The first off-season programs have begun in Berea. I love watching the videos of the players walking into the facility. It tells me Browns football is right around the corner. As all NFL fans wait for the draft next week, there’s still news happening. Let’s go.
Player Signings. Prior to the players reporting, it was announced wide receiver Marquise Goodwin signed his contract. It’s a one-year deal worth $1.7 million. He has a signing bonus of $250,000 and a guaranteed salary of $150,000. The $400,000 in guarantees makes him a lock to make the roster, barring injury. It was also announced guard Michael Dunn, cornerback Thomas Graham, Jr. and defensive tackle Ben Stille signed one-year contracts. Currently the Browns have $7.1 million in cap room with $9.75 million (John Johnson, IIII) and $1.65 million (Jadeveon Clowney) added to the cap after June 1.
New Stadium. Browns twitter exploded yesterday with the news the team might have to play in another city while a renovated or new stadium is being built. Not. Going. To Happen. Are the Haslam’s and the city discussing stadium plans? Yes. The key to the deal is the redevelopment of north shore and a land bridge from downtown to the north shore. The Browns have nothing to do with the land bridge, that’s the city’s responsibility. I’ll wait until there’s an official announcement from the city and the Browns. Anything being reported now is baseless speculation. If I were to guess, the stadium project construction will be staggered to not interrupt football season. This is the NFL and cash is king. The Browns will not be playing in Columbus or a smaller stadium.
Free Agency. The Browns still need to address a couple of positions, defensive end and safety. I know they could draft some players, but it makes more sense to sign some veterans. The price will come down after the draft. Players to watch: DE: Carlos Dunlap, Dante Fowler, Melvin Ingram. S: Adrian Amos, Rodney McLeod, Andrew Adams, Joshua Kalu. They still need a number three safety and a rotational edge rusher.
Watch for my mock drafts at https://clesportstalk.com/ I’ve done two and will have another on this week and my final mock next week. Also watch the shows on the Fanatical Elfz Network, http://@ElfzNetwork. The next one I’ll be on will probably drop Friday. Stay safe and Go Browns.