"Possible Patriots to be Browns?"

[Mike the Brit]

I went over to the Browns' messageboard because I wanted to see how they reacted to the idea of firing Savage (answer: negative!) and I saw this thread:

http://dawgtalk.clevelandbrowns.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1393212&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

"We all know Romeo Crennell has ties to the New England Patriots...well the Patriots have a few FA that could be a very good help to the Browns that we need to sign

Wille McGinest OLB/DE-The guy is a vet, probably has atleast 3 years left in the Tank, he knows Crennell's system, and more importantly can play both DE and OLB, very good against the run, he also is known as a Pass rushing specialist...he gets to the QB, we definitly need to get this guy...he will help our D immenstly.

David Givens WR- We need to let Bryant walk and sign this guy,he is a RAC guy, a Team player, a good blocker, and he has good hands and he catches most balls thrown at him, he don't drop alot of passes, will make a perfect poession receiver for us, and his price tag won't be astronomical..we need to get this guy.

Christian Fueria TE- This guy is a very under-rated player on the Patriots, he usually comes in on running downs, he is a "fine" blocker, he helps pave the way for Corey Dillion, but more importantly..the guy has better hands then Heiden or Shea and has made some nice catches...watch a Pats game and watch for number 88..that is Fueria...he will come cheap and is a good team player...we cna pair him with Winslow...he is that good blocking/above average receiving Te we need to pair with Winslow...he is an upgrade over Heiden or Shea.

Jarvis Green DE-This kid is young, and may be arestricted FA..he plays some considerable time in N.E DL rotation..what i have seen of the kid...he impresses me and he would be an upgrade over McKinely at DE...his price tag shouldn't be too high..andf RAC is famlair with him...he could start right away and contribute

There is a chance Vrabel and others could become FA due to cap concerns...but highley unlikely..these are our best shots of bring over some Patriots this offseason...we need to instill this team with some guys that are used to winning...these guys are those guys...have winning backgrounds and are quality players....our team will see a significant improvement if we can add all 4 of these guys, they will bring leadership, and a winning attitude this team needs...besides the Patriots hate the Steelers and the Steelers and Patriots have a very bitter rivarly going on...Maybe some of these N.E players can bring some of that over here with them to hlep get the Browns . vs. Steelers thing going again"

The guy who posted this has "In Romeo I trust" as his sig. Sounds like he is in love with the Pats and he may get it. We don't want too many other people getting it!

 

[mcsully]

J.Green and Vrabel are signed up past this Year. Actually I believe most of their top young players are signed up for a few years

 

[BelichickFan]

J.Green and Vrabel are signed up past this Year. Actually I believe most of their top young players are signed up for a few years

Yeah, his post made no sense. The two you mentioned are locked up, Fauria is a journeyman and McGinnest isn't going to end his career with the Browns.

Givens could be an issue, unfortunately.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Yeah, his post made no sense. The two you mentioned are locked up, Fauria is a journeyman and McGinnest isn't going to end his career with the Browns.

Givens could be an issue, unfortunately.

There's a long thread following on. Consensus is that Givens is the one to go for.

 

[BelichickFan]

There's a long thread following on. Consensus is that Givens is the one to go for.

If they do go for Givens, I am wondering if we'll try for their UDA WR Antonio Bryant who we supposedly wanted but "settled" for Branch when Bryant went two picks earlier. He isn't as consistent as Givens but is more explosive.

 

[marty]

What struck me most was his frequent use of "should be cheap" or words to that affect. Why would he think that players who've been on several SB teams, that aren't retained by said team would be "cheap"?
I don't think any of the players that he mentions are undervalued by the Pats and should someone like Givens want to test the market, he certainly won't be cheap!

 

[BelichickFan]

What struck me most was his frequent use of "should be cheap" or words to that affect. Why would he think that players who've been on several SB teams, that aren't retained by said team would be "cheap"?
I don't think any of the players that he mentions are undervalued by the Pats and should someone like Givens want to test the market, he certainly won't be cheap!

You are right. Givens may be had for top money as the Patriots likely won't pay him that but if someone is talking "cheap money" he would stay with NE.

 

[desi-patsfan]

if they want Fauria then ok. I like him but wont bother me too much if hes gone. #55 definetly needs to end his career with the pats. Vrabs and Green arnt going anywhere like you all said. I really hope we can sign David up.

 

[Mike the Brit]

According to the Akron Beacon-Journal the Browns will have $30m of cap room this coming off-season

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/columnists/patrick_mcmanamon/13216846.htm

so, if they really do want to go shopping for Patriots, they can in ways we won't be able to match.

 

[BelichickFan]

so, if they really do want to go shopping for Patriots, they can in ways we won't be able to match.

