Browns' Free Agent Update: Day 4

Day 4 in the NFL Free Agent period is winding down and the Browns are still working on adding at least one more veteran to the mix. Yesterday, reports were running wild that the Browns were set to sign Detroit Lions’ DL Kalimba Edwards to a deal. Edwards was mentioned as playing OLB as a pass rusher similar to New England Patriots’ legend Willie McGinest.

One day later, Kalimba Edwards has re-signed with the Lions for 5 years and it appears that the player he was meant to emulate here in Cleveland may be the guy signing on the dotted line for the Browns to impersonate himself.

Willie McGinest is the hot name now as one of the last important signings of the Browns’ off-season. Willie is supposed to be in town tonight meeting with the Browns’ brass on the possibility of bringing his 3-4 expertise to the Browns so he can play with his old coach Romeo Crennel.

The fact that McGinest loves playing for Crennel may signal another quick signing at a possible reduced price. Last year, when Crennel was just taking over the Browns as their coach, one player from the Patriots, Joe Andruzzi, made a bee-line for Cleveland because of his love for Coach Crennel. Now it appears that two more players may be added thanks to the lovable coach who helped New England win 3 Super Bowls. Ted Washington is already in tow because of Romeo, and Ted even stated that he’ll lobby Willie to get a deal done with the Browns ASAP.

If McGinest signs, he’ll be plugged right into the starting lineup and he’ll be another veteran to help the young Browns’ defense continue adjusting to the 3-4 alignment. McGinest may have something left in the tank and can really help this team, at least in 2006. We’ll see if he signs.

If McGinest signs and joins Ted Washington, that will most likely shift the Browns’ focus in the NFL draft to bringing in talented youngsters to groom behind the two aging veterans. Those youngsters could really benefit from the men they will be playing behind. Once again, stay tuned for more news on these developments.