Dawgpoundsouth

With the draft complete here are my day two, https://clesportstalk.com/day-two-recap/ and day three, https://clesportstalk.com/day-three-recap/ recaps for the Browns. As for the players drafted CB Martin Emerson is a scheme fit, he played mostly cover 2 and cover 3 at Mississippi State. Defensive linemen Alex Wright, Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas were for depth. I could see Winfrey starting and Wright and Thomas as key rotational players. WR David Bell will take over in the slot and excel. He catches everything, a 4.7% career drop rate. Kicker Cade York was the best kicker in the draft and he’s now the Browns starting kicker. RB Jerome Ford is a future pick because Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson are not signed past 2022. Johnson might not make the team. WR Micheal Woods and C Dawson Deaton are practice squad players.

Looking over the rookie undrafted free agents, three players stand out, DT Glen Logan, WR Isaiah Weston and CB Shaun Jolly. Browns GM Andrew Berry has been successful in the past finding UDFAs. I don’t put much stock in draft grades. The Browns pre-draft roster was very talented to start with, so the Browns were drafting for the depth and the future. That’s what consistently good teams try to achieve. Some Browns fans were complaining about no star players added and the drafting of a kicker. As for the star players, there were none in this draft and as for the kicker, last year the Browns kicker missed seven of his last eleven field goals in 2021. I’m glad to see the Browns addressing the glaring need to improve one of the worst special teams in the NFL. I still think the Browns will resign DE Jadeveon Clowney, a veteran defensive tackle and possibly a veteran wide receiver.

The other news from the draft was the trade of CB Troy Hill and the possible trade of QB Baker Mayfield. The Rams inquired as to his availability and the Browns pulled the trigger. Hill now feels he’s been disrespected because he was traded for a fifth-round pick. WR Amari Cooper was in essence traded for a fifth-round pick and I don’t hear him complaining. I’m told the Mayfield trade never got as serious as had been reported. Carolina tried to make it sound like the Browns didn’t want to pay any of Mayfield’s contract. No one knows what was asked for and what was offered. If Carolina asked for $16.5 million of the $18.9 million to be paid by the Browns, I wouldn’t do that trade either. I would do anywhere between $ 8 to $12 million and a 2023 conditional draft pick. My hair isn’t on fire like most the fanbase and the local media about Mayfield. Andrew Berry has a number and compensation in mind, and he’ll stick to that plan. He won’t be released, and he won’t be kept on the roster to start for Watson if he is suspended. I still don’t think there will be a suspension in 2022 if no cases go to court and he doesn’t settle.

The Browns now have eight picks in the 2023 draft due to two trades this weekend. One second, one third, two fourths, two fifths, one sixth and one seventh. Teams that want make the playoff’s every year try to go into a draft with nine to twelve picks. Pick up a 2023 for Mayfield and they’re there. I was happy with Andrew Berry’s third draft because I consider QB Deshaun Watson as their first-round pick. I’ll take a top five QB for the next five years every day of the week. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

The NFL Draft is one week away, and this has to be the quietest draft I’ve ever seen. I can understand Browns fans not talking about it due to the lack of a first-round pick, but it’s still an important draft. It’s true the Browns are better at this point this year than they were last year when it comes to talent, but this draft will fill holes on the roster for the future. Good teams play for the playoffs every year and draft for the future.

The biggest news this week was the Denzel Ward extension. If you look at the contract, GM Andrew Berry while extending Ward, saved about $5 million on the 2022 salary cap. Ninja GM. The Browns are currently around $27 million under the cap. Quite a few Browns fans are worried the Browns will end up in cap hell after all the money the team spent this year. Nope. I do expect the Browns to restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s deal a couple of times before it expires. Just remember the 2023 salary cap will go up to around $220 million due to the new television deal. More money, more money, more money. The five most important positions on an NFL team are QB, WR, LT, Edge and CB. The Browns have all four locked up with Watson, Cooper, Wills, Garrett and Ward.

Other signings this week were, DT Sheldon Day, DE Stephen Weatherly, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, OG Michael Dunn, WR Javon Wims and DE Issac Rochell. Day, Bradley and Dunn were on the roster last year and the rest are veteran backups. Weatherly and Rochell were not signed to replace Jadeveon Clowney, I still expect Clowney to resign with the Browns. But if I’m Curtis Weaver, I’d be worried. Time to show your talent more consistently young man. These types of moves allow Andrew Berry to let the draft come to him and draft for talent not need.

