Setting Realistic Expectations for Each Cleveland Browns Free-Agent Signing

It's easy to get caught up in all the new player additions this time of year, but this article will help to set realistic expectations for each Cleveland Browns free-agent signing.

The NFL's free-agency frenzy is over a week old and Cleveland has so far made calculated moves to fill vacancies while not grossly over spending on the pricey upper echelon open-market targets.

Inevitably, big dollar contracts come with lofty expectations from the fan base.

Last season the previous front office made its big splash by locking down then Baltimore Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger to a five year, $40.5 million agreement that included $20 million in guaranteed cash. A dominant pass-rusher was expected, but the result was an average, at best, output. 

General manager Ray Farmer hopes that his acquisitions provide the desired combination of on-field production, veteran leadership and youthful energy that complement what the personnel department plans to bring in during May's draft.

All statistics are provided via ESPN.com and contract details from Spotrac.com

Donte Whitner: Safety

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Contract: 4 years/$28 million

Cleveland's son has come home. Yes, Donte Whitner grew up in the Cleveland area, played football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and in 2014 will suit up for the Browns.

At first glance it looks like Whitner is simply a slightly older version of the now departed T.J. Ward. Both are hard hitting Pro Bowl safeties that punish ball-carriers, especially in the running game. So why Whitner?

The former first-round selection of Buffalo is much more effective in pass coverage, which makes him a versatile asset in head coach Mike Pettine's multiple look defense.

Over the past two seasons, Whitner defended 17 passes, three interceptions and forced four fumbles. In comparison, Ward defended only nine passes, also had three picks and hammered out three forced fumbles.

Another noticeable difference is that the 28-year-old has only missed one game in four years, whereas Ward was inactive for 10 over the same time period.

Realistic Expectations

Predicting the Glenville High School graduate's production should be straightforward because of his consistent high level performance.

Not having a spike in statistics during a contract year (like T.J. Ward did) is a good thing because it suggests that No. 31 is a reliable resource all of the time.

Whitner is still in the prime of his career and brings the attitude from a winning culture in San Francisco with him that can hopefully be part of a positive culture change in the organization. The Browns keep the ferocious tackling of Ward, but add on the abilities of a roaming hawk in the secondary.

Karlos Dansby: Linebacker

Contract: 4 years/$24 million

Karlos Dansby replaces one of the most popular Browns since the franchise returned in 1999 in linebacker D'Qwell Jackson.

Cleveland didn't want to pay Jackson's hefty $4.1 million bonus so the two sides parted ways. In comes Dansby, who is two years older and signed his contract with $12 million guaranteed.

So why were these home run decisions for the team?

As much as DQ was beloved around the city, there's no hiding the fact that he and Craig Robertson were systematically picked apart by opposing quarterbacks last season. Dansby provides an instant upgrade in pass coverage.

At 6'4", he adds size and wingspan that neither Jackson or Robertson posses. The Auburn alum also spoke in almost prophetic tones about being on a "mission" at an introductory press conference following the official announcement of his deal. (Quotes courtesy of Clevelandbrowns.com.)

"

I’m taking a leap of faith. I really believe there’s something special going on here. That’s the reason I’m here and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity. I’m going to maximize…I’m trying to double my output here, make the guys around me better, and try to win a lot of ball games, and try to be one of the best teams in the NFL.

 

"

Realistic Expectations

Entering his 11th NFL season, No. 56 shows no signs of slowing down, having recorded over 100 combined tackles in each of his last three campaigns. He's also only missed two games over the past two seasons.

At 32, Dansby recorded career highs in passes defended (19) and interceptions (four) in 2013. The 6.5 sacks he contributed to Arizona was his most since 2006. At an age that many players are out of the league, those are phenomenal numbers.

In Mike Pettine's versatile multi-front defense, there is no reason to think that Dansby shouldn't thrive. Expect excellent production and a great mentor to whomever starts beside him.

Isaiah Trufant: Cornerback

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Contract: 2 years/$1.54 million

At 5'8" and 31 years old, Isaiah Trufant is hardly the answer Browns fans were looking for in a cornerback to complement Joe Haden at the other outside position.

However, Trufant does bring some value to the team in the form of familiarity with head coach Mike Pettine's defense. The pair were together as members of the New York Jets when Pettine was the defensive coordinator.

Providing guidance to Cleveland's youthful defense on what the coaching staff expects is important, but the Eastern Washington alum must contribute on the field.

