(03-19-2016 03:44 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:15 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 02:12 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-18-2016 07:52 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-18-2016 06:50 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  Something is not right, because he has a near $20 million per year contract. The difference is its not fully guaranteed, and they can cut him after each season.

April 1st his base contract is fully guaranteed at $11.9 million. The $20 million you mention (I think it is closer to $19M) is an average per year I believe including his signing bonus and performance escalators. You are correct regarding the contract is only guaranteed year-to-year.

Just NO to Kap...take Goff or Wentz...Trade Joe Thomas to Seattle...they are completely blowing it up in Cleveland...play McNown early...also by the trade deadline trade Joe Haden.

I would trade for Kap for a third round pick and still draft Wentz - I like him slightly better over Goff but either one at #2 is fine with me. Remember that Hue Jackson is a QB friendly coach. McNown is what 37/38 and is injury prone at this point in his career. After him there is not much left in the cupboard. All of this really is moot as I have read that Kap leaving SF is unlikely at this point.

The best I could give the 49ers is a 4th Rounder for him...the Browns have 10 draft picks...take Goff/Wentz @ #2...get the 26th pick from Seattle and go ahead and get Joe Thomas replacement or best available pass rusher...Michael Thomas from Ohio State @ 32 or best available pass rusher...take another QB in Round 5...I would take 2 QB in this draft...

Can't say I disagree with you except the 4th rounder for Kap. SF flatly would reject that for a QB that is 4-2 in the playoffs including a recent Super Bowl appearance. The Browns were also asking for a return pick or picks for Kap if they gave up a 3rd rounder for him. I believe SF was willing to do that but not absorb any of his guaranteed contract.

(03-19-2016 04:19 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:44 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:15 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 02:12 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-18-2016 07:52 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  April 1st his base contract is fully guaranteed at $11.9 million. The $20 million you mention (I think it is closer to $19M) is an average per year I believe including his signing bonus and performance escalators. You are correct regarding the contract is only guaranteed year-to-year.

Just NO to Kap...take Goff or Wentz...Trade Joe Thomas to Seattle...they are completely blowing it up in Cleveland...play McNown early...also by the trade deadline trade Joe Haden.

I would trade for Kap for a third round pick and still draft Wentz - I like him slightly better over Goff but either one at #2 is fine with me. Remember that Hue Jackson is a QB friendly coach. McNown is what 37/38 and is injury prone at this point in his career. After him there is not much left in the cupboard. All of this really is moot as I have read that Kap leaving SF is unlikely at this point.

The best I could give the 49ers is a 4th Rounder for him...the Browns have 10 draft picks...take Goff/Wentz @ #2...get the 26th pick from Seattle and go ahead and get Joe Thomas replacement or best available pass rusher...Michael Thomas from Ohio State @ 32 or best available pass rusher...take another QB in Round 5...I would take 2 QB in this draft...

Can't say I disagree with you except the 4th rounder for Kap. SF flatly would reject that for a QB that is 4-2 in the playoffs including a recent Super Bowl appearance. The Browns were also asking for a return pick or picks for Kap if they gave up a 3rd rounder for him. I believe SF was willing to do that but not absorb any of his guaranteed contract.

Well apparently they are talking to RGIII now as well...myself-(even though not a RGIII Guy) I would sign him...take Jalen Ramsay at #2 Overall...still trade Joe Thomas to Seattle for the 26th and a extra 4th or 5th Rounder...take a Cardale Jones in the 3rd Round...@ 26th again take Joe Thomas Replacement/Best Pass Rusher and at the Top of the 2nd Round take Thomas from Ohio State or Best Pass Rusher Available.

Quite frankly there is no such thing as a joe Thomas replacement, most certainly not at the end of the first round. You only trade him if you can't resign him because he's tired of losing.?Otherwise you pay him what he wants and move on, or your next quarterback will never have a chance living on his back like a low end porn star. But since hey let Travis Benjamin leave, there is no point in trading for Kap, as they aren't winning anything for five years anyway, especially in the most stacked division in football.

And since SF has no cap issues and no QB, they have no incentive to trade Kap for such low demands, especially since they can cut him at The end of each year.

