• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Sort by date Sort by votes
ABJ

3/12/06

Posted on Sun, Mar. 12, 2006
GM Savage hits ground dealing

Browns reach agreement with three starters on first day of free agency

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Phil Savage talked about starting fast in free agency, and he did not disappoint. On the first day he could sign players, Savage added three starters, including two Cleveland natives.
Saturday, the Browns signed center/guard LeCharles Bentley (of Cleveland and St. Ignatius), wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (of Timberlake and Mentor Lake Catholic) and left tackle Kevin Shaffer.
``You don't win games in March -- and you don't win the Super Bowl in March, but you certainly prepare to win,'' Savage said. ``These are additions that will improve our team and make us better.''
Bentley brings two Pro Bowl appearances in his four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, along with a needed physical presence on the line.
Jurevicius brings a veteran presence to the wide receiver position that the Browns said was a key offseason need.
Shaffer comes from the Atlanta Falcons and replaces L.J. Shelton at left tackle, a replacement Savage said will be an improvement.
``What Kevin brings is a demeanor and a toughness and a 100 percent work ethic down in and down out,'' Savage said.
In addition, the Browns had former Ohio University punter Dave Zastudil in for a visit, and Savage said a deal with him still was possible.
The additions all were on offense, so Savage said the Browns will now turn to defense.
They most likely will try to talk to former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, and perhaps try to add a nose tackle.
Savage said the Browns contacted former Ravens nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, but he never returned a call and eventually signed with the Carolina Panthers. Too, with Jurevicius signed, the team told David Givens it would not be able to add him, so Givens visited the Miami Dolphins.
Defensive lineman Trevor Pryce visited Cleveland last week but signed with Baltimore, and Savage said a player like linebacker Lavar Arrington might be too expensive for the Browns, given the money they've already spent. Linebacker Willie McGinest might not want to join a building team, Savage said.
Bentley signed a six-year, $36 million contract. Shaffer signed for seven years and $36 million, and Jurevicius for four years for a reported $10 million.
``I can die happy,'' said Bentley, who removed his sport coat to reveal a Browns jersey.
``I wanted to become a Cleveland Brown, put on the orange helmet, play in front of Lake Erie and enjoy the feelings that go with it,'' Jurevicius said. ``This is going to add years to my career because of the excitement that comes along with it.''
Bentley played his first four years in New Orleans, where he made the Pro Bowl twice -- as a guard and center. His signing could affect Jeff Faine, or it could provide coverage if Joe Andruzzi struggles with injuries again. At 315 pounds, Bentley is 15 to 20 pounds heavier than Faine.
``We're going to work through some situations to see what the best combination is,'' Savage said.
Coach Romeo Crennel said he would look at Bentley at guard and center.
The Browns seemed to snatch Bentley away from the Philadelphia Eagles. Reports from Philadelphia said Bentley had agreed to a deal there, then changed his mind when Cleveland called. Bentley called the reports untrue, as did his agent, Neil Schwartz.
Jurevicius comes off the best year of his eight-year career. With the Seattle Seahawks, he stepped in for injured players and caught 55 passes with 10 touchdowns.
He has played in Super Bowls with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seahawks, and he said he doesn't care if he's the first or third receiver.
``I've never been a guy worried about being one, two or three,'' he said. ``I've always based my career on helping teams win.''
Savage said Jurevicius' attitude and work ethic will bring a ``calming influence and presence in that (receivers) room.''
In Shaffer, the Browns add a former seventh-round draft pick who developed into a starting left tackle.
``We just feel like at his age, 26, that he has an upside to continue to improve,'' Savage said. ``We like his height and wing span. His work ethic and toughness. He is a high-character person. We feel like he is going to bring an achieving type of mentality to our offensive line.
``You don't come in as a seventh-round pick and advance without a lot of hard work and effort.''
Shaffer has given up just six sacks the past two years and was said by one source to be the left tackle personnel guys favored. He described himself as rugged, said he doesn't like to shave, and he wants the offensive line to set the identity for the team, to be a group of ``mean guys, tough guys, guys who finish every play.''
``The offensive line since the Browns came back in '99 has been an area of concern,'' Savage said. ``I think we've taken a step today to try to make it a strength of our team.''
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
ABJ

