Devils sign Tomas Tatar

  When the New Jersey Devils signed Dougie Hamilton and Jonathan Bernier, Tom Fitzgerald stated that the Devils had one final position that the team planned to upgrade- a forward that could play on either of the top two lines.

Fitzgerald signed Tomas Tatar from the Montreal Canadiens as that forward and while Tatar has been productive, there are a few questions about the veteran winger.

Tatar has scored twenty goals or more in six of his eight seasons with a seventh with 19 but scored only ten last season with Montreal with twenty assists in fifty games for Montreal.

The downside for Montreal's run to the Eastern Conference finals for Tatar?

He played in only five games, finishing with only one assist.

Tatar isn't a bad defensive player according to the hockey metrics (don't ask me), his goal scoring has been consistent, and he's not an ancient player as he turns 31 in December.

Well, it seems that Montreal's coaching staff with head coach Dominque Ducharme had soured on Tatar when they replaced the Claude Julien staff in the middle of last season.

That's not uncommon as sometimes returning players aren't a good fit with new staff as the Devils saw last season with Will Butcher with the Lindy Ruff staff and it also doesn't have to be an attitude issue.

Tatar was coveted by several teams, which shows a lot of teams realize that Tatar was miscast in Montreal, not a malcontent or having fading skills and this may have come down to the New Jersey cap space as Tatar was clearly the best remaining free agent after the initial smoke cleared.

Tatar was signed to a two-year contract worth 4.5 million for each season, so the cost is fair and it could be a very nice bargain for a player that generally can be counted on for twenty to twenty-five goals a season.

The final thing that I really liked about Tatar was his strength in five-on-five play as he scored eight of his ten at even strength and if you add his previous two seasons in Tatar scored thirty-five of his forty-seven were scored at five on five.

I like this signing as it seems to address the team's largest need at the time and not with a choking level contract.

New Jersey also retained right-winger Yegor Sharangovich to a two-year contract for a combined four million.

Sharangovich finished with sixteen goals and fourteen assists in his rookie season last year and will be a restricted free agent after the 2022-23 season. 

Cavaliers re-sign Jarrett Allen

    The Cleveland Cavaliers had a few goals in free agency and the trade market in the off-season to try to improve the team to one that could contend for one of the last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

I'm not saying I'm buying that, but a similar idea worked for the Atlanta Hawks last season so anything can happen but the chances of it happening improved when the Cavaliers retained restricted free agent center Jarrett Allen with a five-year contract worth one hundred million dollars.

Allen was essentially stolen as the Cavaliers helped Houston and Brooklyn work with the cap enough to make their James Harden deal and received Allen and the recently traded (to Minnesota) Taurean Prince for their help.

Allen's addition made Andre Drummond superfluous and he established himself as a solid foundational player as he averaged thirteen points and ten rebounds (actually 9.9) in 51 games as a Cavalier.

The 6'10 Allen protects the rim, shoots a high percentage ( 60 percent), runs the floor well, and although he doesn't shoot the three as the modern pivot does, Allen is at least smart enough to know what he doesn't do well and not force shots that he cannot make.

The question was raised before free agency began about the Cavaliers signing Allen and after drafting Evan Mobley from USC third overall, was could you put the two on the floor together at the same time.

I think that they can and the Cavaliers must agree.

Allen's skills as a more conventional (old school) center should allow Mobley, who plays the modern big man game to roam the floor as the power forward using his versatile skill set, so the two should mesh well together.

There are no guarantees that happens but there are few guarantees in any game!

Twenty million is far from inexpensive, but considering the forward steps in Allen's game and that he's only twenty-two, this is a market-value contract, and to re-sign with a bad team, it's fair.

The Cavaliers do have a glut of sorts at four and five with some tweeners that aren't true power forwards or centers with Allen, Mobley, Larry Nance Jr, and the fading Kevin Love, who should be bought out of his remaining contract or risk continuing his divisiveness in the locker room.

Combined with younger players at the end of the bench in Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens, it's not difficult to see that there may not be enough playing time to pass around with the roster in its current form.

The Cavaliers have made a decision on the core group of players that will take them back to the playoffs. Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, and now Jarrett Allen will hopefully be part of the next playoff team.

You may have noticed that I didn't include Collin Sexton in the group and there is a reason for that.

I am saving that for an upcoming post.

Devils sign Dougie Hamilton

   The New Jersey Devils had tons of cap space entering the free agency period and were rumored to be players in free agency due to that space.

However, the Devils had that same space in recent years and didn't use it to try to jump-start a program that has seen the once-proud franchise miss the postseason in eight of the most recent nine seasons.