(03-20-2016 09:41 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  Quite frankly there is no such thing as a joe Thomas replacement, most certainly not at the end of the first round. You only trade him if you can't resign him because he's tired of losing.?Otherwise you pay him what he wants and move on, or your next quarterback will never have a chance living on his back like a low end porn star. But since hey let Travis Benjamin leave, there is no point in trading for Kap, as they aren't winning anything for five years anyway, especially in the most stacked division in football.

And since SF has no cap issues and no QB, they have no incentive to trade Kap for such low demands, especially since they can cut him at The end of each year.

Agree on no real replacement for the future Hall of Famer...but you trade him now since he has value and they are in complete rebuilding mode.

At 31 By the time they could get good he will be done...trade him now, get a couple of picks...use a McNown/RGIII early this coming year.

(03-19-2016 06:25 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 04:19 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:44 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:15 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 02:12 PM)Maize Wrote:  Just NO to Kap...take Goff or Wentz...Trade Joe Thomas to Seattle...they are completely blowing it up in Cleveland...play McNown early...also by the trade deadline trade Joe Haden.

I would trade for Kap for a third round pick and still draft Wentz - I like him slightly better over Goff but either one at #2 is fine with me. Remember that Hue Jackson is a QB friendly coach. McNown is what 37/38 and is injury prone at this point in his career. After him there is not much left in the cupboard. All of this really is moot as I have read that Kap leaving SF is unlikely at this point.

The best I could give the 49ers is a 4th Rounder for him...the Browns have 10 draft picks...take Goff/Wentz @ #2...get the 26th pick from Seattle and go ahead and get Joe Thomas replacement or best available pass rusher...Michael Thomas from Ohio State @ 32 or best available pass rusher...take another QB in Round 5...I would take 2 QB in this draft...

Can't say I disagree with you except the 4th rounder for Kap. SF flatly would reject that for a QB that is 4-2 in the playoffs including a recent Super Bowl appearance. The Browns were also asking for a return pick or picks for Kap if they gave up a 3rd rounder for him. I believe SF was willing to do that but not absorb any of his guaranteed contract.

Well apparently they are talking to RGIII now as well...myself-(even though not a RGIII Guy) I would sign him...take Jalen Ramsay at #2 Overall...still trade Joe Thomas to Seattle for the 26th and a extra 4th or 5th Rounder...take a Cardale Jones in the 3rd Round...@ 26th again take Joe Thomas Replacement/Best Pass Rusher and at the Top of the 2nd Round take Thomas from Ohio State or Best Pass Rusher Available.

RGIII isn't coming to Cleveland - it's a free agent dog and pony show visit. He is more damaged than Kap, in particular physically, and Hue Jackson prefers Kap. I would not pick anyone other than a QB at #2 regardless of what Cleveland does for a starting QB. This is a QB driven league and they need a young stud that Hue Jackson can work with and mold into his system to be the face of the franchise - see Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I would never, NEVER, draft a safety at the #2 pick. That is too high for any position other than QB or OL/DL IMO. The only exception is if maybe a freak outside linebacker that plays every down is available and the depth of talent is lower at the available linemen positions. Take Joey Bosa at #2 before Ramsay.

(03-20-2016 11:13 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 06:25 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 04:19 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:44 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 03:15 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  I would trade for Kap for a third round pick and still draft Wentz - I like him slightly better over Goff but either one at #2 is fine with me. Remember that Hue Jackson is a QB friendly coach. McNown is what 37/38 and is injury prone at this point in his career. After him there is not much left in the cupboard. All of this really is moot as I have read that Kap leaving SF is unlikely at this point.

The best I could give the 49ers is a 4th Rounder for him...the Browns have 10 draft picks...take Goff/Wentz @ #2...get the 26th pick from Seattle and go ahead and get Joe Thomas replacement or best available pass rusher...Michael Thomas from Ohio State @ 32 or best available pass rusher...take another QB in Round 5...I would take 2 QB in this draft...

Can't say I disagree with you except the 4th rounder for Kap. SF flatly would reject that for a QB that is 4-2 in the playoffs including a recent Super Bowl appearance. The Browns were also asking for a return pick or picks for Kap if they gave up a 3rd rounder for him. I believe SF was willing to do that but not absorb any of his guaranteed contract.

