Honestly, I was on the McCarron wagon because it seemed like a foregone conclusion. I figured Sashi Brown would pull a trade for a Tyrod Taylor, but a "traditional football guy" who wanted to get Hue "his quarterback" would leave us out of the running for a guy like Taylor. I didn't - and still don't - think very highly of McCarron. He was just an upgrade over Kizer (who isn't).
I'm going farther back. If I recall, you were on the "Draft McCarron" bandwagon. Maybe it was someone else but I'm pretty sure it was you.
I was going to ask, because I've never really been high on McCarron. I just connected some dots in the post-season (the failed trade, hiring Ken Zampese, keeping Hue, McCarron winning his injunction) to get McCarron here. I was pro-Alex Smith prior to his trade and then dejectedly resigned to McCarron. Baker's been QB1 since September (September, 9th... to be exact) and I wouldn't give him up for all the picks in the world.
True... but he had multiple bidders. Somehow, Bradford continues to get massive deals despite average play and a boat-load of injuries. Brees could be giving a bit of a "hometown" discount, knowing he's only got 2-3 seasons left in him and wants the Saints to be positioned to win one before he rides off into the sunset.
True the Saints are poised for another big run for a title... However, Homewtown discount or not is Cousins that much better than Keenum? Minnesota was close and I don't think Keenum was the problem. I think that with a few additions to the defense and O-line MIN would have challenged for the NFC title. Spoiler IMHO HELL NO!
I don't think so, or if he is, it's marginally. The three years gives them an out, but that's a lot of cap space to eat if they're wrong in the short-term. Look at Seattle... unless you have Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck, your window to win is 3-5 seasons.
Quick Pre-Free Agency (Official) Mock Draft Quarterback Carousel: Jimmy Garoppolo - San Francisco Drew Brees - New Orleans Alex Smith - Washington* Tyrod Taylor - Cleveland* Kirk Cousins - Minnesota* Sam Bradford - Arizona* Case Keenum - Denver* Teddy Bridgewater - New York (Jets)* *Pending start of new league year #1 (CLE): Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma The narrative that the Browns could take their QB at #4 was just blown to pieces. With multiple teams (Buffalo, New York (J), Miami, Arizona) angling to move up, the QB market in the 2018 Draft may be the hottest ever. Mayfield is the guy. #2 (NYJ f/NYG): Josh Rosen, QB UCLA Now, I think this move is made on draft night with (spoiler ahead) Buffalo already trading up to #3 to get their guy. I think it just happens to work out that the Jets want Rosen and make the move, thinking Buffalo wants Rosen. #3 (BUF f/IND): Sam Darnold, QB USC Colts trade out during the Owners meeting, if Jim Irsay can lay off the pills long enough to get the deal done. Buffalo could sign a Glennon or McCarron to keep the seat warm while the signal caller from USC - who needs 2+ years of development - learns from Daboll. #4 (MIA f/HOU via CLE): Josh Allen, QB Wyoming The Landry deal primes the pump for a big trade, with Denver sitting at #5 and waiting to take Josh Allen. Miami can hang on to Tannehill for a season (or two) while Allen learns the trade. He would do well in an Adam Gase offense and whoever wants him needs to jump Elway to do it. [Browns get #11, #48, and a 2019 second round pick] #5 (DEN): Quenton Nelson, OG Notre Dame - Left out of the QB sweepstakes, they have to settle for the best lineman in the draft. #6 (NYG f/NYJ): Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State - Trade down, acquire assets, and still get the best skill position player (and primary target). Great, great move. #7 (TAM): Bradley Chubb, DE N.C. State - Primo position unexpectedly falls due to the QB run. #8 (CHI): Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S Alabama - They added skill positions in free agency but need backside help on defense. #9 (SFO): Derrius Guice, RB LSU - John Lynch reportedly "loves" Guice more than Barkley and they lose Carlos Hyde to free agency. #10 (OAK): Tremaine Edmonds, LB Virginia Tech - Freak linebacker goes to a team who boasts the worst LBs in the game (counting Mack as an EDGE guy, that is). #11 (CLE f/MIA): Roquan Smith, LB Georgia The Browns' linebackers were woefully below average last season. Part of that was defensive scheme for sure, but a guy like Smith who blends great instincts with fluid sideline-to-sideline speed is a must. Dorsey had a stellar linebacker in Kansas City and surely recognizes the value here. #24 (CLE f/CAR): Harold Landry, DE Boston College Dorsey has been linked to a number of pass rushers this offseason and has failed (thus far) to land one. If he doesn't get a good in in free agency, where the pickings are getting slimmer by the day, he'll likely tap into the draft. Landry is a bit under-sized, but has great pass rusher skills and was a pre-season Top 10 pick. [Cleveland trades #42, #64] #33 (CLE): Jaire Alexander, CB Louisville Another position that's been heavily discussed by the Browns. Alexander is my CB1 - as well as some other folks' - so he may not be available here. For the moment, he seems to be so let's roll the dice. This would change if we land a Brashaud Breeland or Trumaine Johnson, but we figure to be longer-shots with those guys. #35 (CLE f/HOU): D.J. Moore, WR Maryland Moore's arrow is definitely pointing up and while the Browns traded for Landry and are likely to add help in free agency (Terrelle Pryor), wide receiver was still a glaring weakness in 2017. Dorsey will see the speed and burst in Moore and love him as a prospect.
I'd have to caveat that 25% max Brady and 75% Belicheck. Yes a great QB will help put you over the top, but with the rotational supporting cast during Brady's career the patriots ultimate success falls on Bellicheck and his ability to game plan around the pieces he has. I can't think of one coach since Paul Brown that has influenced more rule changes than Belicheck.
Packers are releasing Jordy Nelson. With Wolf and Highsmith in the F/O I’d say Browns make sense. Worth the cost?
I would say, "yes". Landry is a slot receiver. Gordan is dixie cup away from selling used cars. Coleman is walking talking billboard for orthpedic surgeons.
If there’s one thing Hue’s proven, it’s that he destorys rookie QBs. Kessler, Kizer, gotta keep him away from Mayfield.
Browns signed OT Chris Hubbard, formerly of the Steelers, to a five-year, $37.5 million contract. Related: Steelers Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
