Cleveland Browns: Mum is the Word

After reading Cleveland newspapers and watching Cleveland sports on STO for the last several weeks, there is nothing really new to report. However, this weekend is the NFL Combine, so there might be more to report. Anyway, there are rumors and speculation.

For instance, will the Browns trade DA? Well, no one knows for sure. However, even if we did trade DA, we apparently will still take a salary cap hit of a little less than 10 million dollars for this upcoming season. Furthermore, DA is due a 5 million dollar bonus. Yes...I was shocked to hear this. According to some of the writers/reporters, it is better to keep DA as a backup. Besides, I'd rather have DA as a backup--especially after cutting/releasing Gradkowski and Dorsey. And unfortunately, it sounds like we could only get a 4th round draft pick for DA...at best. Once again, this is speculation.

Next, the Eagles talk radio is just as bad. Many wonder what the Eagles would have to give up if they pursued the Browns about K2. Recently, on Comcast, sports reporters wondered if a second round draft pick and Lito Sheppard would suffice. And after thinking about it, why not? In return, we get a quality draft pick, a good DB to pair with Eric Wright, and get rid of a cancer on the team. Besides, how much longer will K2's knees hold up? And yes, LBs and safeties have difficulty covering him, but he has trouble blocking. You could put him out as a WR, but does he have the speed anymore to outrun quality DBs?

Another rumor is what will we address in free agency? Well truthfully, I don't know if we have the cap room to sign a player of Haynesworth's ability. Rumor has it that we were interested in Terrell Suggs of the Ravens, but they tagged him. In addition to an inside LB, a blitzing LB, and someone in the defensive backfield, some writers/reporters believe that we might need to strengthen the right side of the line, including center, especially if Ryan Tucker doesn't return to form.

Lastly, some believe that the Browns could trade down and still pick up the LB that they need in the first round. This could happen if the Lions take Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry. This man is a beast, and the Browns could use him. And unfortunately, with the Lions resigning Culpepper, maybe the Lions' HC, Jim Schwartz, will take Curry instead of a QB. But after thinking about it, in this draft...who would want the 5th pick? In a perfect world, a desperate team would take our 5th pick, we trade down and get the LB we need, and then we get an extra draft pick for trading down. Keep in mind...we lost a few of draft picks because of previous trades last year. I believe that we have a 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th round draft pick. Needless to say, we could use the extra draft picks. Some of you are probably saying...what was Savage thinking?