Well apparently they are talking to RGIII now as well...myself-(even though not a RGIII Guy) I would sign him...take Jalen Ramsay at #2 Overall...still trade Joe Thomas to Seattle for the 26th and a extra 4th or 5th Rounder...take a Cardale Jones in the 3rd Round...@ 26th again take Joe Thomas Replacement/Best Pass Rusher and at the Top of the 2nd Round take Thomas from Ohio State or Best Pass Rusher Available.

RGIII isn't coming to Cleveland - it's a free agent dog and pony show visit. He is more damaged than Kap, in particular physically, and Hue Jackson prefers Kap. I would not pick anyone other than a QB at #2 regardless of what Cleveland does for a starting QB. This is a QB driven league and they need a young stud that Hue Jackson can work with and mold into his system to be the face of the franchise - see Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I would never, NEVER, draft a safety at the #2 pick. That is too high for any position other than QB or OL/DL IMO. The only exception is if maybe a freak outside linebacker that plays every down is available and the depth of talent is lower at the available linemen positions. Take Joey Bosa at #2 before Ramsay.

The problem with Bosa would be putting a Square peg in a Round Hole...Bosa is a 4-3 DE...a 3 Technique player and the Browns play a 3-4 Defense which requires a 5 Technique DE...he is too small to play that in the NFL. Plus not really the pass rusher that I like to see coming off the edge...Louisville Sheldon Rankins-(Likely Top 15 Overall Pick) had more QB Sacks and Rankins 30 pounds heavier had a similar 40 time and higher vertical-(more explosive) at the combine

Now if you don't want Ramsey... Myles Jack is a better fit and if not coming off the knee injury would be considered the Best player in the draft.

(03-20-2016 11:56 AM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:13 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 06:25 PM)Maize Wrote:  Well apparently they are talking to RGIII now as well...myself-(even though not a RGIII Guy) I would sign him...take Jalen Ramsay at #2 Overall...still trade Joe Thomas to Seattle for the 26th and a extra 4th or 5th Rounder...take a Cardale Jones in the 3rd Round...@ 26th again take Joe Thomas Replacement/Best Pass Rusher and at the Top of the 2nd Round take Thomas from Ohio State or Best Pass Rusher Available.

RGIII isn't coming to Cleveland - it's a free agent dog and pony show visit. He is more damaged than Kap, in particular physically, and Hue Jackson prefers Kap. I would not pick anyone other than a QB at #2 regardless of what Cleveland does for a starting QB. This is a QB driven league and they need a young stud that Hue Jackson can work with and mold into his system to be the face of the franchise - see Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I would never, NEVER, draft a safety at the #2 pick. That is too high for any position other than QB or OL/DL IMO. The only exception is if maybe a freak outside linebacker that plays every down is available and the depth of talent is lower at the available linemen positions. Take Joey Bosa at #2 before Ramsay.

The problem with Bosa would be putting a Square peg in a Round Hole...Bosa is a 4-3 DE...a 3 Technique player and the Browns play a 3-4 Defense which requires a 5 Technique DE...he is too small to play that in the NFL. Plus not really the pass rusher that I like to see coming off the edge...Louisville Sheldon Rankins-(Likely Top 15 Overall Pick) had more QB Sacks and Rankins 30 pounds heavier had a similar 40 time and higher vertical-(more explosive) at the combine

Now if you don't want Ramsey... Myles Jack is a better fit and if not coming off the knee injury would be considered the Best player in the draft.

Always interesting to see how opinions and draft philosophy differ (and are similar). I'm always careful of injuries and Jack is a tremendous talent but a risk IMO - he's sat out for one full year recovering. I'm also leery of looking too much into combine stats. Look at scouting live games and reviewing tape for a better picture of what a player does on the field. I believe Bosa can play in either alignment because the one thing he has is quicks out of the stance and good upper body strength to help his technique. He also has a motor that doesn't quit. You're right, he's a bit lean for a true 3-4 DT but the Browns could adapt to his skills playing more of a hybrid or multi-front look. He's that talented with more upside IMO. Again, it's a moot point for me as I stand by Wentz (1A) and Goff (1B) for the #2 pick.