The first voluntary workouts started this week, and I was glad to see Watson, Brissett, Dobbs, Cooper and Winovich show up. Have you noticed the Browns quarterback room is taller? Watson is 6’2″, Brissett is 6’4″ and Dobbs is 6’3″. My only knock-on Baker Mayfield was he was short. Speaking of Mayfield, after he was on the “Dog Package” podcast, Seattle signed QB Gino Smith. However according to the experts, both Seattle and Carolina are the favorites to land him. Is Mayfield better then Drew Lock or Sam Darnold? Yes. Carolina is interesting because their first draft pick is number six and then they wait till pick 137 (fourth round) for their second pick. While many mock drafts have them taking a QB at six, I think their greater need is edge because of the loss of Hasson Riddick in free agency. Mayfield would be the perfect bridge till the 2023 draft where the draftable quarterbacks will be far superior. As for Seattle, they have the draft capital to make a trade. It will come down to how much of Mayfield’s salary the Browns will pay to trade him. My guess would be $8 to $10 million for one of Seattle’s 2022 fifth round picks or a conditional 2023 pick from Carolina.

As I mentioned earlier, the NFL Draft is one week away. I expect a wide receiver at pick number 44. Followed in no peculiar order by defensive line, offensive line, cornerback and possibly linebacker. I don’t expect a quarterback or a running back to be drafted. A kicker is possible, but I expect an UDFA to be signed after the draft. Andrew Berry loves him some rookie UDFAs. I’ve done three mock drafts for https://clesportstalk.com/ and this weekend I’ll complete my final mock. Be sure to look for it. It’s starting to feel like football season again. Players in the building in Berea, NFL Draft next week and then the schedule comes out. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

When I heard the taped “I Love You Bro” podcast with Baker Mayfield had dropped, I was curious as to what he said. I knew he wouldn’t go scorched earth on the Browns. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, the Browns can void all guarantees in Mayfield’s contract if he does or says anything detrimental to the team. He did have some interesting and self-serving comments. This guy is more passive-aggressive than my ex-wife. Some highlights.

He feels 100% disrespected by the Browns because they told him one thing and did another. First of all, the team didn’t sign you to an extension last summer or early in the 2021 season, there’s your first clue. Yes, the Browns started looking for a replacement six months ago, but did you expect them to tell you then? I was fired from a job once, they told me that day and escorted me out of the building. Mayfield and his representatives were told at the NFL combine that if a top tier quarterback became available, the Browns were going to pursue that quarterback. It’s not the Browns fault Mayfield and his representatives didn’t believe what the team told them.

His play last year didn’t help him now. Okay, I understand you’re a warrior playing through all the injuries, but a true leader knows when he’s a liability to the team. The back-ups went 2-1 and if not for one busted defensive play late in the Raiders game, should’ve been 3-0. The AFC North favorites, Baltimore, didn’t win a game with their back-up QB. Are the Browns absolved of blame for this situation? Hell no. Head coach Kevin Stefanski should have made a head coach’s decision and sat Mayfield. However, the medical staff can only go on what the player tells them concerning their pain index and the coaches goes by the medical evaluations. When this subject comes up, I always think of the time during the season when Mayfield was asked by the local media who makes the decision if he plays in a game, he said, “that’s my decision.” Okay, live with it and take responsibility for it, that’s what true team leaders do.

He also burned the bridge to the current locker room by saying there were some players who weren’t playing to win and only playing for their pensions. What? I’m sure Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Jarvis Landry, Anthony Walker, Denzel Ward, Troy Hill and John Johnson, III would like to have a word with you. Has anyone noticed that no current Browns player has commented on the podcast? Telling.

Finally, you can come to my office and boo me anytime you want. I’ve been a self-employed accountant for thirty years and had to deal with the Internal Revenue Service and the Tennessee Department of Revenue. All I’ll say is, when you’re done booing, go get me another cup of coffee while you’re up.

