Dear Eric Mangini, Please Take a Chance on Chris McAlister

Dear Eric Mangini,

As an avid, die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the Browns; whether it be the starting roster, usage of certain players, or transactions that could make a positive impact to our usually very lousy record.

Heading into the draft, we had many holes to fill, one of which was our secondary. We partially addressed this need in trading for Abram Elam and the drafting of two cornerbacks that could help in special teams. While these players help somewhat, there is still much room for improvement. 

There are a few moves that can be made next year (i.e. the drafting of Taylor Mays or Eric Berry), there is one move that can be made this year that could help our secondary tremendously: the signing of cornerback Chris McAlister.

Yes, Chris McAlister is getting older (32 by the time the season begins), and has appeared in 14 games in the past two years, but keep an open mind as I make my point.

If McAlister can get both knees healthy, the fact he has been off the field so much the past two years will have proven key in keeping the aging corner fresh. It was only 2006 the last time he played in a Pro Bowl. 

If he can't stay healthy, he will remain an asset to developing Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald. He was a leader in the Ravens' defense for years, and would bring that swagger over to a Cleveland secondary in need of an identity.  McAlister isn't a very fast corner, but he is one of the smartest corners in the league.

Being injured the past couple years, and turning 32 will drive McAlister's price down dramatically. No one seems to be requesting his services either, so he's all yours if you give him the chance.

I look at signing Chris McAlister as a win-win situation, and I hope you do too.

Sincerely,

Gavin Andrews, Die-hard Browns Fan