(03-20-2016 01:32 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:56 AM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 11:13 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-19-2016 06:25 PM)Maize Wrote:  Well apparently they are talking to RGIII now as well...myself-(even though not a RGIII Guy) I would sign him...take Jalen Ramsay at #2 Overall...still trade Joe Thomas to Seattle for the 26th and a extra 4th or 5th Rounder...take a Cardale Jones in the 3rd Round...@ 26th again take Joe Thomas Replacement/Best Pass Rusher and at the Top of the 2nd Round take Thomas from Ohio State or Best Pass Rusher Available.

RGIII isn't coming to Cleveland - it's a free agent dog and pony show visit. He is more damaged than Kap, in particular physically, and Hue Jackson prefers Kap. I would not pick anyone other than a QB at #2 regardless of what Cleveland does for a starting QB. This is a QB driven league and they need a young stud that Hue Jackson can work with and mold into his system to be the face of the franchise - see Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I would never, NEVER, draft a safety at the #2 pick. That is too high for any position other than QB or OL/DL IMO. The only exception is if maybe a freak outside linebacker that plays every down is available and the depth of talent is lower at the available linemen positions. Take Joey Bosa at #2 before Ramsay.

The problem with Bosa would be putting a Square peg in a Round Hole...Bosa is a 4-3 DE...a 3 Technique player and the Browns play a 3-4 Defense which requires a 5 Technique DE...he is too small to play that in the NFL. Plus not really the pass rusher that I like to see coming off the edge...Louisville Sheldon Rankins-(Likely Top 15 Overall Pick) had more QB Sacks and Rankins 30 pounds heavier had a similar 40 time and higher vertical-(more explosive) at the combine

Now if you don't want Ramsey... Myles Jack is a better fit and if not coming off the knee injury would be considered the Best player in the draft.

Always interesting to see how opinions and draft philosophy differ (and are similar). I'm always careful of injuries and Jack is a tremendous talent but a risk IMO - he's sat out for one full year recovering. I'm also leery of looking too much into combine stats. Look at scouting live games and reviewing tape for a better picture of what a player does on the field. I believe Bosa can play in either alignment because the one thing he has is quicks out of the stance and good upper body strength to help his technique. He also has a motor that doesn't quit. You're right, he's a bit lean for a true 3-4 DT but the Browns could adapt to his skills playing more of a hybrid or multi-front look. He's that talented with more upside IMO. Again, it's a moot point for me as I stand by Wentz (1A) and Goff (1B) for the #2 pick.

Interesting:

How serious is the Browns' interest in ex-Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III? Serious enough that after reportedly hosting him for a two-day visit, the team is now apparently "making calls to gather info" about RG3.

That's according to Pro Football Talk, which cites a "source with knowledge of the situation." PFT specifically wrote that the Browns are checking on RG3's "character."

And if that report is true, then the Browns might actually be a legitimate candidate to land RG3. At least, that's what it looks like from afar considering his only other reported visit was with the Jets, who were reportedly only using him for leverage as they continue to negotiate with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketba...ach-at-tcu

(03-20-2016 02:24 PM)Maize Wrote:  Interesting:

How serious is the Browns' interest in ex-Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III? Serious enough that after reportedly hosting him for a two-day visit, the team is now apparently "making calls to gather info" about RG3.

That's according to Pro Football Talk, which cites a "source with knowledge of the situation." PFT specifically wrote that the Browns are checking on RG3's "character."

And if that report is true, then the Browns might actually be a legitimate candidate to land RG3. At least, that's what it looks like from afar considering his only other reported visit was with the Jets, who were reportedly only using him for leverage as they continue to negotiate with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketba...ach-at-tcu

I'm skeptical but what do I know since I am not a part of the Browns inner circle brain trust. From Cleveland.com:

Quote:The former Redskins quarterback made an official free agent visit to the Browns facility this weekend, a league source confirmed for cleveland.com. He flew to Cleveland on Friday night and left Saturday afternoon.

He met with Executive Vice President Sashi Brown, coach Hue Jackson, assistant head coach/offense Pep Hamilton and Vice President of Player Personnel Andrew Berry. The visit went well, according to a source.

It was the second visit Griffin III has made since the Redskins released him March 7. He's also visited the Jets, and had at least some mild interest from the Broncos.

It remains to be seen how serious the Browns are about signing him. He left town without a contract.

The Browns are doing their due diligence on available veteran quarterbacks and have also expressed interest in trading for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A source told cleveland.com recently that the Browns would be willing to part with a third-round pick for Kaepernick, but that the trade hinged on a contract restructuring.