On to real Browns news. The list of players visiting the team prior to the draft is growing. Added to the list I gave you last week are, Mississippi LB Mark Robinson, Mississippi Edge Tariquious Tisdale, Arizona State CB Chas Lukas, Arizona State RB Rachaad White, San Diego State K/P Matt Araiza and Georgia RB James Cook. Araiza and Cook are very interesting. Matt Araiza could be signed as a rookie UDFA and give Chase McLaughlin training camp competition. James Cook could be a possible replacement for Kareem Hunt after this year. Both could be stashed on the opening day practice squad. Players report next Monday for the first off-season workouts, if Clowney is going to resign with the Browns, you would think it would happen before then. Finally, I have a feeling a Mayfield trade will happen during the draft or shortly afterward. Let’s hope so, because as a Browns fan who really wanted him to succeed with my favorite football team, I feel 100% disrespected after listening to the “Bro Crush” podcast. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Browns news keeps trickling in at a slow pace right now, so I thought I would provide an update in between preparing tax returns. So far in free agency, the Browns have traded for WR Amari Cooper, DE Chase Winovich and QB Deshaun Watson. They have signed DT Taven Bryan, KR/WR Jakeem Grant, C Ethan Pocic, QB Jacoby Brissett, P Cory Bojorquez, TE Hayden Hurst and QB Josh Dobbs. The team has resigned LB Anthony Walker, OT Chris Hubbard, K Chase McLaughlin and S Ronnie Harrison. Positions still needing to be filled in free agency are DE, DT and WR. The two defensive line positions should be filled by Jadaveon Clowney and maybe Sheldon Day or Akiem Hicks prior to off-season workouts beginning on April 18. Last year Clowney and Day waited until April 14 to sign. As for wide receiver, who knows. I believe the sticking point with Jarvis Landry is money. He wants more than the Browns are offering. The other WR mentioned with the Browns is Will Fuller. He’s younger than Landry but has an injury history.

On the Baker Mayfield front, the Browns are in no hurry to trade him, and they have time on their side. First let me reiterate, the Browns are not going to release him. There are $18.8 million reasons not to release him. The team isn’t going to carry that much dead money on their cap for one player. That’s not how this front office works. With the signing of third string quarterback Josh Dobbs, Mayfield isn’t going on the roster when training camp starts. Some fans and media have speculated Mayfield will remain on the roster to start if Watson is suspended. Not. Going. To. Happen. Besides owner Jimmy Haslem already said goodbye to him. When the man who signs the checks wishes you well in the future, you’re gone. The reason the Browns can be patient is because they have the new CBA working for them. Yes, Mayfield’s contract is guaranteed, but there are provisions in the CBA that can void those guarantees. As Jason Fitzgerald said in an article for https://overthecap.com/, “While I do not have the particulars of Mayfield’s contract language, standard blanket language would generally void guarantees include refusing to practice and suspension for conduct detrimental.  Many often have clauses related to being publicly critical of a team that can void a guarantee. In addition, Mayfield can rack up hefty fines were he to not show up to camp this year- $40,000 per day missed and $1.048 million for every preseason game missed.”

Mayfield recently taped a podcast that will air this week and I hope he was very careful in what he said about the Browns. The Browns have the cap space ($20 million) to keep him on the roster a while longer. Like I said, there’s no hurry. As for Watson, two of the civil suits have been expanded which means they won’t be heard until 2023. With the NFL Commissioner saying Watson won’t be put on the exempt list because of no criminal charges being brought, the new speculation is Watson won’t be suspended in 2022. The NFL will wait until all civil cases run their course before issuing a suspension if any. Watson and his lawyer are adamant in saying they aren’t going to settle any suit.

As for the NFL draft, the Browns have picks 44, 78, 99, 118, 202, 223 and 246. Currently the Browns have visits scheduled with UCLA TE Greg Dulich, Tulsa OT Tyler Smith, Arkansas WR Treyon Burks, North Dakota WR Christian Watson and Oregon WR Trevon Bradford. Burks and Watson are interesting because they might be first round picks. Could GM Andrew Berry be considering trading back in the first round or is trying to convince other teams he’s thinking about it? He might have a certain player he’s looking at to draft at 44 and trying force other teams in drafting Burks or Watson. I do know the Browns are very interested in Burks. Maybe they’re hoping for a draft day fall. Bradford is considered a UDFA signing, but it never hurts to show off the facilities in Berea to convince a player you want to sign after the draft.