Right, but Givens and Neal are our only significant UFAs. I hope we don't lose them but neither the Browns, nor any other team, can "go shopping" for others.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Right, but Givens and Neal are our only significant UFAs. I hope we don't lose them but neither the Browns, nor any other team, can "go shopping" for others.

True. Though I don't see the Patriots paying $8m even for Willie.

 

[BelichickFan]

True. Though I don't see the Patriots paying $8m even for Willie.

I don't see Willie leaving. It'll get worked out. Givens and Neal are another story.

 

[Bill's Girl]

According to the Akron Beacon-Journal the Browns will have $30m of cap room this coming off-season

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/columnists/patrick_mcmanamon/13216846.htm

so, if they really do want to go shopping for Patriots, they can in ways we won't be able to match.

Just because a lot of Patriots abandoned us to join the Tuna when he and BB went to the Jets, does not mean our present players will leave BB for Romeo.... Does it?

 

[Mike the Brit]

Just because a lot of Patriots abandoned us to join the Tuna when he and BB went to the Jets, does not mean our present players will leave BB for Romeo.... Does it?

It's a business. If the Browns offer way more than the Pats do for Willie, Givens, Neal, Dwight, Fauria, then they'll go.

 

[PATSNUTme]

It's a business. If the Browns offer way more than the Pats do for Willie, Givens, Neal, Dwight, Fauria, then they'll go.

You're right about Givens. This kid is a 7th rounder who has worked his butt off to become good. If, another team wants to overpay him, then he should grab it.

Neal is a guy that the Patriots have invested a lot of time and money on. But, if someone wants to overpay him, we should be able to replace him.

I'd be shocked if Wille goes anywhere, even though he will be asked to restructure at the end of this season.

 

[T-ShirtDynasty]

It's a business. If the Browns offer way more than the Pats do for Willie, Givens, Neal, Dwight, Fauria, then they'll go.

You sure about Willie?

 

[pats1]

Here, I just posted this:

I don't know where in the world you got info that McGinest and Jarvis Green are free agents.


Willie McGinest - 12th year - 34 years old - OLB/DE

Signed through 2006 with a $3.826 mil. 2005 cap hit and a $8.327 mil. 2006 hit, but will likely restructure again and sign another extension. He restructures nearly every year for the Pats can remain under the cap, and the chances he will retire as a Brown are close to zero. Won't be cut for cap reasons until he's old and grey.

Jarvis Green - 4th year - 26 years old - DE/DT

Signed through 2009 this past summer with a $3.651 mil. 2005 cap hit and backloaded contract from there ($455 k base salary in 2006 to $2.5 mil. base salary in 2009). Is already past restricted FA status (3rd year).

Christian Fauria - 11th year - 34 years old - TE

Becomes a FA this offseason after posting a $941 k cap hit in 2005. Has dropped down to the third string and has only played when either Watson or Graham is hurt. Is coming close to retirement and is a well-liked around the Pats organization. Might return for another year or two considering the Pats carry 3 TE's, won't draft another, and Fauria is the cheapest FA option who already knows the system well.

Fauria isn't nearly as good a blocker than Graham and is only used in red zone situations where his height is accentuated. Even then, be barely sees the field if the Pats are healthy. Graham and Watson have everything including size over Fauria, just not the ups.

David Givens - 4th year - 25 years old - WR

Will be a FA this coming offseason after posting a $1.436 mil. cap hit in 2005. The Pats will definitely want him back but not at too high a cost. He's garnered respect around the league and there certainly will be some high rollers out there that'll grab him.

Mike Vrabel - 9th year - 30 years old - ILB/OLB/DE

Is signed through 2009 with a $4.209 mil. cap hit in 2005 and $3.54 mil. cap hit in 2006. Has very little threat to be released from cap concerns, and if that happens, it will likely be after a possible decline in play 3-4 years down the road. He's one of the top Pats right now.

 

[Miguel]

Just because a lot of Patriots abandoned us to join the Tuna when he and BB went to the Jets, does not mean our present players will leave BB for Romeo.... Does it?

Tell that to Joe Andruzzi

 

[Miguel]

You're right about Givens. This kid is a 7th rounder who has worked his butt off to become good. If, another team wants to overpay him, then he should grab it.

Neal is a guy that the Patriots have invested a lot of time and money on. But, if someone wants to overpay him, we should be able to replace him.

Why is it when a Patriot player is expected to leave, it is also thought that his new team will be overpaying for him??? I would think what happened with Derrick Mason would convince Patriots fans that this organization is willing to spend $$$??The Pats offered more money to Mason that did the Ravens.

 

[Flying Fungi]

Why is it when a Patriot player is expected to leave, it is also thought that his new team will be overpaying for him??? I would think what happened with Derrick Mason would convince Patriots fans that this organization is willing to spend $$$??The Pats offered more money to Mason that did the Ravens.

And yet somehow Baltimore is more appealing than Boston to certain wives...hope Mrs Ramirez feels the same way...