Browns Interested In Marvin Jones
The Browns are pursuing Bengals receiver Marvin Jones in free agency, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer writes. Jones, 25, has a fan in former coach Hue Jackson, so Cleveland’s interest makes a lot of sense. 
In 13 starts last season, Jones caught 65 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns. It was a solid bounceback for Jones after he lost the 2014 season due to an injured ankle. According to Cabot, the Browns are hoping that Jones can break out as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver if he’s not playing in the shadow of star A.J. Green. Golden Tate‘s deal with the Lions, inked one year ago, could be a reference point for a deal, Cabot writes. Tate signed with Detroit on a five-year deal worth $31MM, including $16MM in guaranteed cash.
Jones graded out as PFR’s No. 1 available wide receiver this offseason. With youth and ability to his credit, Jones got the nod over the likes of quality receivers like Travis Benjamin, Rishard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Jermaine Kearse, and Mohamed Sanu. The Browns also have interest in Sanu, Cabot notes, but they prefer Jones because he is faster.
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Free Agency Rumors: Osweiler, Vernon, Miller
The Texans are expected to make a competitive offer to Brock Osweiler in both guaranteed money and per-year average salary, an NFL source tells Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Recently, the Broncos reportedly upped their offer to Osweiler, submitting one that’s worth more than $45MM over three years. From the sound of it, Houston might be ready to top that. A source tells Robinson that a $15-$16MM per year average for Osweiler will be a legitimate number for his market (link).
Here are the latest free agency rumors:
- We can expect the market for Olivier Vernon to include the Giants, Raiders, Jaguars, Browns, and Titans, Robinson tweets. Vernon was hit with the transition tag by the Dolphins earlier this month and he currently stands to earn $12.734MM on a one-year contract in 2016. However, if he signs an offer sheet that the Dolphins decline to match, they will lose him for nothing as they did with Charles Clay one year ago.
- Dolphins running back Lamar Miller will hit the open market when free agency opens, a source close to the player tells Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald. Miller, 24, ran for 872 yards off of 184 carries with eight touchdowns in 2015. Miller is hoping to land a deal similar to DeMarco Murray‘s pact, but Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears his market is in the $4-5MM range rather than $8MM.
- Doug Martin‘s market includes at least six teams, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
- The Ravens are bracing for Kelechi Osemele to leave, a source tells Mike Florio of PFT. Florio adds that while it has been speculated that the offensive lineman could get $11MM/year on the open market, some think the number will be closer to $9MM.
- Chris Long‘s first visit will be to Washington tomorrow, Trey Wingo of ESPN.com tweets.
- There’s mutual interest between Washington and cornerback Will Blackmon about a return in 2016, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic tweets.
- Texans free agent guard Brandon Brooks could be in line for a deal in the range of $8MM per season, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears. He adds that multiple teams are interested.
ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/5/16
Here are today’s tender decisions on exclusive-rights free agents, for players who have three or fewer years of experience in the league.
- The Seahawks have extended exclusive-rights tenders to six players today, including cornerbacks DeShawn Shead and Mohammed Seisay, tight end Cooper Helfet, defensive tackle A.J. Francis, linebacker Eric Pinkins, and defensive back Steven Terrell, and reports Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter links).
- Kick returner Raheem Mostert has officially signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Browns, per his agent Brent Tessler (Twitter link).
Armonty Bryant Suspended Four Games
Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been suspended four games by the NFL violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, the team announced today in a press release. The suspension will sideline Bryant for the first four games of the 2016 regular season.
Bryant, 25, enjoyed something of a breakout season in 2015, racking up career-highs in sacks (5.5), tackles (40), and forced fumbles (two). However, after a solid year on the field, the linebacker ran into some trouble off of it.
Bryant and former Browns defensive back De’Ante Saunders were arrested early on Christmas morning, and Bryant, who had Adderall in his possession when the duo was stopped by police, was ultimately indicted on two counts of felony drug possession. The NFL classifies Adderall as a performance-enhancing drug, but that case is still playing out, so Bryant’s suspension appears to be unrelated to that incident.
New Browns head coach Hue Jackson has talked about prioritizing character when it comes to filling out the team’s 53-man roster, and taking a hard-line stance when it comes to off-field transgressions, so it will be interesting to see whether Bryant will have a role on the team in 2016.
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Browns President Alec Scheiner Stepping Down
Browns president Alec Scheiner is stepping down from his current role as of March 31st, 2016, the team announced today in a press release. Scheiner will serve as a consultant for the franchise for the remainder of the calendar year after stepping away from his position as president.
“Alec is ready for the next challenge in his career, as our new structure would limit the opportunity for his leadership,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “He is one of the most talented executives in the industry, and we are fully confident that Alec will be successful in whatever permanent role he takes next. We wish him and his family only the best.”