Finally, as I write this, it’s being reported that former Buckey’s QB Dwayne Haskins was hit by a car this morning in south Florida and killed. RIP to a Buckeye legend. Everyone stay say and Go Browns.

As the national media rakes the Browns over the coals for their news conference on Friday, let’s remember it’s football and it’s a billion-dollar a year industry. A quick couple of comments about the presser on Friday. It was appropriately serious and somber. The Cleveland media asked the right questions, and the Browns did answer to the best of their abilities. I found Andrew Berry, Kevin Stefanski and Deshaun Watson very genuine. But I’ll let the process work its course. I still have reservations about Deshaun Watson the person, but not about Deshaun Watson the player. He’s a top five, maybe a top ten quarterback in this league. He chose Cleveland before he knew about the giant contract, he knew this was a talented roster. I consider him the best quarterback in the AFC North. But now what?

The Browns protected themselves in case of a Watson suspension by signing Jacoby Brissett. It sounds like Watson will not settle any cases against him any time soon. He wants to prove his innocence. This could take a while. His case has been brought before two grand juries for criminal charges. The first took a couple of days, the second took a couple of hours. It’s a he said, she said situation, and unfortunately the she said gets run over by the talent of the player. As for the reporting the Browns structured Watson’s contract to protect him from losing money if suspended, that’s a load of crap. Myles Garrett, Amari Cooper, Nick Chubb, Wyatt Teller, Tyreek Hill and Aaron Rogers all have the same structure. Last year the Titans did the same thing with Ryan Tannehill’s contract restructure to sign WR Julio Jones. It’s common in the NFL.

As for Baker Mayfield, his agent is working with the Browns to find him a new home. The Browns are going to have to pay the team trading for Mayfield part of his salary because right now Mayfield is seen as a backup, unless Seattle changes its mind about Drew Lock. You have to think Tampa would take him as a backup to Brady. Look what happened to Mitch Trubisky and Marcus Mariota last year. They both sat behind two pretty good quarterbacks and worked their way into starting positions with two new teams. Wash, rinse, repeat. The biggest Mayfield news over this weekend was reported by ESPN and Joe Thomas that he turned down a $30 million dollar a year extension last year. Put the shovel down Baker. Right now, the man can’t get out of his own way. All this will come to a head before April 18 when the Browns have a training camp session. If Mayfield doesn’t show up, (he’s still on the roster), he’ll be fined $50K a day. This penalty is written in the new CBA and is mandatory. Money talks and you know what walks.

As for more free agency news, I hear it’s coming. Trust in the man who I consider a Ninja GM, Andrew Berry. All I know is I don’t have to watch the first day of the draft for the next three years, or do I? Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Before Deshaun Watson makes his decision and social media turns into everything college basketball, I have a few things to get off my chest.

Whose idea was this? This was an organizational decision. Owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t demand GM Andrew Berry trade for Watson. That’s not how this front office works, and Haslam has let them make all the football decisions. Did he approve the trade? Yes, he’s the owner as is Dee Haslam. Chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta also had to approve this trade as did head coach Kevin Stefanski. Over the last two years, the Browns front office has worked together to improve the roster. Do I agree the Browns should trade for Watson? Oh hell no. Too much baggage. I don’t like his alleged behavior, not one bit. I know we’re a country of forgiveness and second chances, but this one is too hard to handle. But if he’s the QB, I’ll still root for the Browns. I’m too invested.

As for the other crap that’s on social media. Stop. I have no problem with Baker Mayfield posting a thank you to the fans. It seems like most people post their feelings on social media. Doesn’t make him soft. Calling him soft creates clicks. Did the Browns give Mayfield a heads up about pursuing Watson? Of course they did. This front office is too smart to not give him a heads up. They cross every “T” and dot every “I”. This one drives me crazy, “Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski lied to the media about Baker Mayfield being the starter in 2022.” No, they didn’t. Why would they broadcast to the NFL world their plans? Head coach Kevin Stefanski when asked if there would be changes in the QB room in reference to QB Case Keenum said there could be structural changes before the season starts. Rumors of the trade proposal to Houston. Everyone’s educated guess for clicks. Three first round picks and two prominent players? Doesn’t sound like an Andrew Berry type trade. He just traded for a top ten wide receiver for basically a fifth-round pick.

