Cleveland Browns May Have a Restricted Free Agent Problem After April 15

April 15th is quickly approaching, and this is not tax talk, but for the Cleveland Browns and their restricted free agents (RFA).

The Browns originally had six RFA's that they tendered on March 4, each with a second round price on their heads.

Those tendered included: safety Abram Elam, running back Jerome Harrison, fullback Lawrence Vickers, inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and outside linebacker Matt Roth.

Of all those names, only Trusnik has signed his tender offer back on March 12.

Jackson and his representation have been very vocal and unhappy with the fact the Browns are not giving him a long-term contract, but he has been the only player to voice his opinion on this matter.

To quickly clarify, if another team makes an offer to any of these remaining tendered players, the Browns can match the offer to retain said player, or let him go and get the second round pick of the signing team.

Now this is good until April 15.

After April 15, all tendered players have only three options, since another team can no longer sign them, and the team who has the players' rights has one option also.

First, the player can holdout. This will obviously hurt that player's value, and add to a bit of questioning about their character too.

Second, the player can sign their tender offer for a one-year deal at the market value for that particular position. This makes sense, unless a player is looking for a long-term deal. Otherwise, this particular move could lead to an extended holdout.

Third, the player can try to settle for a long-term deal (or perhaps just another deal) that would keep them with the team.

The fourth option, which is more a front office option, is to trade away the player to another team willing to negotiate a contract with the former restricted free agent.

Confused a bit?

That can happen, but the bottom line for the Browns is to take care of each and everyone of these players, since they all bring a good positive energy and youth to a rebuilding Browns team.

Is there on of these players that could possibly get traded on draft day?

Yes, and that could be Jackson.

What needs to be done to prevent losing some of these good young players?

The front office needs to prioritize getting some contracts settled with them before it's too late and they start angering talent who is the future of the team.