Scheiner’s departure is the latest in an offseason full of change for the Browns, who have brought in new decision-makers at several levels within the organization. In addition to replacing head coach Mike Pettine with Hue Jackson, the club also parted ways with general manager Ray Farmer, VP of player personnel Morocco Brown, and executive chief of staff Bill Kuharich.
As part of Cleveland’s front-office shakeup, the team promoted Sashi Brown to VP of football operations, hired former MLB executive Paul DePodesta as chief strategy officer, and hired Colts pro scouting coordinator Andrew Berry as VP of player personnel. Now the club will look to replace Scheiner, who had served as the Browns’ president since January 2013.
“I have had an incredible experience with the Browns,” Scheiner said in a statement of his own. “Cleveland is amazing and the fans are uniquely passionate. I want to thank Dee and Jimmy Haslam for the opportunity to do what I truly love: rebuilding an organization with a group of people who have shown unparalleled hard work, commitment to their team and city. I look forward to helping the Browns over the next several months as I determine my next challenge.”
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AFC Notes: Brady, Browns, Howard, Bolts
Here’s the latest coming out of the AFC as the legal tampering period looms.
- Observing how the 2nd Circuit Court’s three-judge panel aimed its scrutiny in today’s Deflategate appeal in Manhattan, Tom Brady should be bracing for a setback in his efforts to put this 14-month-old matter behind him, Michael McCann of SI.com writes. McCann expects a 2-1 decision going in favor of the NFL. That doesn’t mean Brady will automatically miss the Patriots‘ first four games in 2016, with further appeals possible if the NFLPA loses this time, but it would bring this issue back to the forefront after a dormant several months that occurred following judge Richard Berman’s ruling in favor of Brady. The decision could take months, per McCann.
- Hue Jackson wants the Browns to come away with two or three starters during free agency, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (on Twitter). The first-year Cleveland coach acknowledges, however, attracting the top targets will be difficult. Of course, the Browns could lose two top UFAs if Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz exit. Jackson “would love” to have Mack back and told media, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link), “You can put [a center’s value] right up there with the QB when you have a guy like that.”
- Jackson will have the final say when it comes to which quarterback the Browns select at No. 2, if they opt to go quarterback with their top pick, according to Jeff Schudel of the Lorain Morning Journal. Sashi Brown‘s executive VP title won’t supersede Jackson’s offensive experience when it comes to making this choice, Schudel notes.
- The Browns hired Joe Kim as an assistant, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. His title is assistant strength and skill development coach. Kim served in the same capacity for the Bears in 2014 and Washington last season. This will be the third stint for Kim in Cleveland. A Northeast Ohio native whose served as a consultant for several NFL teams since 2001, Kim is a former national taekwando champion who’s gone on to consult defenders on pass-rush techniques.
- After the Chiefs applied the franchise tag to Eric Berry, they still have six current or former Kansas City starters entering the free agent market, including improving defensive end Jaye Howard. In a radio appearance with Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez (Twitter link), Howard said his status in Kansas City was “up in the air.” The Chiefs also feature Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Sean Smith as players who started for their No. 7-ranked defense last season whose contracts have expired. Howard, however, is younger than the other Chiefs’ key UFA defenders in entering his age-27 season. He was Pro Football Focus’ No. 24 interior defender, a grouping that includes 3-4 defensive ends, along with all defensive tackles.
- The Chargers have until March 24 to qualify a stadium measure for the crucial November ballot which will contain an item regarding the use of public funds to finance a downtown stadium. The team’s expected to release a stadium financing plan at that time, Eric Williams of ESPN.com reports.
North Rumors: Harris, Newman, D. Smith, Ravens
Vikings guard Mike Harris is eligible to hit the open market next week, but he would prefer to get something done before Monday’s legal tampering period begins so that he can remain in Minnesota, as he tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
“My agent is working really hard right now, and I’m hoping I can get a deal before Monday,” Harris said. “I see myself in Minnesota for the rest of my career. That’s where I want to be. So hopefully we get the contract ready this weekend. I’m excited. It’s going to be a great season for the Vikings, and I want to be a part of it.”
Harris expects the Vikings to put a formal offer on the table soon, and a source tells Tomasson that it will likely be a two-year contract worth in the ballpark of $5MM. If Minnesota can get a deal like that finalized, it would be a great value for the team — Harris shifted over from tackle last season to become a full-time guard for the Vikes, and was ranked 23rd out of 81 qualified players by Pro Football Focus.
Here’s more out of the NFL’s North divisions, including one more Vikings-related item:
- Terence Newman is set to become the NFL’s oldest defensive back. Newman, who will turn 38 this year, wants to play another season, and all signs points to there being mutual interest between the veteran cornerback and the Vikings, Tomasson writes for the Pioneer Press.
- Although the Ravens released linebacker Daryl Smith today, the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing him back after he gauges his value on the open market, GM Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. “We are not closing the door on the possibility of him returning to the Ravens,” Newsome said. “He deserves an opportunity to see his market value at this time.”
