With Abram Elam Still Unsigned, Cleveland Browns Should Re-Consider Ken Hamlin

It has been well documented here on Bleacher Report, Cleveland.com and many other online sports sources that the Cleveland Browns have five unsigned, restricted free agents. All five players were starters one season ago.

Among those names is starting strong safety Abram Elam, who has just recently vocalized his desire for a multi-year contract to the media.

Going into the 2010 NFL Draft, the Browns knew they had to add players to the back end of the defensive secondary. They drafted two young safeties, T.J. Ward and Larry Asante.

Both rookies are big hitters who fit the mold of a strong safety. Elam, who also plays strong safety, is better suited to play the position over free safety.

A free safety defined is usually the smaller and faster of the two, providing variable and extra pass coverage.

A strong safety defined is usually the larger and stronger of the two, providing extra protection against run plays by standing somewhere between the free safety and the line of scrimmage.

The Browns currently have veteran backup Mike Adams on their roster, who can play either free safety or cornerback. But Adams is better suited as a situational backup.

Now that the Browns have added two rookies to the mix, perhaps one of them will seamlessly make the transition over to free safety. But that will be determined throughout training camp and in the preseason.

The issue is that Elam wants job security and a long-term contract. And although head coach Eric Mangini is a big supporter of Elam and his abilities, if Elam won't sign, he'll be replaced by a rookie.

In the unlikely scenario that Elam doesn't sign, the Browns don't want to go into the NFL season with two rookie starters. The organization should re-evaluate their stance on signing veteran free safety Ken Hamlin.

Hamlin, a former Seahawk and most recently a Dallas Cowboy, is more than familiar with Mike Holmgren.

Drafted in the second round by the Seahawks in 2003, Hamlin is also a one-time Pro Bowler with seven years of experience as a starting free safety.

Cut by the Cowboys due to his large salary, Hamlin would most likely take a one-year deal for a smaller salary than the $5.5 million he was going to make with the Cowboys this year.

After playing hard in 2010, then perhaps Hamlin would be rewarded with a new contract following the 2010 season, but this is all just speculation to protect the Browns in case Elam does not sign and chooses to hold out.

Hamlin's presence would be a terrific addition to the Browns' rebuilt secondary and he would also be able to help mentor Ward and Asante.

Signing Hamlin may or may not happen, but the Browns should really consider adding Hamlin into the mix to round out the back of the secondary with a true free safety.