3/12/06

McManamon on the Browns

Lerner agrees with agreement

Owner thinks that deal `neutral' for Browns. Four free agents on way out

By Patrick McManamon

<!-- begin body-content -->Randy Lerner walked into the NFL owners meetings last week in Dallas with one thought in mind.
``We had to find an agreement,'' he said Thursday, one day after the owners accepted a new collective bargaining agreement and revenue sharing proposal that ensures no work stoppage in the league through 2011.
The owners found a deal that, according to reports, will require the 15 teams that earn the highest revenues from non-television and tickets, to contribute $850 to $900 million over the course of the deal to players. The contribution will be on a sliding scale, with the highest-revenue team contributing the most.
FoxSports.com reported that the top-five revenue teams would have to contribute $7.5 million the first year -- which is a lot, until it's considered the top teams generate revenues anywhere from $100 to $150 million.
Lerner said the new deal is ``neutral'' for the Browns.
``The Browns are something around the 16th TV market, and the Browns are something around the 21st, 22nd economic market, however that's defined,'' Lerner said. ``With that said, this is a deal that is supposed to create -- or attempt to create -- a level playing field for clubs in each of the market sizes and each of the variety of different stadium situations or predicaments in terms of age of stadium and other factors.
``I think it is pretty neutral to the Browns if the Browns are managed well because we're sitting right there in the middle by most measurements. It's up to the Browns under this deal to manage carefully and concentrate on football.
``And that's certainly been my goal all along.''
Various descriptions of the meeting have come out.
Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys turned into a deal-maker. Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis transformed into a league guy. Big-money owners agreed to give up revenues ``for the good of the league.''
Owners such as Wayne Weaver of the Jacksonville Jaguars were asking richer owners such as Jones, Daniel Snyder (Washington Redskins) and Robert Kraft (New England Patriots) to share more. Those owners were reluctant -- until the possibility of an uncapped year in 2007 and the decertification of the union stared them in the face.
The end result was a 30-2 vote that resulted in one of Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's finest hours.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the process was like ``trying to put toothpaste into a tube after it's been squeezed out.''
Lerner dismissed the talk of contentiousness.
``It was not terribly argumentative,'' he said. ``You're obviously dealing with people that feel very strongly about a variety of philosophies and mechanisms for achieving their team and business goals.
``With all that, you get all that you'd expect. But it was not terribly ugly.''
Brownies . . .
With free agency, look for Browns General Manager Phil Savage to bring in at least one or two players under the radar. He did just that last year, when he signed cornerback Gary Baxter without even bringing in Baxter for a visit.... Running back Reuben Droughns' three-year contract extension is worth about $12 million and included a signing bonus of $2.5 million. It increased his salary-cap cost from $1.15 million this season to just more than $2 million.... Free-agent defensive tackle Gerard Warren will stick with the Denver Broncos after agreeing to a six-year deal Saturday. The Broncos also have signed Courtney Brown.... It appears highly unlikely that the Browns will re-sign their own free agents. Tackle L.J. Shelton, linebacker Ben Taylor, tight end Aaron Shea and wide receiver Antonio Bryant appear headed elsewhere.... The team seems to think that Bryant peaked last season, but in the case of Taylor and Shea, it's an interesting decision. Both were contributors in many ways -- especially special teams -- and would seem to have value even if they're not starting.
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
CPD

3/12/06

BROWNS CASH IN ON FREE-AGENCY FRENZY
Bringing home Bentley, extras


Sunday, March 12, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

The Browns looked in their own back yard to bolster the team on a frenzied first day of free agency.

They signed two-time Pro Bowl guard/center LeCharles Bentley of St. Ignatius and Ohio State, and receiver Joe Jurevicius of Mentor's Lake Catholic High - and were finalizing a deal for punter Dave Zastudil of Bay Village, who visited Saturday and had dinner with team officials. They also signed former Falcons left tackle Kevin Shaffer to replace L.J. Shelton.

"We definitely wanted to jump out early, and we feel like we helped ourselves, especially on the offensive line," said Browns General Manager Phil Savage. "Now we'll turn our attention to defense."