- As Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com details, safety Sean Richardson‘s future with the Packers – and in the NFL – remains unclear due to his neck injury. While Richardson is scheduled to become a free agent next week, his situation is unlikely to be resolved, since he still hasn’t been medically cleared to return.
- Whlie it would be great for the Browns if they can re-sign center Alex Mack, who opted out of his contract this week, the team shouldn’t devote a ton of resources to Mack if it means losing right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, writes Tom Reed of Cleveland.com. Of course, Reed notes that the ideal scenario would involve retaining both players.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/2/16
Here are today’s minor moves:
- The Browns have offered a tender to kick returner Raheem Mostert, per his agent Brent Tessler (Twitter link). Mostert, a running back by trade, doesn’t have an NFL carry to his name, but returned 12 kickoffs (25.8 yard average) for Cleveland last season.
- The Cowboys have cut four players, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link), who reports that the club has parted ways with offensive lineman Cody Clay, receiver Donte Foster, running back Michael Hill, and defensive end Efe Obeda. Of the group, Hill, with eight career games, has the most NFL experience.
Earlier updates:
- The Panthers signed linebacker Ben Jacobs, according to the team’s website. An exclusive-rights free agent, the 27-year-old Jacobs spent the past three seasons with the Panthers, suiting up for all 16 games the last two years. The former UDFA out of Fresno State will be a restricted free agent after 2016.
- The Dolphins signed wide receiver Christion Jones, per SportsTrust Advisors (on Twitter). A former Alabama product who’s yet to suit up in an NFL game, Jones initially caught on with Miami as a rookie last summer but exited via waived/injured designation just before the season began. Jones earned SEC special teams player of the year honors in 2013.
East Notes: Vernon, Giants, Gipson, Wilkerson
The Giants will have nearly $60MM in cap room to work with when the free agent period begins next week, and the club is expected to use that ample space to target pass rushers, according to Ebenezer Samuel and Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Both Olivier Vernon — who was designated as the Dolphins’ transition player — and Mario Williams (recently released by the Bills) figure to “at least get a call” from general manager Jerry Reese & Co, sources tell the NYDN scribes. Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link) agrees, guessing that Vernon will be the first player contacted by the Giants.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Along with the edge rush, safety is another area on the Giants‘ roster that could use improvement, as PFR’s Zach Links pointed out in his preview of the New York’s offseason. Browns free agent Tashaun Gipson will be one of the top safeties available on the open market, and Raanan hears (via Twitter) that Gipson would “welcome” the idea of playing in New York. Gipson is widely expected to move on from Cleveland and find a new club next week.
- The Jets have long been rumored to be willing to explore the possibility of trading franchise player Muhammad Wilkerson, but Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News doubts that the team will find a suitor willing to not only part with a first-round pick, but pony up the $40MM+ that Wilkerson is said to covet. One general manager told Mehta that he wouldn’t sacrifice a second- and third-round pick package for Wilkerson, so it’s fair to wonder if a market will develop for the star defensive end.
- Receiver Brian Tyms tweeted his goodbyes to the Patriots organization today, a sign that he won’t return to New England in 2016, writes Tom Curran of CSNNE.com. Tyms, who spent the 2015 season on injured reserve with an Achilles injury, was set to be a restricted free agent, so the Patriots apparently won’t tender him a contract.
Alex Mack Open To Return To Browns
Browns center Alex Mack voided the final three years on his contract today, opting out of the deal for the opportunity to explore the free agent market next week. However, even though Mack could sign with another team seven days from now, he hasn’t ruled out a return to Cleveland, as agent Tim Younger tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
“We view Alex’s decision to void as procedural,” Younger said. “[The opt-out] was built into his contract to afford him maximum flexibility. For the first time in his career, he will be experiencing true free agency. Although we anticipate interest from multiple teams, he was very impressed with Hue Jackson and returning to the Browns certainly remains on the table.”
According to Cabot, about six to eight teams are expected to have serious interest in Mack, who looks like the top center on the free agent market and will aim to exceed $10MM+ per year on a new deal. As I wrote earlier today, when Mack’s decision was first reported, the Jaguars figure to top that list of potential suitors — it was Jacksonville that signed the veteran center to an offer sheet two years ago, when he last hit the market. Since the Browns had used the transition tag on Mack, Cleveland was able to match the Jags’ offer sheet.
The Browns won’t hold the right of first refusal on Mack this time around, but Cabot suggests that the pending free agent may give the team the opportunity to match or exceed offers he receives from rival suitors. Mack paid a visit to Cleveland a couple weeks ago to meet with the team’s new brain trust, and came away impressed, a source tells Cabot. The Cleveland.com scribe adds (via Twitter) that she genuinely believes, after speaking to Younger today, that Mack would like to remain with the Browns if the two sides can work something out.
If Mack does end up signing elsewhere, the Browns may elevate 2015 first-rounder Cameron Erving to the starting center job rather than signing a veteran to fill the role. That way, the team could focus on fortifying the rest of its line, and potentially re-signing right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, another free-agent-to-be.
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