The Browns brain trust was active on the first day of free agency.
By John Sarianides
Day one of the new year league has been as busy as we thought it would be. Here are some thoughts on what has gone down so far.
1. Stephon Gilmore signing a five, $60 million dollar deal with the Patriots is surprising. Belichick threw us a 12 to 6 curveball and we didn’t see it coming. We all whiffed.
2. The Rams signing veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth to a three year, $36 million dollar deal is a great move for a young team that needs veteran leadership. Conversely, the Rams overpaid Robert Woods. He is not worth a five year, $39.5 million dollar deal.
3. The Cleveland Browns really improved their football team today with the signings of C J.C Tretter, G Kevin Zeitler and WR Kenny Britt. So much for people not wanting the Browns money. Money talks and players walk.
4. The Browns acquired Brock Osweiler and a 2nd round pick in 2018 for nothing. Now they are going to reportedly release Osweiler. Wow. Talk about a crappy day for Osweiler.
5. Jags owner Shad Khan loves to spend money. He did it last off-season and he did it again today by signing off on the new contracts of DE Calais Campbell, CB A.J Bouye and SS Barry Church. All three will make a major impact. On paper, Jacksonville has an elite defense from a talent perspective.
6. I am surprised that Alshon Jeffery took a one year deal with the Eagles. He could have gotten $14 million per season from the Bears or Vikings. He clearly didn’t want to be in Chicago anymore. If he can stay healthy, Jeffery would give the Eagles the number one receiver they so desperately need.
7. DeSean Jackson will fit in nicely with the Bucs as the number two receiver. He is the ideal Z receiver because you can move him around formations and get him open. Jackson will complement Mike Evans well.
8. The Broncos finally addrsssed their offensive line by signing veteran guard Ronald Leary. Leary is a phone booth guard who is a physical run blocker.
9. Luke Joekel gets a second chance with the Seahawks on a one year. If anyone can salvage Joekel’s career, it’s Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable.
10. The Buffalo Bills overpaid CB Micah Hyde by giving him $32.5 million dollars but his versatility is valuable in this day in age. He will play three different positions on defense and return kicks.
11. What the hell are the Carolina Panthers thinking signing Matt Kalil to a five year, $55.5 million dollar deal? Absolutely senseless to pay a perennial underachiever who can’t stay healthy that kind of money. SMDH!
12. The Bears had to overpay for Mike Glennon. They going to pay Jay Cutler around the same money so why not. It makes sense. I do find it interesting that the Bears only gave Glennon a three year deal. Clearly it’s a trial deal to see if Glennon is the guy.