Trufant's primary role should be on special teams and for depth at the nickel corner spot. Those are the roles he's been somewhat successful in during his four NFL seasons.

Realistic Expectations

The less you hear Trufant's name in 2014, the better.

That should likely mean he hasn't made any costly errors on the kick/punt return and coverage units. It would also imply that no significant injuries in the Browns secondary have occurred that would thrust him into the lineup.

Jim Dray: Tight End

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Contract: 3 years/$5.625 million

Not the sexiest of signings, but Jim Dray brings a valuable skill set into Cleveland. 

Jordan Cameron will provide the offensive flash at tight end, while Dray buckles down the other side as one of the NFL's better blockers at the position.

The 27-year-old's ability to create lanes for the outside running game is exactly what Kyle Shanahan's offense needs to allow his zone-blocking scheme to flourish. Dray was successful at that in college, as well as in the pros with Arizona.

At 6'5" and 255 pounds, the Cardinals 2010 seventh-round pick can also use his size to make some plays with the ball. Dray started a career high 15 games last season, which resulted in personal bests of 26 receptions, 13 first downs and a pair of touchdowns.

Realistic Expectations

Dray should become a quiet, yet important piece, to the Browns' offensive puzzle in 2013. Question marks remain at guard and right tackle in regards to both pass protection and creating holes for the running backs.

This tight end's workhorse-like effort and reliability won't always be appreciated, but is definitely essential for Cleveland to have success advancing the football.

Ben Tate: Running Back

Contract: 2 years/$6.2 million 

The Browns and Ben Tate appear to be a match made in heaven. Cleveland desperately needs a playmaker in the backfield and Tate wants to be in a place where he can thrive as a No. 1 running back.

Injuries have plagued the dynamic 25-year-old throughout his short NFL career. He hasn't been able to participate in a full season, missing his entire rookie campaign with a busted ankle and two games in 2013 because of broken ribs.

However, the flashes of brilliance that Tate provides are tantalizing. The former Houston Texan owns a solid career average of 4.7 yards per carry over 40 games, contributing an average of 4.3 in 14 contests last year. Compare that to Trent Richardson's two season YPC average of just 3.3.

Tate seemed to fall in love with Cleveland during his three day contract negotiations last week. He enthusiastically interacted with fans via Twitter (@BenTateRB) and Facebook by posting videos and answering questions.

Realistic Expectations

This is the Woodbridge, Va., veteran's chance to step out of the shadow of Arian Foster and prove to the world that he can be a true star in this league.

The key will be staying on the field. Tate has displayed that when healthy he can be a dominant rusher in a one-cut system, which is very similar to what offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will be utilizing.

To save on his body's wear and tear, Tate should be kept fresh by rolling in the other running backs on the roster over four quarters. 

Expecting 1,000 yards rushing and double digit touchdowns is not an unrealistic goal to set in a Shanahan offense. If Alfred Morris can deliver 2,888 yards on the ground over his first two seasons in Washington, then why shouldn't Tate reach similar success in Cleveland?

Andrew Hawkins: Wide Receiver

Contract: 4 years/$12.2 million

Andrew Hawkins returns to the grounds of the team that cut him as an undrafted rookie during a minicamp tryout in 2008. Now the wide receiver cashes in with a big contract and heads north from division rival Cincinnati. 

The 5'7" slot receiver fills a desperate need for the Browns after they released the troubled Davone Bess prior to the start of free agency.

Hawkins is lightning fast, but is most effective after the ball is in his hands. His speed and ability to change directions in a flash allows for big play opportunities after the catch.

The Toledo alum missed the first half of last season with a high ankle sprain, however, he was still able to lead the Bengals in yards per reception with a 16.6 average. Staying healthy has been a concern throughout his three years in the NFL, as he has yet to participate in more than 14 games.

Realistic Expectations

The 28-year-old's best efforts came in 2012, where over 14 contests he posted four touchdowns, 24 first downs and 51 receptions. There's no doubt the skill is there, but can his 180-pound frame handle the rigors that comes with catching passes over the middle?

With the attention that Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron will draw from opposing defenses, there is no reason why Hawkins shouldn't produce comparable numbers to those of 2012.

Regardless of the potential results, general manager Ray Farmer must still add depth in the slot via the draft as insurance in the event that the diminutive "Baby Hawk" is knocked out for any period of time.

Andy McNamara is an international sports broadcaster and journalist.

Follow Andy on Twitter @AndyMc81