Browns' Free Agent Update: Day 3

Upon the recent flurry of free agent signings, the Browns have begun to slow down their crazy start to Free Agency. It’s well expected. The Browns can’t sign everyone, and they blew their massive wad of money quickly as Free Agency finally started after an 8 day delay. It gave them plenty of time to formulate their plan of attack and they struck quicker than most teams in the NFL this off-season.

Now the team is set to sign some fill-in players to help round out their roster before the draft. As it stands, here are the best guess projected starters (to start the season) on both sides of the ball:

OFFENSE:
QB Charlie Frye
HB Ruben Droughns
FB Terrelle Smith
WR1: Joe Jurevicious
WR2: Dennis Northcutt
TE: Kellen Winslow Jr.
LT: Kevin Shaffer
LG: Joe Andruzzi
C: LeCharles Bentley
RG: Cosey Coleman
RT: Ryan Tucker
K Phil Dawson

DEFENSE:
DE Orpheus Roye
DT Ted Washington
DE Alvin McKinley
OLB Chaun Thompson
MLB Andra Davis
MLB Orlando Ruff
OLB Matt Stewart
CB Gary Baxter
CB Leigh Bodden/Daylon McCutcheon
FS Brian Russell
SS Sean Jones
P Dave Zastudil

As you can see, there are holes at the starting LBs right now, and when you look at the whole roster there is room for improvement at the following positions: OLB, MLB, DT, DE, OG, LT, WR, and HB.

Looking at the current state of the team, the Browns may be looking to try to make one or two signings in Free Agency to help bolster depth at the weak positions before they try to add more help from the draft. As I write this, there are conflicting rumors that Detroit Lions’ DL Kalimba Edwards has already agreed to a deal with the team to line up as a pass rushing OLB.

Kalimba has proven skills as a pass rusher and may be a valued addition to the team that will play a role similar to current Free Agent and Patriots stud Willie McGinest. Edwards was prodigal defensive player in college for South Carolina, but injuries hurt his status going into the NFL, and his stay in Detroit has been less than spectacular. Edwards possesses great athletic ability, but his scouting report dictates that his technique leaves much to be desired.

Right now, Edwards’ signing is not official, but a reasonable deal for this player could help some with the weak pass rush on the Browns. Official word on this situation may surface tonight or tomorrow. Stay tuned for more on the Browns this off-season...