To RGIII, or not to RGIII. That is the question.

(03-20-2016 04:09 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 02:24 PM)Maize Wrote:  Interesting:

How serious is the Browns' interest in ex-Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III? Serious enough that after reportedly hosting him for a two-day visit, the team is now apparently "making calls to gather info" about RG3.

That's according to Pro Football Talk, which cites a "source with knowledge of the situation." PFT specifically wrote that the Browns are checking on RG3's "character."

And if that report is true, then the Browns might actually be a legitimate candidate to land RG3. At least, that's what it looks like from afar considering his only other reported visit was with the Jets, who were reportedly only using him for leverage as they continue to negotiate with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketba...ach-at-tcu

I'm skeptical but what do I know since I am not a part of the Browns inner circle brain trust. From Cleveland.com:

Quote:The former Redskins quarterback made an official free agent visit to the Browns facility this weekend, a league source confirmed for cleveland.com. He flew to Cleveland on Friday night and left Saturday afternoon.

He met with Executive Vice President Sashi Brown, coach Hue Jackson, assistant head coach/offense Pep Hamilton and Vice President of Player Personnel Andrew Berry. The visit went well, according to a source.

It was the second visit Griffin III has made since the Redskins released him March 7. He's also visited the Jets, and had at least some mild interest from the Broncos.

It remains to be seen how serious the Browns are about signing him. He left town without a contract.

The Browns are doing their due diligence on available veteran quarterbacks and have also expressed interest in trading for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A source told cleveland.com recently that the Browns would be willing to part with a third-round pick for Kaepernick, but that the trade hinged on a contract restructuring.

To RGIII, or not to RGIII. That is the question.

To me this says the current coaches have no real interest in Josh McNown...would take RGIII over Kap...3 years younger and would not require a draft pick...plus by signing him it would not go against the 2017 Compensatory Draft Picks since he wasn't a true free agent.

(03-20-2016 04:27 PM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 04:09 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 02:24 PM)Maize Wrote:  Interesting:

How serious is the Browns' interest in ex-Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III? Serious enough that after reportedly hosting him for a two-day visit, the team is now apparently "making calls to gather info" about RG3.

That's according to Pro Football Talk, which cites a "source with knowledge of the situation." PFT specifically wrote that the Browns are checking on RG3's "character."

And if that report is true, then the Browns might actually be a legitimate candidate to land RG3. At least, that's what it looks like from afar considering his only other reported visit was with the Jets, who were reportedly only using him for leverage as they continue to negotiate with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketba...ach-at-tcu

I'm skeptical but what do I know since I am not a part of the Browns inner circle brain trust. From Cleveland.com:

Quote:The former Redskins quarterback made an official free agent visit to the Browns facility this weekend, a league source confirmed for cleveland.com. He flew to Cleveland on Friday night and left Saturday afternoon.

He met with Executive Vice President Sashi Brown, coach Hue Jackson, assistant head coach/offense Pep Hamilton and Vice President of Player Personnel Andrew Berry. The visit went well, according to a source.

It was the second visit Griffin III has made since the Redskins released him March 7. He's also visited the Jets, and had at least some mild interest from the Broncos.

It remains to be seen how serious the Browns are about signing him. He left town without a contract.

The Browns are doing their due diligence on available veteran quarterbacks and have also expressed interest in trading for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A source told cleveland.com recently that the Browns would be willing to part with a third-round pick for Kaepernick, but that the trade hinged on a contract restructuring.

To RGIII, or not to RGIII. That is the question.

To me this says the current coaches have no real interest in Josh McNown...would take RGIII over Kap...3 years younger and would not require a draft pick...plus by signing him it would not go against the 2017 Compensatory Draft Picks since he wasn't a true free agent.

I love Josh's toughness and how he handles himself on and off the field. A true professional. But....he is one hit away from going on IR. I don't blame the Browns in that regard. I'll say this, don't count out Kap just yet as RGIII may be a play to bring Kap's price tag down a bit. I don't exactly see anyone fighting for RGIII and I think that is part his dad's butting-in personality, his attitude with former teammates and his physical health. That said, I agree the Browns could get him at a more salary/draft pick friendly rate. I would further speculate that RGIII is more of a stop-gap/transition starter and the Browns would still draft a QB at #2. This is sure to twist and turn a few more times. Fun, isn't it?

