Trying to identify the rookie free agents signed by the Browns has become an
annual sport for Browns fans on Bernie's Insiders, as evidenced by an amazing
thread in The
Watercooler, where the dawgs there have flushed out many of the signings.
Thanks to their efforts, some of our own sleuthing such as David Carducci's
reports from Kent state, and the ever-vigilant
Raw.Feed, we believe that
we've identified most of the new players who will be brought to Berea later this
week for the team's first mini-camp.
In past years, we've been disappointed or fooled by some players who have
failed to pass the team's physical, which seems to happen once or twice each
year due to lingering injuries.
None of the players listed below have actually signed their contracts yet,
having merely agreed to them. They will sign the deals on Thursday, when they
arrive in Berea. The unsigned nature of the deals provides another small
opportunity for surprises, such as Josh Cribbs brief dalliance with the Redskins
we reported yesterday.
With all those caveats aside, here is the latest list that we have of players
who have agreed to deals with the Browns. Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel have
said that the team intends to sign about a dozen rookie free agents, which
indicates that this list is either complete or nearly so.
Keep an eye on
Hot News
for further developments.
Believed to be Signed
Larry Burt, DT, Miami (Ohio)
According to a report in the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Browns have signed the
Miami defensive tackle to a try-out contract.
Lang Campbell, QB, William and Mary
Campbell was the Walter Payton Award winner as the best player in Divison I-AA,
but wasn't drafted. The Cincinnati Bengals also pursued Campbell.
Bradly Chavez, WR, Alabama-Birmingham
The UAB receiver looks to step out from behind the shadow of high draft pick and
fellow UAB WR Roddy White
Joshua Cribbs, QB, Kent State
The exciting KSU Golden Flash will probably shift over to wide receiver with the
Browns, despite an offer from Washington to play quarterback.
Kevin Carberry, DE, Ohio
The Bobcat defensive end will try to get a role in Cleveland, according to
newspaper reports out of Athens.
Bill Flowers, WR, Ole Miss
According to reports in his college newspaper, the Browns signed the WR to a
rookie free agent deal
Paul Jefferson, FB, Penn State
No Nittany Lions were drafted, but Jefferson is one of seveal who are signing
free agent deals.
Jamall Johnson, LB, Northwestern State
The Divison 1-AA standout will shift to safety as he tries to make the big leap
to the NFL
Eric Mahl, LB, Kent State
Bernie's Insiders as first to report that the Browns have signed the KSU Golden
Flash linebacker
Simon Fraser, DE, Ohio State
Numerous sources are reporting that the well-regarded Buckeyes defensive end has
agreed to a rookie free agent contract with the Browns.
Lance Moore, WR, Toledo
After breaking a slew of receiving records for the Rockets, the Academic
All-American will get a shot with the Browns. He was also first-team All-MAC.
Brandon Rideau, WR, Kansas
The Browns have invited the Kansas WR to their mini-camp.
Matt Pusateri, SS, Miami (Ohio)
An over-achieving defensive back who doesn't impress with his measurables, but
shines on the field
Clint Stickdorn, OT, Cincinnati
According to the Cincinnati Post, the Browns have signed big (6-6,327) offensive
tackle to a rookie free agent deal.
Danny Wimprine, QB, Memphis
Before the draft, we relayed that QB Coach Rip Scherer had told Wimprine that he
would voice his desire to bring the Memphis QB (who he recruited to Memphis) to
the Browns. He lived up to his word, and Wimprine will get a chance to show the
Browns what he can do.
Interest Confirmed
Jason Harmon, Safety, Michigan State
Harmon is also talking to the Bears and the Packers