Add that Newark isn't exactly a high-end destination for free agents, the recent success of the Islanders dropping the  Devils to third place in a three-team market, owners that have said they are willing to spend to improve but really haven't done so often since buying the franchise and you have a recipe for a team that would be involved in rumors for the top players but unlikely to sign them.

Tom Fitzgerald and the New Jersey Devils thumbed their nose at all of those factors when they landed the top player available in free agency and at a position that the Devils were desperate for a difference-maker when the Devils signed defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year contract worth sixty-three million dollars.

Hamilton was taken ninth overall by Boston in the 2011 draft, which was the same draft that the Devils selected Adam Larsson fourth overall at the same position.

While I really liked Larsson in that draft as the top defenseman and Larsson has developed into a fine player, it's clear that Dougie Hamilton is the superior player, especially in the offensive zone.

Hamilton scored 10 goals with 32 assists in 55 games last season for Carolina, is a power-play standout, and brings the type of offensive skills to the blueline that the Devils haven't seen since the departure of Scott Niedermayer.

Hamilton has scored 10 or more goals in each of the last seven seasons and at 6'6 has the type of size and vision that few in the game possess.

Hamilton finished fourth in the Norris Trophy voting last season, Hamilton would be the best defenseman on almost every team in the league and very few players of his level make it to the free-agent market.

Hamilton only recently turned 28 and for most players that are signing a long free-agent contract, Hamilton is actually quite young.

Hamilton will be 35 when the deal is finished, and when you consider that many elite defensemen play into their late thirties, there may not be the drastic dropoff in performance that many veterans have on such long contracts.

Compared to the eight-year extension for seventy-six million for Seth Jones, the Blackhawks agreed to yesterday for a player that Hamilton is superior to, You'll see why I am excited about the contract for the player on the ice and its value the salary cap.

When you consider all of those factors, this appears to be an excellent contract for Hamilton and a relative bargain for the Devils.

At worst, this contract could be high for the last year or two and I think even that result is very unlikely considering Hamilton's age.

The New Jersey Devils went out and grabbed the best player available in free agency.

The team will be better for it and while I still don't think the Devils can count on a playoff spot quite yet as a few more additions may be needed for a postseason visit, but a cornerstone was added to the eventual playoff team with the signing of Dougie Hamilton and maybe the start of potential success for Tom Fitzgerald as team GM as well.  

Browns sign Jadeveon Clowney

   Andrew Berry finally got his man after two off-seasons of trying as the Cleveland Browns signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year contract worth eight million dollars for 2021.

Clowney may make an extra two million dollars, should he hit certain unannounced incentives during the 2021 season.

The top overall pick in 2014 by Houston. Clowney was traded to Seattle during the 2019 season and then signed with Tennessee before last season.

Clowney played in only eight games for the Titans, due to injury, and did not record a sack, but is entering a situation in Cleveland that is similar to his situation in Houston where he lined up opposite a dominant pass rusher (J.J. Watt to Myles Garrett) that was being double-teamed on every play.

Clowney thrived as the secondary rushing threat, finished with nine sacks twice, and made the Pro Bowl from 2016-18 with the Texans.

Clowney was drafted as and still holds a reputation as an elite pass rusher, but at 28 years of age Clowney has never finished with more than nine and a half sacks in a season.

What Clowney does bring besides the reputation is the ability to rush the passer into getting rid of the ball quicker or an unofficial "hurry".

Causing "hurries" can often be just as important as a sack as a desperate passer throws the ball to get the ball out and oftentimes results in an errant pass that can be incomplete or even better-intercepted.

Clowney is also underrated against the run and he may be more of a sure thing as a run defender than a pass rusher at this stage of his career.

In fact, if it wasn't for the concerns in keeping Clowney healthy, he could be a three-down end and not hurt you at all

The signing of Clowney also may change how the Browns use their first-round pick as it was possible that Cleveland would have been looking for defensive end help.

Now, I think the Browns are more likely to look for a cornerback unless someone falls to 26 that is unforeseen,

While Jadeveon Clowney has the big name and comes at a reasonable price (even if Clowney hits every incentive, he'll make less than the Browns paid Olivier Vernon last season), it could have one other consequence- the possible loss of Sheldon Richardson.

Richardson is scheduled to make over thirteen million this season and the signing of Clowney may force the Browns to either restructure Richardson's contract or possibly even release him.

Frankly, considering Richardson's level of play for the Browns and given the choice between an injury-plagued defensive end and a durable defensive tackle, I might choose Richardson.

Browns sign Anthony Walker, Malik Jackson

  The Cleveland Browns continued to revamp their defense for 2021 with two signings, both of which will bolster points that had not been addressed previously in free agency.

The Browns need help at linebacker now and they needed it all last season as well.