Owners meeting this week and CBS talking about Joe Thomas value:

Thomas will turn 32 at the end of the 2016 season and he is signed through 2019. He has essentially $30 million left on his contract over the next three years, and given the recent spending spree that just went on, with guards being paid like tackles, etc., that is a bargain given how productive Thomas remains. But it's become more clear than ever the Browns are prizing draft picks above all -- they have loaded up on 2017 compensatory picks whether by designs or frugality or a combination of both -- and they could conceivably swap Thomas, a player whose last best years will be largely wasted on a team at the bottom of the AFC North, for assets that could turn into multiple key starters.

A year ago they turned down a first-round pick from Denver for Thomas after Ryan Clady's injury -- it was baffling in real-time and even more shocking with a year of hindsight -- and the new regime, led by recast holdover Sashi Brown, would be smart to try like hell to get a first-round selection for Thomas ahead of the draft.

Some in the organization believed dealing Thomas was going to end up as an offseason priority, though sources have said owner Jimmy Haslam seems less interested in that move. For whatever the reason, there has been little movement on the matter to this point, but it would be downright silly for the Browns not to use this annual league meeting as an opportunity to determine a market and gather information.

Trust me, it's not like they have to worry about Thomas finding out they're open to moving him and getting ticked off by it. If anything, I'd anticipate the prospect excites him.

Seattle, a team with an aggressive and bold general manager in John Schneider, has an opening at left tackle with injured Russell Okung moving on and the Seahawks not making a move in free agency. This kind of swashbuckling deal -- with the Seahawks picking 26th and still firmly in Super Bowl-now mode -- would be right up his alley. Some of his peers see him as a prime trade partner, though league sources have indicated that the slew of big contracts handed out by the Seahawks probably has to stop at some point, and they did just deal their top pick to take on tight end Jimmy Graham's huge deal a year ago.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jaso...-contender

There are necessary evils in this world. I'm the biggest Joe Thomas fan but if the Browns are truly in tear it down mode in order to build it back up then I would trade him for the right draft pick compensation.

(03-20-2016 05:55 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  There are necessary evils in this world. I'm the biggest Joe Thomas fan but if the Browns are truly in tear it down mode in order to build it back up then I would trade him for the right draft pick compensation.

I'm a huge Joe Thomas fan as well...bring it every Sunday...but part of me wants him to get a Ring as well.

(03-20-2016 10:05 AM)Maize Wrote:  

(03-20-2016 09:41 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  Quite frankly there is no such thing as a joe Thomas replacement, most certainly not at the end of the first round. You only trade him if you can't resign him because he's tired of losing.?Otherwise you pay him what he wants and move on, or your next quarterback will never have a chance living on his back like a low end porn star. But since hey let Travis Benjamin leave, there is no point in trading for Kap, as they aren't winning anything for five years anyway, especially in the most stacked division in football.

And since SF has no cap issues and no QB, they have no incentive to trade Kap for such low demands, especially since they can cut him at The end of each year.

Agree on no real replacement for the future Hall of Famer...but you trade him now since he has value and they are in complete rebuilding mode.

At 31 By the time they could get good he will be done...trade him now, get a couple of picks...use a McNown/RGIII early this coming year.

I get what you're saying. But to me a first Riund pick is not worth the value. EPECIALLY if I'm drafting a quarterback. I don't want him to end up like Tim Couch, David Carr, or other young QB's who ran for their lives. That is protection he needs. Think the Minnesota Timberwovles with KG, Andre Miller, and Tayshaun Prince: sometimes you need some vets to grow your team.

Now, if Joe want a chance at a ring, then you owe it to him to give him that chance if you can get a first for him. Or maybe you have to do it for him (Atlanta should have forced Tony Gonzalez to take a trade his last year for his own good for a chance at a ring, because no player will desert his team. Sometimes you have to do it for their own good). Maybe you need to do that to do right by a guy. But I can absolutely see why you'd want to hold onto Thomas to protect whomever your new quarterback is.

The latest from Cleveland.com:

Quote:Browns Executive Vice President Sashi Brown addressed a number of key issues at the NFL Annual Meeting, including the futures of left tackle Joe Thomas and quarterback Josh McCown.

