saturday morning's negotiating window opened. One source predicted Kruger will command $10 million to $12 million per year. Both Cleveland and Indianapolis are flush with cap space and need pass-rush help. It's conceivable that the Kruger will go to the Colts and Avril to the Browns, or vice versa.

Rotoworld

[peeker643]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk
Browns reportedly interested in Captain Munnerlyn http://wp.me/p14QSB-7C3i

Munnerlyn is a guy Jason Mentioned in the article last week. Supposed to be a very good slot CB who would be heads and shoulders beyond Buster Skrine.

[pod2dawg]

^^^^^ Buster.....Buster.....Buster.

My only question last year was why didn't teams go at him.......every play.

[peeker643]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
Percy Harvin is en route to a physical from #Seahawks. Source: "It's a done deal." Compensation is not clear yet

[jclvd_23]

Jay Glazer ‏ @ JayGlazer

Seattle sends this years first round pick and a 7th rounder as well as a mid-round pick next year for Harvin. Win-win for both teams

[TouchEmAllTime]

I don't know about a first for Harvin, the guy will sit about 3-4 games guaranteed with migraines or other issues, but when you're already a Super Bowl contender without that first rounder, it's easier to roll the dice.

[danwismar]

Win-win for both teams

Department of Redundancy Dept.

[JacksonDysonJackson]

add Cook to the list, team talking to his agent per MKC (!)

[peeker643]

Didn't see this one coming. Thought he'd end up back in Baltimore.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
As @RavensInsider insider reported, WR Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick. WRs piling up in NFC West.

6th round pick ain't shit for what that guy brings though there's no way an AFC team gets him for that.

[Cerebral_DownTime]

They gave him away........

[mattvan1]

They gave him away........

I mean it's almost like doing business with a member of your family, like your bro' or something.

Wait, what?

[Hikohadon]

Didn't see this one coming. Thought he'd end up back in Baltimore.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
As @RavensInsider insider reported, WR Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick. WRs piling up in NFC West.

6th round pick ain't shit for what that guy brings though there's no way an AFC team gets him for that.

He killed them in the SB, Flacco's throw-it-up-for grabs guy. Great move for SF.

[peeker643]

Didn't see this one coming. Thought he'd end up back in Baltimore.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
As @RavensInsider insider reported, WR Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick. WRs piling up in NFC West.

6th round pick ain't shit for what that guy brings though there's no way an AFC team gets him for that.

He killed them in the SB, Flacco's throw-it-up-for grabs guy. Great move for SF.

Love the way Boldin plays. And he's tougher than leather.


Ha! "Throw-it-up-for-grabs". Guess it all depends on which team comes up with the ball. Kind of like back shoulder throws asre back shoulder throws all the time and not balls thrown behind guys.

It used to be 'throwing balls up for grabs' Chris. Now it's 'recognizing favorable matchups and letting your receiver go make a play'.

Of course, like I said, ita ll depends on whether you like the QB or hate him and whether the receiver makes the play or the DB does.

[skatingtripods]

Good front page stuff from Gary Benz today on free agency: http://bit.ly/Xl4fbD

[Hikohadon]

Ha! "Throw-it-up-for-grabs". Guess it all depends on which team comes up with the ball. Kind of like back shoulder throws asre back shoulder throws all the time and not balls thrown behind guys.

It used to be 'throwing balls up for grabs' Chris. Now it's 'recognizing favorable matchups and letting your receiver go make a play'.

Of course, like I said, ita ll depends on whether you like the QB or hate him and whether the receiver makes the play or the DB does.

It wasn't meant as a slam. You have a WR that is big and strong and doesn't even have to be open to catch it, you throw it to him. That dude was clearly covered on like half his playoff receptions and Flacco threw it to him anyway and Boldin caught it. Smart by Flacco, can't believe the Ravens are letting their new $20 mil man's safety blanket go.

Who replaces him on the Ravens' roster?

[peeker643]

Ha! "Throw-it-up-for-grabs". Guess it all depends on which team comes up with the ball. Kind of like back shoulder throws asre back shoulder throws all the time and not balls thrown behind guys.