The Browns front office seems to look at linebacker as the least important position on the defense and are choosing to skimp on that position to spend more on others.

Since you simply cannot afford to go all out at every position group due to the salary cap, corners have to be cut and the Browns have chosen linebacker to try to cut those corners as their game plan appears to try to sign a solid veteran every year or two to a one or two (at the most) year contract through free agency at reasonable prices and rotate them in and out.

Cleveland signed B.J. Goodson last year to a one-year contract and they are allowing him to test free agency as an example of this plan, so if you allow someone to walk, a replacement is needed.

I think the Browns have signed a good one in Anthony Walker, who played for the Colts since 2017 when Indianapolis drafted him in the fifth round from Northwestern.

Walker was a player that his Colts teammates badly wanted to retain as several Colts, including star linebacker Darius Leonard, appeared to be very upset and generous with their tributes to Walker after the announcement of his signing with the Browns became public.

Walker started all sixteen games for the Colts last season at inside linebacker, started all but two games over the last three seasons since entering the starting lineup, and will likely be the Browns starter in the middle in Cleveland.

Walker is more of a reliable player rather than a big playmaker and will likely have Jacob Phillips and Mack Wilson starting with him, although the Browns will often play two linebackers with an extra defensive back in their place.

Walker finished last season with 65 solo tackles and one interception for Indianapolis and is known for accumulating tackles.

I think the signing of Walker is an improvement over B.J. Goodson and I think that it's possible (possible) that Walker plays well enough to earn another contract from the Browns, even if it would be another one-year commitment.

However, Pro Football Focus doesn't think highly of Walker and the Browns have been known to rely heavily on their evaluations, so signing Walker despite PFF's concerns is a mild surprise.

Walker will turn 26 before the season and his one-year deal will pay him three and a half million dollars.

Cleveland also needed to add some help along the interior of the defensive line as the Browns only returned three defensive tackles and only two that played last season when you consider that Andrew Billings sat 2020 out after signing a one-year contract due to Covid-19 concerns.

Sheldon Richardson played well last season and Jordan Elliott is back after a rookie season, but the Browns still need more bodies and they added a very interesting one in veteran Malik Jackson.

The 31-year-old Jackson played for Philadelphia over the last two seasons and for the Eagles last season, Jackson finished with fifteen solo tackles and two and a half sacks after playing only one game in 2019.

Jackson was drafted by Denver in the fifth round of the 2012 draft after playing his college football at Tennessee, but his best seasons came as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars where he made a Pro Bowl in 2017 when he finished with a career-high eight and a half sacks.

Jackson signed a large contract with the Eagles and disappointed the team with a foot injury in 2019 and failing to make an impact last season despite a hefty salary.

Jackson was scheduled to make ten and a half million for the Eagles in 2021 and considering his lack of production, Jackson was an easy choice for Philadelphia to release and take a lesser cap hit rather than pay an exorbitant price.

Jackson is showing some mileage, but perhaps the Browns can stretch some production by playing him more often on passing downs to keep his snap down and he should be motivated to play well in order to earn one more large contract somewhere for 2022.

Jackson still has value as an interior pass rusher as Pro Football Focus (take this as you will) rated Jackson as a pass rusher in a tie for 22nd among 128 qualifying defensive tackles.

Contract terms are undisclosed at this time.

Browns sign Troy Hill, retain Hollywood Higgins

   The Cleveland Browns continued to attempt to shore up a defense in need of repairs and with the signing of Troy Hill to a four-year contract valued at twenty-four million dollars. to man the slot corner on day three of free agency, the Browns may have delivered their secondary a sizable upgrade.

Hill will replace Kevin Johnson at the slot corner and after Hill's excellent season with Los Angeles last season that is a definite upgrade.

Hill was thrown at often last season with Jalen Ramsey manning a corner for the Rams, and Hill rated highly by Pro Football Focus (that means more to some than others) against a high number of attempts tossed his way.

Hill entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Oregon in 2015, signed with the Bengals, and spent time with Cincinnati and New England that season before being claimed off waivers by the then-St. Louis Rams to finish the season.

Hill has been with the Rams ever since, has started for much of the previous three seasons and will join Los Angeles teammate John Johnson in the Cleveland secondary as free agent acquisitions for the 2021 campaign.

The 30-year-old intercepted three passes last season and returned two of those for touchdowns with his 119 yards in returns leading the league in that category.

Brad Ward from the All Eyes On Cleveland has been wishing for the Browns to land Hill for this season during his free agency preview and I think he's on the money here.

Kevin Johnson wasn't terrible in his one season in Cleveland, but it seems that Hill will make the secondary stronger for 2021.