It's been widely speculated that the Browns might try to trade Thomas now that they're in rebuilding mode and have let center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz walk in free agency.

But Brown reiterated that he has no intentions of trading the nine-time Pro Bowler.

"That's not our plan at all,'' he said. "I know it's been written about a lot. But that's as simple as I can say it."

And if somebody offers you a first-round pick?

"Again, our plan is not to trade Joe Thomas,'' he said. "He'll be our left tackle."

Playoff contenders are expected to inquire about Thomas because the Browns are in rebuilding mode, and because they nearly sent him to the Denver Broncos at the trade deadline in November. The Broncos offered a 2017 first-round pick and a 2016 second-rounder, and wanted Thomas and a third-rounder. The Browns would only surrender a fifth-rounder, and that was the dealbreaker.

Thomas also said he didn't want to be traded, and that helped persuade the Browns not to make the move. But Thomas might feel differently now that two of his best pals are gone and the Browns are in a youth movement. He said in February he wants to stay now that Hue Jackson is on board, but that was before four starters left in free agency.

As for quarterback Josh McCown, who will be 37 in July, Jackson made no promises he'll still be around if the Browns sign Robert Griffin III or another veteran quarterback.

"Again, we'll go through the process and see,'' said Jackson. "He's not going to be the reason why we don't try to get better, and he's not the reason why we're trying to get better. We're just going to unturn every rock that we can, as I said, at every position and see how it fits for us, and then we'll make those decisions as we go."

If the Browns sign Griffin, they could try to trade McCown, who finished 14th in the NFL with a 93.3 rating before finishing the season on injured reserve with a broken collarbone. Several teams were interested in signing McCown last offseason, including the Bills and Bears.

Joe

(03-21-2016 07:02 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  The latest from Cleveland.com:

Quote:Browns Executive Vice President Sashi Brown addressed a number of key issues at the NFL Annual Meeting, including the futures of left tackle Joe Thomas and quarterback Josh McCown.

It's been widely speculated that the Browns might try to trade Thomas now that they're in rebuilding mode and have let center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz walk in free agency.

But Brown reiterated that he has no intentions of trading the nine-time Pro Bowler.

"That's not our plan at all,'' he said. "I know it's been written about a lot. But that's as simple as I can say it."

And if somebody offers you a first-round pick?

"Again, our plan is not to trade Joe Thomas,'' he said. "He'll be our left tackle."

Playoff contenders are expected to inquire about Thomas because the Browns are in rebuilding mode, and because they nearly sent him to the Denver Broncos at the trade deadline in November. The Broncos offered a 2017 first-round pick and a 2016 second-rounder, and wanted Thomas and a third-rounder. The Browns would only surrender a fifth-rounder, and that was the dealbreaker.

Thomas also said he didn't want to be traded, and that helped persuade the Browns not to make the move. But Thomas might feel differently now that two of his best pals are gone and the Browns are in a youth movement. He said in February he wants to stay now that Hue Jackson is on board, but that was before four starters left in free agency.

As for quarterback Josh McCown, who will be 37 in July, Jackson made no promises he'll still be around if the Browns sign Robert Griffin III or another veteran quarterback.

"Again, we'll go through the process and see,'' said Jackson. "He's not going to be the reason why we don't try to get better, and he's not the reason why we're trying to get better. We're just going to unturn every rock that we can, as I said, at every position and see how it fits for us, and then we'll make those decisions as we go."

If the Browns sign Griffin, they could try to trade McCown, who finished 14th in the NFL with a 93.3 rating before finishing the season on injured reserve with a broken collarbone. Several teams were interested in signing McCown last offseason, including the Bills and Bears.

Joe

Hue Jackson-(the first Browns coach I have confidence in since Marty Schottenheimer) says Joe Thomas isn't going anywhere.

The pre-draft spin continues...

Quote:This brings us to a piece from Lance Zierlein on NFL.com relating to the Browns' No. 2 spot in this draft. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised if the Browns actually trade out, as one NFC executive posited.

"Don't be surprised if a team like the Eagles makes a really strong move up the board to get [Carson] Wentz. I don't think he's worth it, but I think they do. Everyone thinks you have to move ahead of Cleveland, but [DePodesta] will want to get as many picks as possible out of this draft. It wouldn't surprise me if a team moved directly to Cleveland's spot for Wentz."

