The NFL free agency period started this morning, and with the Steelers’ release of linebacker Joey Porter, speculation has started that the Cleveland Browns are interested in the former All Pro. Here’s hoping that Phil Savage resists the temptation to sign him.
The recent success of teams like the Steelers and Patriots is based on their uncanny decisions of knowing when a player is just about through, and the release of that player that soon follows. Those teams have had sustained winning due to excellent use of their cap space. That cap management comes from not overpaying players who have lost a step, thus maintaining payroll flexibility.
Since the Steelers are pretty good in the talent evaluation game, they must see the same thing many veteran NFL observers saw in 2006: Porter is not the player he once was. Thus they looked to replace him.
The Browns signed a similar player prior to last season, this one let go by the Patriots. His name is Willie McGinest. McGinest didn’t play up to his former All Pro level, was nicked up most of the year, and didn’t have the impact on the field the Browns thought he might have. If McGinest was the difference maker in putting a team into the playoffs, it would be a good acquisition. However, for a team trying to build to a winning season from a 6-10 mark in 2005, he was not the answer.
At 29 years old, Porter is rapidly becoming an average Joe as a starting linebacker, not a difference maker. GM Phil Savage needs to add younger players in free agency. He needs to get guys who still have several years of high production remaining in his career. For instance, players like Eric Steinbach or Nate Clements. Players who will still be high achievers when the brown and orange can make a playoff run in 2008 or 2009.
If Porter declines this season like he did from 2005 to 2006, he likely will become a locker room liability. Romeo Crennel and his staff don’t need that kind of headache heading into a make or break year.
Right now, who has a better track record for evaluating talent: The Steelers or The Browns? I think most would agree it’s the team wearing black and gold. They think Joey Porter doesn’t have enough left. I’ll go with their judgment. The Browns should stay away from Joey Porter.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 