The Browns have addressed their secondary needs and in their remaining shopping may focus on the linebackers, perhaps another end rusher to hedge their bets on the signing of Takk McKinley, and maybe an interior defensive lineman to add to the rotation to replace Larry Ogunjobi, who departed in free agency and signed with division rival Cincinnati.

Cleveland signed a former Brown for offensive line depth in Greg Senat.

The 6'6 305 pound Senat was on the Browns practice squad last season but was signed off by Dallas to play the remainder of the season.

Senat originally was drafted in the sixth round in the 2018 draft from Wagner.

Senat will be in the mix to replace Kendall Lamm as the third tackle this season after Lamm signed with Tennessee as a free agent.

However, the signing that made most Browns fans happy was the re-signing of Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins to a
one year contract to return as the third wide receiver.

Higgins will be paid 2.38 million by the Browns and will return to his role as Baker Mayfield's most trusted pass-catcher.

Higgins caught 37 passes in 2020 for 599 yards and four touchdowns, but his numbers were very good after replacing Odell Beckham in the lineup after Beckham injured his knee.

Higgins should return to the third spot, assuming Odell Beckham is ready to start the season and gives the Browns their top five returning receivers, if Khadarel Hodge returns.

Hodge was given the lowest free agent tender level, so should Hodge sign elsewhere as a restricted free agent, the Browns would be given the right to match any offer but would be given no compensation from the signing team.

The Higgins return not only retains a popular fan favorite that enjoys playing in Cleveland but is the one receiver that seems to have natural chemistry with Baker Mayfield, which can never be understated when running an offense.

Cleveland is still expected to select a receiver at some point in the draft, but the need isn't quite as large with keeping Higgins.

Back later this evening with the boxing challenge for the weekend.

Browns sign Takk McKinley

   The Cleveland Browns were looking to upgrade their pass rush opposite Myles Garrett and the Browns attempted to do that even if it wasn't one of the flashier players available in free agency.

The Browns signed Takk McKinley to a one-year contract, which could motivate a talented player to play up to his capabilities.

McKinley was the Atlanta Falcons first-round selection from UCLA in 2017 and finished with 16.5 sacks over his first three seasons in Atlanta before injuries and problems with management resulted in McKinley playing in only four games with one sack before the Falcons released McKinley.

Las Vegas claimed McKinley off waivers, but McKinley would not play in a game for the Raiders.

The Browns were rumored to have made a claim on McKinley, but the Raiders (and the Bengals and 49ers, who McKinley failed physicals for) were ahead of the Browns on the wire.

At 6'2 and 265 pounds, McKinley is a pure end rusher that could line up as the defensive end in a 4-3 alignment and would be a standup outside linebacker in a 3-4 package.

McKinley seems to be a good fit talent-wise and at four million for the one-year deal, the risk is relatively low for a twenty-five-year-old with plenty to prove.

I'm hoping that the Browns consider signing someone else or draft someone in the first few rounds to hedge their bet on McKinley, but I believe the cost and talent are worth the one-year flier.

Browns sign John Johnson

    The Cleveland Browns addressed one of several holes on a defense that needed upgrading and the signing of the best safety available in free agency has upgraded the Browns immediately.

John Johnson likely would have remained with the Los Angeles Rams, had the Rams not been trapped in salary cap prison, but with remaining in Los Angeles off the board, Johnson was the main target for the Browns.

Johnson has been noted as calling the coverages for the Rams and Johnson is still only 25 years old.

Johnson was selected by the Rams in 2017 with their third-round pick out of Boston College.

Johnson started eleven games as a rookie and has played full seasons in three of his four seasons in the league, playing the first six games in 2019 before his season ended due to a shoulder injury.

Johnson finished 2020 with 73 solo tackles and one interception and he is a strong safety, so he fits into a potential three safety alignment with Ronnie Harrison and Grant Delpit.

The Browns were often beaten deep for big chunks of yardage over the middle last season (cough Andrew Sendejo.) and the addition of John Johnson will address that problem immediately.

It'll be Johnson that will be the roving "centerfielder" that the Browns lacked last season and it'll be Johnson that will be the captain of the defense.

Johnson's agent said that he turned down an offer from another unnamed team for much more money than the Browns offered and he preferred to sign with Cleveland for three years and 33.7 million, which seems to be a steal considering that Johnson was the best safety available and thought of by many as a top ten strong safety in the league.

Chalk another smart signing up for Andrew Berry for selecting his top priority and landing him seemingly at a discount compared to other offers.

What really makes me feel good about the signing of John Johnson isn't only an excellent player signing with the Browns- it is that the Browns have begun to bring players into Cleveland that want to be there and they want to be there because players have started to feel that they can win games with the Cleveland Browns.

That's the feeling in Cleveland and that's a feeling that hasn't been around for a long time.