As the NFL slowly comes back to life with more individuals allowed in team facilities, the NFL announced virtual meetings will come to an end on June 26. That’s a signal that players not rehabbing at the facilities will be heading back to the building, providing the NFLPA also agrees. The NFL also instructed teams that coaches after that date can meet with 30 players at a time. It’s a start. What excites me about this announcement is free agent visits and possible physicals can now be scheduled. The only player I want the Browns to bring in on a visit is LB Nigel Bradham. I understand the Browns don’t put a lot of value on the linebacker position, but the LB room needs an experienced player. On defense the Browns can move second round draft pick Grant Delpit into the LB position on third down due to his coverage and tackle skills, but the team needs one more experienced linebacker.
There were rumors that the Browns were going to bring in DE Everson Griffen for a visit. I can not verify this rumor, so it’s still only a rumor. Although Griffen would be a nice addition, I still think the Browns are happy with DE Olivier Vernon and will let him play out his contract. Besides the linebacker position, I really don’t see a weakness in any other position group, baring injury. As a Browns fan, you always have to add baring injury.
Like I said earlier, the only thing holding up the NFL’s schedule is the players union and I agree with the players. The players are the one’s taking the greatest risk with the reopening of facilities and training camps. The NFLPA has proposed eliminating two preseason games. I think we can all agree two preseason games a year is plenty as long as teams with new coaching staffs get to open their training camps earlier. We’ll all have to wait to see how all this plays out.
As for the other pro sports, the NHL, NBA and MLS are moving forward and MLB is still fighting over money. After shooting themselves in the foot not once, not twice, but three times, MLB is aiming at the other foot. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated this week that baseball will be played this year. If no agreement is made, MLB will revert to the March agreement they have with players union playing 50 games. Are you kidding me? 50 games? The world champion Nationals started last year 19-31, so 50 games is not an option. I hope MLS is ready to take it’s place in the big four of pro sports, because baseball is about to have one big funeral.
That’s it for this week. Keep an eye out for my articles on http://www.Clesportstalk.com. My latest is a look at our new rookie head coach Kevin Stefanski. Also you can follow them on twitter @CLEsportsTalk. They post great highlights from Cleveland’s past on twitter. Everyone please stay safe and GO Browns.