It used to be 'throwing balls up for grabs' Chris. Now it's 'recognizing favorable matchups and letting your receiver go make a play'.

Of course, like I said, ita ll depends on whether you like the QB or hate him and whether the receiver makes the play or the DB does.

It wasn't meant as a slam. You have a WR that is big and strong and doesn't even have to be open to catch it, you throw it to him. That dude was clearly covered on like half his playoff receptions and Flacco threw it to him anyway and Boldin caught it. Smart by Flacco, can't believe the Ravens are letting their new $20 mil man's safety blanket go.

Who replaces him on the Ravens' roster?

It wasn't taken as a slam. Just an observation on how you hear games and plays being described at this point. I think the true test of QB is to evaluate matchups and often to put the ball up there for a receiver with an 'advantage' to go up and get it. The throw being almost secondary to the decision to make it.

Even higher level is manipulating the defense into that coverage that gives you a beneficial match up like that.

Flacco is at least developed enough to recognize those. Not sure he's Manning or Brady enough to manipulate them (and Manning is still Manning pretty much ONLY because he can do this and far less to do with the actual throw itself). Flacco's strength is being able to recognize those match ups and having an arm so strong he can take advantage of those mismatches pretty much anywhere on the field.

As to Ravens, I think they're clearly in rebuild mode and don't have another Boldin right now. They have Torrey Smith and Jones but Boldn was a luxury thaey didn't want to pay for while they re-tool everything else. They paid Flacco because he'll still be a strength when they are ready to be legit contenders again and they may still be good enough to fend off all challengers in AFC North even during their down time.

Just my opinion.

[Hikohadon]

Sounds like the Browns might be close to signing Kruger (watching NFLN).

This in no way alleviates the need to draft another pass rusher at #6, IMHO.

[peeker643]

Sounds like the Browns might be close to signing Kruger (watching NFLN).

This in no way alleviates the need to draft another pass rusher at #6, IMHO.

Rather have Avril myself. Just saying that now. Obviously depends on the money and terms, but Kruger is.... meh.. for me.

And I don't think signing Kruger/Avril at all changes that they take a pass rusher at #6 if they keep that pick.

Although, as Gary noted in his article today, they do stupid shit all the time.

I'd be thrilled by signing of young, impactful guys, even it means the majority of fans down't know their names. I hope they go that route. Paul Kruger doesn't raise my opinion of the team too much.

[Triple-S]

Sounds like the Browns might be close to signing Kruger (watching NFLN).

This in no way alleviates the need to draft another pass rusher at #6, IMHO.

I kind of question signing someone who's father hired George Costanza.

[peeker643]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
Quentin Groves will visit the #Browns. Pass-rush help...

6'3" 265lb from Arizona which tells me Horton will look for thumper at the ILB spot next to DQwell?

IOW, Ellerbee not a likely target/landing spot here if you have Kruger and , IMO.

Guess we'll see.

ETA: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/que ... ves?id=240

[peeker643]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Browns trying to close in on an agreement with Ravens free-agent LB Paul Kruger.

Ugh...

if they overpay for this guy....

[peeker643]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
The #Browns are nearing a deal with pass-rusher Paul Kruger, I'm told. Was told it's likely.

Gaining steam.

Maybe it's not the money. Maybe Kruger really just loves the place

[CAVSTRIBEBROWNSin07!]

The Bills released Fitzpatrick.

[skatingtripods]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
The #Browns are nearing a deal with pass-rusher Paul Kruger, I'm told. Was told it's likely.

Gaining steam.

Maybe it's not the money. Maybe Kruger really just loves the place

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider
Hearing Paul Kruger's Browns deal will come in at five years, roughly $40 million

[peeker643]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
The #Browns are nearing a deal with pass-rusher Paul Kruger, I'm told. Was told it's likely.

Gaining steam.

Maybe it's not the money. Maybe Kruger really just loves the place

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider
Hearing Paul Kruger's Browns deal will come in at five years, roughly $40 million

Maybe it's the money.

Need to know signing bonus. Little else matters in terms of NFL deals and figuring out the financials.