The Browns are trying to land Detroit defensive end Kalimba Edwards, Steelers safety Chris Hope, Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott and Oakland defensive tackle Ted Washington. Savage all but ruled out Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington and did not appear to have Pats linebacker Willie McGinest on the front burner.

Bentley, 26, a four-year pro with the Saints who was regarded as the top free agent, was the day's blockbuster move. Reports circulated Bentley had a deal with the Eagles, but the Browns made him the highest-paid center in NFL history when they signed him to a six-year deal worth $36 million. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and $19 million over the first three years.

The Eagles reportedly offered $17.5 million in guaranteed money over the first three years.

Of the Philly deal, Bentley said, "there was no truth to that."

"This was a one-horse race," said John Feinsod, one of Bentley's agents.

Jurevicius, 31, who has played for three Super Bowl teams, including the Seahawks, signed a four-year deal worth $10 million.

"Hopefully I can bring some of that Super Bowl magic here," Jurevicius said

Shaffer, a four-year pro with the Falcons who originally was a seventh-round pick out of Tulsa, signed a seven-year contract worth about $5 million per year, including $12 million guaranteed.

The big question of the day was, what do the Browns do with 2003 first-round pick Jeff Faine now that they've signed a Pro Bowl center? Bentley made the Pro Bowl as a guard in 2003 and as a center in 2005.

"LeCharles will either play guard or center," coach Romeo Crennel said.

Bentley was so happy to join the Browns, he said he didn't care.
"They could put me at punter," he said.

Bentley opened his remarks by unbuttoning his massive suit coat to reveal a Browns jersey with the number 00 - which he'll petition the NFL to let him wear.

"This is my ultimate dream," he said. "Every day, I wished this could've happened. This is where my roots are and where I want to blossom."

He said he'll be able to "buy groceries for my dad, who just turned 85. My mom's here, she's my best friend. . . . I've got two boys here in town, and it's the best thing for me."

Bentley vowed to help restore the Browns to the glory days and said he'll break the Pro Bowl drought. Since the Browns returned in 1999, only Jamir Miller has made it - after the 2001 season.

"I'm going to do it," Bentley said. "I'm going to do it in this jersey, in this town and in that stadium."

Jurevicius, who grew up in Timberlake, Ohio, and replaces free agent Antonio Bryant, also said the signing fulfills a boyhood dream.

"I can't express enough how excited I am to play in front of the best fans in the NFL and one of the greatest organizations in the NFL," he said.

Jurevicius, from Penn State, said he intends to play out his four-year deal and that Savage "will have to kick me out the door. It took me nine years [to get here]. I had an opportunity to go to a couple of places, and it was first and foremost in my mind to become a Brown. If anything, this will add years to my career because of the excitement."

The Browns signed Jurevicius for his experience and leadership. They also were unhappy with Bryant's sometimes-negative attitude.

"I'll be just excited to see Braylon Edwards catch a touchdown pass as myself," Jurevicius said.

Savage said Shaffer will be an upgrade over Shelton, almost 30, with whom the Browns couldn't reach an agreement.

"We feel like that at his age, 26, [Shaffer] has an upside to continue to improve," Savage said. "We like his height [6-5] and wingspan. We like his work ethic, his toughness."

Shaffer said the addition of him and Bentley gives the Browns an identity and said a line needs "some mean guys, some tough guys. Guys that finish every play, go 100 percent and do everything they can to win. I want other teams to look at this line and say, 'I don't want to play them.' "

After the press conference, Savage went back to continue the spending spree.

"Hopefully I'll have something for you [today]," he said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4670
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
Did I read that right? Shaffer got a seven year deal worth 36 million??!!!! I hope our guys weren't so eager to make a splash that they over paid. Of course, there's a good chance that they know more about that than me.
 
Upvote 0
A lot of people are talking about how bad Shaffer's pass blocking skills are, but at the same time these articles state that he has given up just six sacks in two years. That doesn't sound too bad for a young developing player. Linemen take a while to develop.
 
Upvote 0
Dispatch

3/12/06

Bentley tops Browns signings

Versatile center joins lineman Shaffer, receiver Jurevicius

Sunday, March 12, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


With more than $24 million of salary-cap room, the Cleveland Browns wasted no time yesterday in upgrading their roster by signing three probable starters on the first day of free agency.

