Cleveland Browns Make No Moves During First Day of Free Agency

(UPDATE: I decided I'm going to develop this into a series as we go through free agency and get closer to the draft, evaluating moves—or lack thereof—of a particular team or teams and the needs they have.)

Earlier this year when it was announced that Mike Holmgren would be the new president of the Cleveland Browns , the little boy inside of my jumped for joy and did a heel-click.

Now, sitting back watching some of the bigger name free agents fly off the list in the first 24 hours of free agency, I’m wondering: Where are the Browns ?

The only move done by the Browns today has been to trade for a higher draft pick: They traded defensive tackle Corey Williams and a 2010 seventh-round pick for the Detroit Lions’ 2010 fifth-round pick.

While some say that the Browns will definitely be reloading more than looking to free agency this year—they have 11 picks currently, nine of which are in the first five rounds—I can’t believe that the duo of Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert haven’t made any bigger moves toward a free agent.

Then again, there may be more than meets the eye.

Yesterday, Scout.com reported that the Browns declared nine players free agents: WR Mike Furrey, tight ends Michael Gaines and Greg Estandia, guards Rex Hadnot, Ryan Tucker, and Billy Yates, cornerback Hank Poteat, and safeties Brodney Pool and Ray Ventrone. On March 3, veteran center Hank Fraley was cut. In February, veteran RB Jamal Lewis was cut, though he was expected to retire regardless.

That’s not all. The struggling Cleveland team gave second-round tenders to six restricted free agents: running back Jerome Harrison, linebackers D’Qwell Jackson, Matt Roth, and Jason Trusnik, safety Abram Elam, and fullback Lawrence Vickers.

OK, so maybe shedding the team of 11 players and making six more available to other teams shouldn’t be considered a non-move. This move should have been expected in some form: With new management comes new direction.

However, while its understandable that the Browns may want to make the most of their 11 draft picks—whether its in the actual draft, trading up/down, or trading with another team for a player—I am somewhat shocked that there hasn’t been a stronger presence in free agency talk today coming from Cleveland.

Cleveland has succeeded in keeping its star Pro Bowl kick returner in Josh Cribbs, who will receive a maximum of $18.5 million over the last three years of his contract, with $7 million in guarantees, ESPN 's James Walker reports. This is great for a club that’s struggling to find its identity right now. Mike Holmgren understands Cribbs’ role in Cleveland, at least: “[H]e is a quality young man and really cares about this team and the fans in this city.”

ESPN ’s Pat Yasinskas reports that New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita is planning a visit with the Cleveland Browns this Saturday, but that it is still possible that he re-signs with the Saints.

CLEVELAND NEEDS ANSWERS

And lots of help.

What do the Browns need to do in order to have an 8-8 season this year?

A miracle. And a makeover. Quick, someone call Ty Pennington and tell him we have a great show idea! “Extreme Makeover: Pro Sports Edition.”

Ending the season with an 8-8 record might seem like a joke or exaggeration to some, but it's entirely possible under the leadership of Mike Holmgren. Whether that plan involves head coach Eric Mangini for a full season or not will remain to be seen.

First, let’s start with the defense. All in all, the Cleveland Browns defense wasn’t exactly terrible last season—their biggest problem was getting worn out from the offense’s inability to execute. The defense had the upper hand in tackles and sacks over their opponents in 2009. Add Scott Fujita to that defense, perhaps draft a few young bloods to groom into starters, and that’s about all I would change on defense.

When I think about the Cleveland Browns offense, I think of three things—other games that are showing at that time, watching Lifetime made-for-TV movies, and bathroom breaks. Let’s face it, the offense was embarrassing in 2009. The Browns won a game with six points—two whole field goals.

It’s clear that Derek Anderson will probably be on his way out of Cleveland sometime before his $2 million bonus is due on March 19. That being said, the Browns do have some time to decide what to do about the main man under center. Holmgren has said that he wants a real starter. “Somebody’s got to play a full season. Not two games here, out two games, in three games,” Holmgren said, according to the Plain Dealer of Cleveland.

It’s unknown at this point what to do with Brady Quinn , who was placed on IR after injuring his foot in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs . With two games left in the season, he had done all he could do to impress Holmgren, who had recently been announced president at that time.

At wide receiver, there are no clear-cut targets. Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi may be considered the starters, but the Browns could use a veteran wide receiver to lead the pack.

And then, there’s the running backs. The young group is currently lead by Michigan native Jerome Harrison. While the end of the season proved to turn out well for Harrison—including a record-breaking 286 yards against Kansas City—there are no viable options for support.

IF I HAD IT MY WAY

Clearly, Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert sent a message by clearing 11 players from the roster: The Browns are in rebuilding mode. Should that be the case, and should they be willing to do whatever it takes to compete in the AFC North, here is what I would do:

Cut DA and trade Brady Quinn: The answer is in neither quarterback. I like their talent and their dedication, but it's time to really start over. Their needs to be a clear leader(s), not an every other week leader under center.

Sign/trade for a veteran QB: Get someone in there who will (knowingly) help rebuild the franchise. Someone who knows their place as a building block, not necessarily the future. CONSIDERATIONS: Chad Pennington , Jake Delhomme , Troy Smith (fifth-round tender by Baltimore )

Sign/trade for a veteran WR/RB: Again, need for leadership and other options for both positions. Who would fill this position better than dual-threat LaDainian Tomlinson ? Though, he did mention he wants to play for a contender. Maybe the right amount of money might convince him otherwise? CONSIDERATIONS: LT, Thomas Jones, Lance Moore (Restricted FA, second round)

Draft a QB of the Future: Get someone in there who can learn the system and eventually take over for the team. Lots of big-name quarterbacks in the draft this year, and it all depends on who you are regarding who the Browns should draft. CONSIDERATIONS: Sam Bradford (if he’s available), Jimmy Clausen, Tony Pike, Tim Tebow

Just in the time I was writing this article, more free agents have left the market. I hope Holmgren knows what he’s doing.

What am I thinking..of course he does. He has the tenure to show for it. But can he duplicate prior success in Cleveland? I guess we’ll find out.

(And yes, I said Tim Tebow. Hey, Cleveland, can you imagine Tebow's sideline intensity during a 4th-and-2 defensive stand in the red zone against the Steelers ? Ooohh, gives me chills.)