Cleveland Browns: State of the Roster 2009 Offseason

Eric Mangini was hired in today as the Browns head coach for the next four seasons. There has been much controversy already over whether he should have been hired, but Randy Lerner has officially married himself to Mangini for at least the foreseeable future. With that in mind, let's take a look at our current roster and the free agency class of 2009.

Most reports I've read, put the Browns cap position somewhere in the middle of the NFL's ranks. Phil Savage signed a lot of large contracts while handling the Browns' check book, but somehow the organization has some wiggle room to work this off-season. Unfortunately, picking fifth in the draft will not help the situation. The front office may not have to shell out first pick money, but the rookie market will demand a large contract for any top-10 pick.

For the remainder of the article, I will give an overview of the players we risk losing to free agency this off-season, comment on their worth to the team, and give a rundown on how I feel the Browns should address the holes in their roster.

Cleveland Browns 2009 Free Agents

Safety:

Mike Adams - Good special-teamer and a decent backup, but with five years experience, he hasn't shown any potential for improvement. Time to move on.

Sean Jones - Has been a solid starter since being drafted by the Browns four years ago. He's a good player and probably one of the best safeties going into free agency this year. He's worth trying to keep around until the Browns can train a replacement.

Cornerback:

Travis Daniels - Getting old and isn't going to be a starter anymore. He'd be worth keeping, but only for a minimum contract.

Daven Holly - Holly showed a lot of potential before his injury last year. The Browns should be able to keep him for a small contract and gauge how well he's recovered in training camp.

M Linebacker:

Andra Davis - Davis is a class act who's past his prime in the 3-4 defense. He should have a few years left in him in the NFL, but for a different team that runs the 4-3.

O Linebacker:

Willie McGinest - Similar to Davis, but probably couldn't see significant playing time in even the 4-3.

Shantee Orr - He was a one-year stop gap that didn't pan out.

Tight End:

Darnell Dinkins - Never lived up to his potential and is probably the worst TE (including upside) of the four on our roster.

Guard:

Lennie Friedman - Solid, versatile back-up. Only good to us at a minimum contract though.

Seth McKinney - See Friedman

Running Back:

Jason Wright - See Friedman and McKinney

The following is not a complete list of free agents. It is a list of free agents in areas I believe the Browns need to investigate. Some are proven veterans who deserve big contracts, some are older veterans who could be worth signing for a mid-range contract, and some are younger players with upside and worth taking a chance on. Next to each name, I will give a monetary ranking of $-Low, $$-Medium, $$$-High, based on age, potential, other players on the market in their position, and player's worth compared to a draftee.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?