The Browns signed receiver Joe Jurevicius and veteran offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer.

Bentley was the biggest coup. A Cleveland native, former Ohio State standout and an All-Pro center, he was one of the top free agents available. He signed a six-year contract reportedly worth $36 million.

"If you look at most of the free-agent boards, LeCharles was right at the top," general manager Phil Savage said. "I think it was a nice statement for the Browns and the rest of the league and to our fans that we are serious in wanting to win."

Bentley played the previous four seasons for the New Orleans Saints.

"It’s a dream come true," Bentley said of returning home. "Now I’m a happy man. I can die happy."

The signing of Bentley could also signal the end of Jeff Faine’s days as a starter. Faine, a former first-round draft pick, has underachieved in three seasons. He was often criticized for his slight build and inability to drive defensive tackles off the line, which is Bentley’s specialty.

There are also questions surrounding the health of guards Cosey Coleman (knee) and Joe Andruzzi (calf), who played hurt for most of last season.

Bentley’s versatility could come into play if the Browns need him at guard.

This is also a homecoming for Jurivicius, another Cleveland native who starred last season for the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks. The Browns were looking for a veteran receiver to play opposite Braylon Edwards and to help secondyear quarterback Charlie Frye develop.

Jurivicius, entering his ninth season, had a career season with 55 receptions for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2005. He signed a four-year contract.

"Of all the places I’ve been . . . they’ve all been great places, but this one is where it all started for me," Jurivicius said. "I had opportunities to go to a couple of different places, but it was foremost in my mind that I wanted to become a Cleveland Brown."

Shaffer signed for seven years. Savage pursued him after talks with L.J. Shelton broke down. Shaffer, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, would be the fourth new starter on the offensive line during the Savage era, leaving right tackle Ryan Tucker as the only remaining player from two seasons ago.

"You don’t win the Super Bowl in March, but you certainly prepare to win," Savage said. "These are three additions that will improve our team and make us better. So it’s exciting here in March, but what really matters is what happens on the first snap in September."

[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
genevabuck said:
A lot of people are talking about how bad Shaffer's pass blocking skills are, but at the same time these articles state that he has given up just six sacks in two years. That doesn't sound too bad for a young developing player. Linemen take a while to develop.
Click to expand...

Probaby has a little bit to do with the fact that he's trying to block for a QB with happy feet in Vick. Not your conventional pass-blocking situation. I'm pumped to get this guy.
 
Upvote 0
Bentley is a great pick up. Jurevicious, solid possession receiver on the downside of his career. I guess his Super Bowl streak (Giants, Bucs, Seahawks) will come to an end. Shaffer was a reach, 5 million a year? There is no way he is worth that much. Atlanta wanted to bring him back as a back up. The Browns still need to address their run defense.
 
Upvote 0
Everyone is excited over the signings so far, but if we dont sign either Grady Jackson, Ted Washington, or Sam Adams at NT, and add at least one linebacker then we are not that well off. Id love to sign Bart Scott, Ravens fans said that last year he was there second best linebacker.
 
Upvote 0
Did you guys know that Joe Jurevicius has played in 8 seasons and this past season was by far his most productive season yet? I knew he had a nice year but would've never guessed it was so much better than the previous 7 seasons.
I'm excited to have this guy for not only his talent but the experience he brings to the skilled positon for the Browns. He'll be lining up with some very young talent in Edwards, Winslow and Frye. Some of that age and experience will have to be very good for such a young offense.
 
Upvote 0
I heard that Bart Scott is still in town today, and we should know sooner rather than later if he'll be a Brown or not. Ted Washington is definantly interested in becoming a Brown, and we would most likely sign him for at MOST 2 years. The Packers might be interested in Faine, they are looking for a center, and something definantly could develop. The Jets are also interested in Faine. Pickett is visiting the Packers, where if he signs he would fill the void that Grady Jackson left. Im blanking on the name, but I think its Barry(G for the Packers) is also interested in becoming a Brown, although there might not be a mutual interest.

This isnt inside info, if it was I wouldnt be sharing it.

EDIT: There will be a press conference tomorrow on WTAM and the Browns will have a few signings to announce.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top