[peeker643]

Levitre to Titans for 5/$39m. Vasquez just moved up a step on the G wish list.

[peeker643]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Browns reached agreement in principle on a five-year deal with Paul Kruger.

[peeker643]

Looking at Revenge of the Birds and other sites with info on Groves and Horton, he'd be used in the OLB/DE role not as an inside guy. He had four sacks last season in the role.

[jb]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Browns reached agreement in principle on a five-year deal with Paul Kruger.

And like everybody is confirming.

Rumors of 5 years at $ 40 mil or $9 per.

Nice.

[Hikohadon]

Fine with Kruger, I guess. The money is always a question but there are tons of way to make that work. Again, this in no way alleviates their need to draft a pass rusher at #6.

[e0y2e3]

How far too the cap floor?

[jb]

Looking at Revenge of the Birds and other sites with info on Groves and Horton, he'd be used in the OLB/DE role not as an inside guy. He had four sacks last season in the role.

Meh.

If we believe Horton he'll move him around to his strengths. he's not ggreat unless you compare him to what we have.

Now e can draft J Jone on the WS after we sign Lewis and another DB.

Team culd get a lot better on paper.

[peeker643]

Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo
The Broncos have agreed to terms with OG Louis Vasquez, 4 years, $23.5 million with $13 million fully guaranteed.

There goes that.

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora
On the Kruger deal, $20M of his $41M deal is guaranteed

Like it a lot more for the numbers above.

[peeker643]

Looking at Revenge of the Birds and other sites with info on Groves and Horton, he'd be used in the OLB/DE role not as an inside guy. He had four sacks last season in the role.

Meh.

If we believe Horton he'll move him around to his strengths. he's not ggreat unless you compare him to what we have.

Now e can draft J Jone on the WS after we sign Lewis and another DB.

Team culd get a lot better on paper.

I agree it's "meh" and I agree the new defense requires depth there. I'm fine with move like that. And no, still doesn't change anything regarding getting a guy at #6 to do it better from that spot.

[peeker643]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Tians and 49ers TE Delanie Walker reached agreement in a principle on a four-year deal.

Love watching Walker play.

[Hikohadon]

Now get Lewis DB PIT and Cook TE TEN and I'll be happy. Obviously you'd need some more complimentary FA pieces after that, but if they pull 3 starters at OLB, CB, and TE out of FA then I would be forced to admit being impressed.

[Erie Warrior]

$20 million of meh.

The Ravens are more interested in Ellerbe, which says a lot.

[Hikohadon]

Ellerbee to Miami, which is apparently the new Washington after already buying Wallace for $13 mil per earlier.

[googleeph2]

TE has got to be the next priority. Apparently a glut at CB right now.

Re: Kruger's contract, I read something on Banner that he never employed a signing bonus while at Phily.
They didn't get into cap trouble, either. I have as many concerns about the Browns FO as anyone, but I do trust they won't get the Browns into post 2002-type cap hell.

AFAIC, Miami can stick around the AFC North and continue thinning the herd.

EDIT: Does Kruger and Ellerbe leaving free up $ for Boldin? Wait, never mind.

[Hikohadon]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Browns reached agreement in principle on a five-year deal with Paul Kruger.

And like everybody is confirming.

Rumors of 5 years at $ 40 mil or $9 per.

Nice.

$8 per is a lot more palpable than the $10-$12 per that was being speculated prior to FA.

[leadpipe]

Not sure why anyone give a shit about Anquan Boldin. The guys been pretty marginal for a few years - clearly on the decline.

Then this years playoffs come, and Indy, sporting basically the leagues worst D covers him man the entire game and he brings down fade patterns. Than he makes a couple of nice catches in the bowl...I guess a loaded team like the Niners could use him to make some tough plays I suppose, but it's pretty clear Anquan Boldin from 2013 on is gonna be a pretty meh receiver. Hell, he's basically that right now.

A 6th round pick with that money ain't really a steal, it's about what he's worth.

By the way, the Ravens overestimating where he was at this year was one of the reasons their early season high octane offense failed - they didn't have the receivers to run it.