Quarterbacks are the primary currency in football. But just because you need a quarterback doesn't mean you take a quarterback. Especially when the second-most valuable currency in the NFL is selections in the draft.

The proof is in the pudding for the Browns, who have unsuccessfully drafted quarterbacks over and over and over and over again since 1999.

Instead of treating time like a flat circle, what if the Browns decided they wanted to burn it all to the ground (they started by letting their free agents walk out the door) and rebuild in a Epstein-ian fashion, accumulating as many draft picks as possible and using those picks to acquire talent.

It's a fundamental strategy, and tried and true to boot. There's also little downside. The Browns have been terrible and people expect the Browns to be terrible.

If Sashi Brown, DePodesta and Hue Jackson actually convinced Jimmy Haslam to give them time -- something which exists in a bizarre vacuum in the NFL -- they could theoretically add as many picks as possible and just wait it out until the right quarterback comes along.

This is kind of a smart way to do things. It's just not practical in today's NFL because people like to keep their jobs.

This is the season of smokescreens, so believing anything anyone says is silly. There is some logic here, however.

Teams will be interested in Wentz, obviously. It's impossible to know how high or how low certain teams are on certain prospects. The Eagles have Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel, which, well, is an argument for Wentz actually.

And we're all just riding along assuming the Browns will take a quarterback at No. 2. They have to because they need a quarterback. But ignoring talent and selecting for need is exactly why the Browns are the Browns. Ignoring need and selecting talent on a barren roster is the most logical move of all.

DePodesta is a former baseball executive, but that simplifies his work. He's analyzing markets and trying to determine how to exploit various factors in order to gain a competitive advantage.

And the biggest competitive advantage any NFL team can have -- at least in the draft -- is sticking to its board and taking the best possible players.

This is what Ozzie Newsome does with the Ravens. It's what Bill Belichick does with the Patriots. Ditto for Ted Thompson and the Packers, Kevin Colbert and the Steelers, Dave Gettleman and the Panthers, Steve Keim and the Cardinals, John Schneider and the Seahawks.

Stop me if you already noticed the common thread between these organizations. (Hint: they win a lot of football games.)

Wentz's value is high. He's going to require a top-10 pick at minimum. Howie Roseman already made a play up to No. 8 (vis-a-vis a Byron Maxwell trade), which means he's in position to make another bold move if he wants. Getting to No. 2 wouldn't be cheap, but if DePodesta is forward-thinking he'd have to consider dropping down a couple spots for a reasonable price.

Then all of a sudden there's a scenario where the entire first round is thrown for a loop by the Browns doing something smart. Because the draft needs some more surprises obviously.

Browns Trade Down Spots?

Browns finally make a move....

Quote:The Browns finally landed quarterback Robert Griffin III four years after they almost gave up the farm to get him.

This time, they didn't have to surrender three first-round picks and acquire him. A street free agent, he was waived by the Redskins March 7th.

They signed Griffin to a two-year deal worth $15 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus and $6.75 million in guarantees. The maximum value, including incentives, is $22 million. The $7.5 million average is "bridge'' quarterback money and won't preclude the Browns from drafting a quarterback high.

Griffin's departure from the team that picked him No. 2 overall in 2012 after surrendering three first-round picks and one second-rounder came after a season in which he was demoted to third-string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy.

In Cleveland, Browns coach Hue Jackson will try to revive the career of the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler. They also engaged in preliminary trade talks with the 49ers for Colin Kaepernick, but couldn't strike a deal.

"We are excited about Robert joining the Cleveland Browns," Jackson said in a release. "He brings starting experience to our team and organization. He's a young, athletic, talented passer and he's really just starting out in this league. Just like every player on our team, Robert will have to earn every opportunity he gets. He will compete with the rest of the quarterbacks on our roster and he helps improve our QB room, which was one of my goals upon taking the job.

"It's a special room and we want to put special people and players in that room. We are looking forward to working with Robert, as well as the rest of the quarterbacks on our roster. We have a lot of work to do to prepare to be the best QB room in the NFL and we look forward to the challenge that lies ahead."

A Change of Scenery...

That is a good singing for them. Low risk considering the cap is not an issue for them, and he's paid 1/3 of franchise QB money. And if he works out, you can trade him or the QB they draft.