For this purposes of this post,I'll be selecting a player that I would like to see the Browns go after,although they may not look at things in the same direction.
I am not listing any restricted free agents,such as Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace as the Browns will not be signing any of those players as they will not want to lose the draft choice that would be lost for signing those players.
I realize that the Browns will not be signing a player at every position,but I am going to look at all the positions,just in case.
Quarterback
This is a position that the Browns and I likely agree on-Matt Flynn of the Packers.
Flynn is a gamble,but worth the risk of just dollars.
Cleveland has a narrow window of hope of signing Flynn as the Dolphins were expected to be the top pursuer of Flynn,but they are in the Peyton Manning hunt,which would give the Browns a chance to wrap Flynn up,if they act quickly.
I am not convinced that Flynn is the answer,but he is the closest thing available in free agency....
Running Back
I would like to see the team try to bring Peyton Hillis back,but assuming that does not happen and I have to look at another back,Michael Bush of Oakland would be intriguing to me.
Bush was very effective when Darren McFadden was out with injury and Bush is a player that could help the Browns.
Wide Receiver
Vincent Jackson would be at the top of the list on talent,but the Browns will likely be leery of attitude issues there and to be honest,I do not like the list of big name wideout failures that have changed teams in the past.
The two names that intrigue me the most that could be affordable players and upgrade the team are Pierre Garcon of the Colts and Robert Meachem of the Saints.
Garcon is an all around receiver that could become a number one or a solid two eventually,while Meachem would give the team the deep threat that the Browns currently lack.
A corps of these two,Greg Little and a high draft pick could see Colt McCoy or his replacement with a solid group of pass catchers...
Tight End
The Browns already have Ben Watson,who is dealing with concussion issues and despite the talent of Watson-I would feel uneasy counting on him for 2012,blocker Alex Smith and pass catching types Evan Moore and Jordan Cameron.
Tight end is not a huge need,but John Carlson of Seattle is available and with Carlson's all around skills,he would be a huge pickup.Carlson missed 2011 with a torn labrum,but will be ready to go for this season and is a three down tight end that would allow the team to move away from Watson or at least allow them to waive Smith.
I loved Carlson in Seattle and would love to see him as a Brown.
Tackle
The Browns have a huge need at right tackle even before the release of Tony Pashos,who was an injury and performance problem in his two years as a Brown.
The problem is that I don't see a huge solution in free agency.
If pressed,a player that could help is Buffalo's Demetrius Bell,who has also had injury problems,but has the physical skills to start.
Guard
The guards are stronger than the tackles,which of course is the Browns luck as they need a tackle more than a guard.
New Orleans All Pro Carl Nicks would be an upgrade that might be a luxury that the Browns cannot afford.
Baltimore's Ben Grubbs would be a little cheaper,he knows the division well and would also be a huge insurance policy on the return of Eric Steinbach.
Signing either of these players would be likely the end of Steinbach in Cleveland...
Center
Assuming the Browns were happy with Christian Yount as the long snappper,this is a spot the Browns have no need at.
Defensive End
The Browns do need a pass rusher opposite Jabaal Sheard,but my pick would be Seattle's run stuffer Red Bryant.
Bryant could also move inside and play some tackle,but he is also a huge addition to the special teams as the Browns saw in their win over Seattle,which Bryant was unblockable in the placekicking game.
Defensive Tackle
The Browns tried to trade for Broderick Bunkley last season and instead Bunkley went to Denver and had a solid season.
Bunkley played all season after failing a Cleveland physical and could give the Browns a very strong defensive tackle rotation...
Linebacker
Two players stand out here that could be very helpful and at a reasonable cost.
David Hawthorne has led the Seahawks in tackles for the last three seasons and makes some big plays as well.
Jarret Johnson of Baltimore would be the solid player that could replace the aging Scott Fujita on the outside,
The Browns have to add speed at this position along with a playmaker that is currently lacking on the roster...
Cornerback
The Browns will try to re-sign Dimitri Patterson,but the player of this group that would be a huge addition would be Kansas City's Brandon Carr,who's physical size and skills would enable him to match up with any of the taller/more physical receivers in the game.
Carr would be a great signing...
Safety
LaRon Landry of the Redskins has battled Achilles problems for the last two seasons,but if and that is a large IF,Landry can go 100% and could be signed to an incentive laden deal,Landry would be a All Pro level addition to the Browns.
Just some players to keep an eye on over the next few days and see how many become Cleveland Browns.
The night before free agency for Browns fans is usually far superior to the actual signing period.
After all,it is always nice to dream....
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