sports uncensored 24/7

NFL Offseason Schedule

Since there are two months left until actual football is played, I thought it would be a good idea to present a list of Restricted Free Agents that are left out there.  Today is the deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if the player is not signed by another club by July 22.  This is also the deadline for old clubs to send tender to their unsigned RFAs or to extend an offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.  This is what the St. Louis Rams are up against in regards to Safety O.J. Atogwe.  The Rams have been in constant talks with the safety, but if they don't place a high tender or sign him to an extension by midnight, he will become an unrestricted free agent.  

June 1-11 begins all of the Organized Team Activities, while June 15th starts mandatory mini-camps across the NFL.  Late July is when training camps begin, and Preseason starts in August. 

Here is a list of remaining unsigned RFAs team by team:

2010 NFL Draft

7. Cleveland Browns (5-11)

DB Joe Haden (Florida)  

This is a very interesting pick... The Browns can go so many possible ways here.  They are in need of a QB, they lack a pass rush, and they can't stop the run.  McClain would be an interesting pick, as well as Florida CB Joe Haden.  With Berry off the board, this pick is very difficult to see coming.  My pick:  CB Joe Haden.  I firmly believe that he is the best CB in this draft.  He brings the physical ability to jam the receiver, help the run defense, and cover any receiver down the field.  

Why he's good for the Browns:

Joe is the best cornerback in this draft.  He will instantly upgrade the Browns' defense and will also help to solidify their rushing defense.  

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

7. Cleveland Browns (5-11)

S Eric Berry (Tennessee)

With Eric Berry sitting at 7, Cleveland has no choice but to take arguably one of the most athletically gifted players in this draft.  As someone who commented earlier noted, the last safety to get drafted top 5 in the past 15 years was Sean Taylor, so don't look for him to go higher than here.  The Browns get to draft position of need, as well best player available, so it works out perfect for them.  Berry brings some athleticism and playmaking ability to a defensive secondary that surrendered 245 yards per game through the air, as well as over 389 total yards per game.  This was good for 29th and 31st in the league, respectively.  While linebacker is a position of need as well, and Rolando McClain is still on the board, this is a player the Browns won't pass on.

Why he's good for the Browns: 

Berry, as I said before, is clearly the best player available on the board still, and while Mike Holmgren has stated that they will draft a QB, he is not enamored by Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, and will not draft one in the first few rounds. The Browns also have serious holes in their secondary, and Berry will become a solid contributor from day 1.  

Quinn Traded to Denver Broncos

The handwriting was on the wall for former Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn once trades were made and free agents acquired in order to compete for the starting position.  Days after Seneca Wallace was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks and Jake Delhomme signed on as a free agent, Quinn got his wish and has been traded to the Denver Broncos for FB Peyton Hillis and two conditional draft picks.  Quinn has always wanted to be the starting quarterback, but during his tenure in Cleveland, he appeared shaky at times.  He will now have his opportunity to compete with Kyle Orton for the top position in Denver.    

Jackson is Another Unhappy Brown

According to D'Qwell Jackson's agent, Brian Mackler, Jackson is very unhappy with the way his contract is being negotiated.  Mackler is upset because he claims that the Cleveland Browns agreed to renegotiate a long-term deal with the linebacker this offseason.  Instead, Jackson received a one-year tender that would pay him either $2.521 or $3.168 million, depending on whether he gets the first round tender or first and third round tender.  Once that tender is placed, teams would have to compensate the Cleveland Browns if they wish to sign him to an offer sheet.  The Browns then have seven days to match that offer, or receive compensation.  Jackson is most upset because he played last year without renegotiating his contract and ended up tearing his pectoral muscle, which kept him out of the final ten games of the year.  He figures that they won't offer him a long-term deal until they know he can come back and perform.