2011 NFL Free Agency: Cleveland Browns Fail to Close Gap with AFC North Rivals

With the 2011 NFL offseason almost coming to a close, it has become painfully obvious that the Cleveland Browns are doing as little as possible to close the gap between themselves and AFC North front runners Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Not only have the Browns missed opportunities to sign key free agents such as Eric Weddle, Mathias Kiwanuka and Charles Johnson, it also appears that their biggest offseason moves will be signing former Green Bay backup running back Brandon Jackson and cutting quarterback Jake Delhomme.

To be honest, the Browns have several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and obtaining one Pro Bowl-caliber player is not going to put them over the top. However, the way they are conducting business this offseason leads me to believe that Cleveland fans will have to endure another three to five years (or more) of mediocrity. This certainly wasn't what fans were expecting when Randy Lerner hired Mike Holmgren over a year ago as the new team president.

There is no question that, regardless who is at the helm of the Browns organization, Cleveland isn't just talented enough to compete with the likes of the Steelers or the Ravens on a regular basis. Bringing in a new coaching staff and new philosophies on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, while giving the fans something to look forward to in 2011, isn't going to change that fact all that much. Truth of the matter is the Browns need to be getting bigger, faster and stronger in order to be a contender in the AFC North, and this offseason they have done little to address those concerns.

There are those who would point to the fact that the lockout-shortened season has prevented the Browns from obtaining the free agents they would have otherwise. That is total nonsense. For example, the New England Patriots, also faced with the same shortened offseason, have significantly upgraded their roster by making trades for Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. To make matters worse, the Browns have a significant bargaining chip, as they obtained an extra first-round draft pick in 2012 when they swapped picks with Atlanta.

Then there are those fans who would say everyone needs to remain patient, the Browns are still a few years away. Mike Holmgren was not brought in so the Browns might be able to contend in four to five years. Back in the mid '80s and early '90s, a team could build through the draft, and, with a little luck, become a Super Bowl contender in a few years. Free agency has changed that whole paradigm.

One only needs to compare the Browns' 2008 and 2010 rosters for proof. There are only a handful of players who were starters in 2008 and remained starters in 2010. Sure, a coaching change after the 2008 season played a large part in that turnover, but the fact remains that in this day and age of free agency, 20-30 percent roster turnover per year should be expected. So, the Browns can hope and pray they get enough guys like Joe Haden and Joe Thomas through the draft, but the teams at the top of the AFC are stockpiling free agents like it's now or never.

There is a silver lining, however small it may be, Browns fans. The NFL free agent signing deadline is still a few days away, and there are still a few quality players the Browns can get. If they can get a guy like Ray Edwards and possibly someone like Antonio Cromartie, then all might not be lost. But time is running out, Brownies, better get those free agents while they're still available.