All I can go on is how this front office has performed the last two years. I fully believe the Browns were either going to find a replacement for Mayfield in 2022 or 2023. Their history is keeping players they want by signing players to extensions before their last season. Myles Garrett, Kareem Hunt, Nick Chubb, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. David Njoku is a special case. He demanded a trade and changed his mind and his agent. Hopefully they extend Denzel Ward before training camp.

What’s the plan moving forward? If Watson chooses another team, and I hope he does, the front office has a plan B, a plan C, a plan D and probably a plan E. Also, after all this, the door still hasn’t shut on Mayfield being the starter this year. It would take some incredible gymnastics by both sides but there is a small chance. I’m not a “Baker Bro” or a “Baker hater.” I’m a Browns fan. I just hope Watson makes up his mind today, I would like to go back to enjoying free agency again. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

As the 2022 NFL combine comes to an end, pro football fans await the spinning of the rumor mill. First up is the deadline to franchise and transition tag players is on March 8. For the Browns, the rumor is they have a deal on the table for TE David Njoku in the $10 million per year range. If no deal is agreed upon, the team could franchise tag Njoku and try to work out a deal by July 15. And as I type this, the Browns franchised tagged him. Next, the team talked to the representatives of RB D’Ernest Johnson and WR Jarvis Landry over the weekend. Johnson is a restricted free agent and if a deal isn’t agreed upon, they could place a second-round tender on him or trade him. As for Landry, it sure sounds like the Browns are going to cut him saving over $15 million is cap space. Decisions also need to be made concerning C J.C. Tretter, TE Austin Hooper and QB Case Keenum. I get the feeling, Keenum would be the most likely to restructure. Since Njoku has been tagged, there is a big question if Hooper will be back.

There are conflicting reports about the Browns resigning DE Jadeveon Clowney. It sounds like GM Andrew Berry will let him see what’s out there and give him a time limit. I’m sure his agent is listening to hypothetical contract details because the legal tampering period doesn’t start till March 14. As for the wide receiver position, there are reports the Browns will be aggressively involved in free agency. That being said, it would depend on the right player for the right price. They might work out a trade, but don’t expect WR Amari Cooper, his contract of $20 million is why the Cowboys are getting rid of him. Possible trade targets are WR Andy Isabella of the Cardinals or WR Calvin Ridley of the Falcons.

I expect the team to sign defensive linemen at both tackle and end. Also on defense, there is a need for another safety because I don’t think Ronnie Harrison will be back. The Browns would like to resign M.J. Stewart, but he might be seeking a better deal. The team won’t overpay for a number three safety. A backup swing tackle will also be needed. There were reports the Browns want to resign Chris Hubbard, however he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has gotten hurt the last two years so they might be looking for younger options.

Going back to Njoku, the franchise tag for a tight end is $10.8 million but that amount doesn’t count against the cap until Njoki signs his franchise tag deal or until July 15. Like I said earlier, the Browns want to work out a long-term deal with Njoku. Other players who are expected get tagged the Browns might be interested in are WR Chris Godwin and WR Mike Williams. Besides tagging Njoku, the Browns also tendered exclusive right free agents, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, G Michael Dunn and T Blake Hance. If you’re wondering where the contract extension is for CB Denzel Ward, that will be worked out after free agency.

The next couple weeks are going to be busy for the Browns front office. As I stated many times, I have full faith that GM Andrew Berry will do all he can to improve the Browns roster. Let the illegal tampering begin. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Yesterday started nice and quiet, then Browns WR Jarvis Landry tweeted and turned everyone in the media and on Browns twitter into mind readers. The tweets were preceded by a cryptic, passive aggressive Instagram post. Immediately it was believed Landry and the Browns have discussed his contract and he’s gone. Not so fast. Let’s review. First, Landry’s tweets:

“1/2 Reality behind all this is I came back to play in the best shape of my life, I got hurt week 2 with a high grade MCL Sprain, Partial quad tear and bone bruise. Then came back way to early and ended up staying hurt the entire season. You never heard me mention anything about it”

“2/3 Also my media availability didn’t happen because I was focused on getting on the field as healthy as possible during the week and after games.. a strategic plan was set in place to be followed. I put the ball in CLE court by telling them I would like to stay but if not then”

“3/3 I have put the ball in CLE court by telling them I would like to stay but if not then I’m confident enough in myself to be a better healthy me this year and moving forward to helping do my part in winning a championship elsewhere.”

