Browns Become a Hometown Team

 

Browns’ GM Phil Savage struck quickly in this year’s NFL free agency period, signing three players on Saturday and two more on Sunday.  They likely are not finished shopping as of yet.  Rumors are flying that Savage is trying to ink the Lions’ Kalimba Edwards to fill the team’s need at defensive end/outside linebacker.  These signings almost ensure the Browns will draft a linebacker in the first round of next month’s NFL draft.

 

Adding LeCharles Bentley and Joe Jurevicius to the squad gives the team two players who understand how much this football team means to the city of Cleveland.  They know how important the rivalry with the Steelers is.  Most importantly, they both can play.  Bentley is a two time Pro Bowler which is double the appearances by all Browns since they returned to the league in 1999.  ESPN.com had the former St. Ignatius grad rated the best free agent available regardless of position.

 

Jurevicius is a pro’s pro.  He has been to the Super Bowl three times with three different teams (Giants, Buccaneers, and Seahawks), and should provide Charlie Frye with a big target, particularly in the red zone.  The former Lake Catholic star performs in the big games.  Savage also signed a new punter, Dave Zastudil, who is also a home town boy (from Bay Village).  There will be no excuses about the Cleveland weather in November and December since the guy grew up here.

 

Savage also replaced L.J. Shelton with Kevin Shaffer, former with Atlanta.  Shaffer was ranked as the 26th best free agent.  He is only 26 years old, and projects to be an upgrade over Shelton.  The Browns are also supposed to be signing veteran nose tackle Ted Washington, who played for Romeo Crennel in New England.  Washington is 38, so he will likely be a run stopper, and groom whatever nose tackle the team drafts this off season. 

 

Besides signing Edwards, Savage will probably try to get what he can for former first round pick Jeff Faine before the draft.  Faine has yet to finish a season, so the Browns will not be getting anything of great value in return, but I’m sure Savage wants some extra draft picks.

 

Just think if John Collins had gotten his way and fired Savage.  The Browns would still be a team searching for direction.  Since Savage stayed, that direction is upwards.  He had a plan, and went out and made it happen. 

 

JD