[Hikohadon]

Not sure why anyone give a shit about Anquan Boldin. The guys been pretty marginal for a few years - clearly on the decline.

Then this years playoffs come, and Indy, sporting basically the leagues worst D covers him man the entire game and he brings down fade patterns. Than he makes a couple of nice catches in the bowl...I guess a loaded team like the Niners could use him to make some tough plays I suppose, but it's pretty clear Anquan Boldin from 2013 on is gonna be a pretty meh receiver. Hell, he's basically that right now.

A 6th round pick with that money ain't really a steal, it's about what he's worth.

By the way, the Ravens overestimating where he was at this year was one of the reasons their early season high octane offense failed - they didn't have the receivers to run it.

Perhaps during the season, but he was an absolute beast during the postseason. About as good a playoffs as I've ever seen from a WR. Without him, they not only don't win the SB, they don't get there. And that's from someone who thinks WR's are overvalued.

If you didn't see how key he was to that team during their run, I can't help you.

[pup]

Desmond Bryant?

[pup]

5 years, $34M, $15M guaranteed.

[leadpipe]

Not sure why anyone give a shit about Anquan Boldin. The guys been pretty marginal for a few years - clearly on the decline.

Then this years playoffs come, and Indy, sporting basically the leagues worst D covers him man the entire game and he brings down fade patterns. Than he makes a couple of nice catches in the bowl...I guess a loaded team like the Niners could use him to make some tough plays I suppose, but it's pretty clear Anquan Boldin from 2013 on is gonna be a pretty meh receiver. Hell, he's basically that right now.

A 6th round pick with that money ain't really a steal, it's about what he's worth.

By the way, the Ravens overestimating where he was at this year was one of the reasons their early season high octane offense failed - they didn't have the receivers to run it.

Perhaps during the season, but he was an absolute beast during the postseason. About as good a playoffs as I've ever seen from a WR. Without him, they not only don't win the SB, they don't get there. And that's from someone who thinks WR's are overvalued.

If you didn't see how key he was to that team during their run, I can't help you.

I saw the playoffs. Impressive. I've also seen the last three SEASONS.

What one you wanna make a business decision on? A business decision predicated on the future?

My only point was that it seems pretty clear he's not gonna produce for what he will be paid, and it seems like the fawning over a great playoffs is clouding reality. He's now a decent receiver getting star money. Which is why it wasn't some sort of coupe that a team got him for a sixth.

For a team like the Niners you could argue it makes sense, for a team that needs a guy (and that money) to be a difference maker for 16 it'd be pretty foolish, cause guys that can get you 800 yard seasons are hangin' around.

[stretch51]

Desmond Bryant?

Harvard guy. Not great with the booze, though.

Interesting DL/LB combos now.

[motherscratcher]

Confused by the Des Bryant signing. Wasn't the interior line the one place on D where we are already pretty solid?

[CAVSTRIBEBROWNSin07!]

Pro Football Focus has Bryant ranked as the #2 FA interior lineman (behind Richard Seymour) and has this to say about him:

His next team will be looking for Bryant to put together a full season as both a run defender and a pass rusher. In isolation he has shown the ability to be top shelf at both, and if you choose the right selection of tape you’ll find a defensive tackle who can do everything.

Back in 2010, his second season in the league, Bryant earned a +10.2 grade in run defense while this season he earned a +16.8 grade as a pass rusher. In any other season that didn’t feature Geno Atkins doing absolutely crazy things, that would have been one of the elite pass rushing performances of the year. Coming out of Oakland Bryant might be a little bit under the radar, but if he can put together the complete package in one season then his next team could be getting one of the bargains of this year’s free agent period. Presuming he can stay out of legal trouble.

I know nothing about him, but I can get on board with that review.

[Believeland]

So Bryant plays the Justin Smith RDE role with Taylor and Rubin at NT and LDE? Winn likely backing up Bryant at RDE and Hughes backing up the NT? I have no problem continuing to stock the defensive front 7 wherever upgrades are available as long as we still add a MLB and CB via FA.

[Believeland]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter

Cleveland back at it bright and early: Browns reached agreement with former Cardinals LB Quentin Groves.