At first, I thought the same thing. The Browns have offered Landry a restructured deal and he thought it wasn’t enough and he’s gone. About 30 minutes after Landry’s last tweet, I noticed this tweet from Brad Stainbrook (@BrownsByBrad) who is an insider for @TheOBR:

“Source: #Browns and Klutch Sports Group, the agency they represents WR Jarvis Landry, will meet at the NFL combine in Indianapolis next week.”

So, Landry implies he’s gone, and the Browns haven’t discussed his contract with his agents yet? What the heck is going on? Sounds like someone is tired of hearing the narrative that he’s not worth the money. Landry and the last year of his contract have been discussed since last year’s pre-season, $16.3 million is too much to pay for Landry. As a player, I love Jarvis, however if the Browns can save $14.8 million by cutting him and use that money for Clowney or Ward or Njoku or another free agent, then do it. I know this may shock people, but the NFL is a business. I would love to see the Browns bring him back at the right price and that price hasn’t even been discussed yet. If Landry truly wants to stay in Cleveland like he says, then why not wait until the offer is made?

This whole situation paints the Browns organization in a bad light unfairly. Now the national talking heads are creating the narrative that no wide receiver wants to play for the Browns. What a load of garbage. Landry is trying to shape public opinion that the Browns don’t want him, similar to what Al Michaels & Cris Collingsworth tried to do during the Super Bowl with OBJ. Hey Jarvis don’t tell us the team doesn’t want you when the Browns haven’t even talked to you about staying. If you don’t want to be in Cleveland, then say so.

Finally, next week the NFL combine starts and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of rumors flying around. Remember don’t believe everything you read on twitter and chose who you follow carefully. Next week is when the real tampering period begins. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it’s on to 2022. As for the final game, like I said last week, I can’t root for a divisional rival, so I’m pleased with the outcome. Am I happy OBJ won a ring? Hell no. I just didn’t want the Browns to be the only team in the AFC North to not win a Super Bowl. The narrative is the Rams went all in to win a championship. Not quite. Yes, they traded for an upgrade at quarterback, but the two difference makers for the Rams, Copper Kupp and Aaron Donald where home grown talent. Last year’s Tampa team went all in and tried to do it again but fell short in 2021. As for the Bengals, we’ll now see how the “Super Bowl Hangover” will affect them. They weren’t a powerhouse team, they lost seven games and twice to the Browns. Of their ten wins, five were decided by a game winning field goal. They escaped the injury and Covid bug all year and got hot at the right time. Tampa was that team last year, winning every game after their bye week and the Titans were hot went it counted the year before. Cincinnati needs to fix their offensive line, Burrow was sacked 70 times last year.

The narrative by Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth about OBJ during the game was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Beckham, according to Jay Glazer, never wanted to be in Cleveland and told potential free agents not to be signed by the Browns. He stabbed the Browns in the back by not giving 100% on the field. To say he was thrown out on the street by Cleveland is revisionist history. GM Andrew Berry did OBJ a favor by releasing him and allowing his to go to the team he wanted, the L.A. Rams. I had very little respect for Al Michaels before this and now I have none. As for Collinsworth, he’s Pro football’s announcing version of Booger McFarland.

So, what’s next for the Browns? They are probably cleaning up the salary cap. According to https://overthecap.com/ they are currently $25 million under the cap, with the potential to add another $28 million with some cuts (Landry, Tretter & Keenum). Free agent priority resigning’s are Clowney, Ward, Njoku and Stewart. Next up for the draft is the NFL combine March 1 thru March 7. I can’t wait to find out who they interview, because that’s the most important part of the combine. The legal tampering period for signing free agents begins on March 14 and the league starts on March 16. A trade could happen before March 16, but it doesn’t become official until the start of the new league year. The teams to watch who are over the cap the most are, the 49ers, the Falcons, the Titans, the Giants, the Rams, the Vikings, the Cowboys, the Packers and the Saints, these team will be looking to trim roster spots. Just remember, GM Andrew Berry goes after one big free agent a year in a position of need and the player is usually young and coming off their first contract. In 2020 it was Jack Conklin to stabilize the offensive line and last year it was John Johnson, III to stabilize the secondary. Finally, it won’t be a big-name free agent wide receiver. It’s not how this offense works. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.