Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[billmac91]

"Once the Browns see that LeCharles is LeCharles again, they'll be very pleased," Feinsod said. "He's fully committed to playing this season."
In December, the Browns shortened Bentley's contract by three years and gave him the chance to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He's signed through 2008 at the NFL minimum for centers with his experience of $605,000, but can make the $4 million he was originally set to earn through incentives. Bentley will receive $1 million bonuses after playing eight games, 12 games and 14 games.
The Browns are anticipating Bentley's return, but have also signed guard/center Rex Hadnot, an unrestricted free agent from the Dolphins, and lineman Lennie Friedman. Hadnot (6-2, 325) started every game the previous three seasons for Miami, at right guard in 2007 and center in 2006. In 2005, he started 13 games at right guard and three at center. The Browns haven't specified where he will play.

An 80-85% LeCharles Bentley is still in the top 3/4's of he league at his position. That's how good he was. If he can get to 80% of his previous abilities, it makes our line even better.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Cleveland Browns' free agent activity slowing

Posted by Tony Grossi Plain Dealer Reporter March 20, 2008 15:21PM

There doesn't appear to be another free-agent signing in the Browns' immediate future.
Both linebacker Clark Haggans and cornerback Bennie Sapp concluded their visits with the team without a contract agreement.
It is believed that the Browns did make an offer to Sapp, but the veteran of four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs has elected to make at least one more visit.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Savage holding out hope for Baxter, Bentley
Friday, March 21, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

It seems a 1,000-to-1 long shot Gary Baxter and LeCharles Bentley can still be the Browns' "Killer Bs," but there's a chance they'll at least be on the 2008 training camp field.

So says General Manager Phil Savage.

Both Baxter and Bentley, meant to be stars when they were signed as free agents, had their 2006 and '07 seasons ruined by patellar tendon injuries. Savage warmed up to Baxter's bid for a comeback during a Thursday talk on Browns AM radio flagship WTAM.

"He's had an amazing comeback," the general manager said.

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[Buckeyedynasty]

Browns agree to deal with versatile Orr

NFL.com Wire Reports



The Cleveland Browns reached agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent linebacker Shantee Orr on Wednesday, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.
Orr, 26, will essentially be the replacement for the departed Chaun Thompson at outside linebacker, playing some on the inside as well as special teams.

Cont...

Browns agree to deal with versatile Orr

I guess this is a good signing but I'm still holding out hope that we will sign Al Wilson. Sign big Al and call it a day in free agency. GO BROWNIES!!!

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by Buckeyedynasty

I guess this is a good signing but I'm still holding out hope that we will sign Al Wilson. Sign big Al and call it a day in free agency. GO BROWNIES!!!

Beat me to Orr. He is a good sign and will replace Thompson. Agree about Wilson. We need a strong inside backer. Sign him and another corner and call it a day.

Hopefully Baxter will make it all the way back and provide some depth. Bentley would be a very pleasant surprise.

[The Man]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

That is true. Shaffer can play both tackle positions which is a luxury but he did raise a little bit of a ruckus when they moved him to RT.

as I warned Browns fans when you acquired him, Schaffer actually is unable to play either tackle position. He sucks.

[billmac91]

Originally Posted by The Man

as I warned Browns fans when you acquired him, Schaffer actually is unable to play either tackle position. He sucks.

He had a decent year though. Probably not worth the money we're paying, but he's in the upper half of tackles in the league.

[ndboy15]

I don't really like him ethier, but he will work for now.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by The Man

as I warned Browns fans when you acquired him, Schaffer actually is unable to play either tackle position. He sucks.

Plus we really don't have a viable alternative right now because Tucker will have to stay at guard unless Bentley is able to come back. We did not give up many sacks last year so I don't think Shaffer really played that bad.

[MD Buckeye]

Early rankings for the upcoming year...

Don't believe the hype - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

6. Cleveland Browns (10-6) – The additions of Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams, Donte Stallworth and Rex Hadnot should make the Browns far better. Anything less than competing at the top of the AFC is a disappointment.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Browns re-sign LB Griffin
Thursday, March 27, 2008
REPOSITORY STAFF REPORT

CLEVELAND The Browns re-signed linebacker Kris Griffin to a one-year contract Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Griffin played in 12 games last season for Cleveland, mostly on special teams. Griffin ranked fifth on the team with 14 special teams tackles

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[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by MD Buckeye

Early rankings for the upcoming year...

Don't believe the hype - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Unfortunately, we have to play the teams ranked #1, #3, #5, and #7 but I guess you have to play the best to beat the best

[NFBuck]

Originally Posted by MD Buckeye

Early rankings for the upcoming year...

Don't believe the hype - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

If we get the DA of games 2-11, we may very well be up there. If we get the DA of games 12-16, probably not.

[LitlBuck]

PD


Cleveland Browns re-sign OL McKinney
Posted by Tony Grossi, Plain Dealer Reporter March 28, 2008 15:39PM

The Browns re-signed offensive guard Seth McKinney to a one-year contract today, further bolstering its offensive line into a position of strength.

McKinney won the starting right guard spot last year but missed the last eight games after tearing a labrum in a shoulder. Former tackle Ryan Tucker moved seamlessly to McKinney's guard spot the rest of the year. Tucker gave the line more of a push in run-blocking.

McKinney's future with the Browns seemed more in doubt after versatile guard-center Rex Hadnot was signed in free agency. Now the Browns have a solid starting five, plus two veterans in McKinney and Hadnot who have started at both center and guard.
"At this point, we feel we have seven starters competing for five positions," said Phil Savage, Browns general manager.

Continued

Seems like the Browns have quite a few guards on their roster if you include Friedman and possibly Bentley with the rest of these guys. I am not sure if they have signed any of their back up tackles as of yet.

[LitlBuck]

PD

Cleveland Browns add two assistant coaches
by Tony Grossi, Plain Dealer Reporter
Thursday March 27, 2008, 5:48 PM

The Browns added two assistants to their coaching staff Thursday.
They named Richard McNutt assistant defensive backs coach and Chris Caminiti assistant special teams coach. Caminiti will also carry the title of head coach liaison. He was a special assistant to head coach Romeo Crennel last year.

McNutt played cornerback at Ohio State in the 2000-02 seasons. During his last two seasons his position coach was Mel Tucker, who was promoted to defensive coordinator this year after serving three years as Browns defensive backs coach.

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