Player Status Update

A mid-February update on free agents and injured players...

STATUS OF BROWNS FREE AGENTS

(All are unrestricted free agents except where noted)

• WR Antonio Bryant dropped too many passes for the Browns to want him back.
   
• DB Antwan Harris spent the season on injured reserve and won't be invited back.
   
• DB Ray Mickens played well as a nickel back in 2005 and could get another chance if he doesn't sign with another team.
   
• OL Mike Pucillo showed he is a capable backup at all three interior positions, particularly at guard. Re-signing him won't be
  a priority, but the Browns are likely to make an offer.
   
• P Kyle Richardson shanked too many punts to be re-signed; free agent to be Dave Zastudil of the Ravens is from the Cleveland
  area.
   
• TE Aaron Shea has played six seasons with the Browns and is too often injured. He will not be offered a contract.
   
• LT L.J. Shelton is a player the Browns want to re-sign because they prefer using a first-round choice on a defensive player.
   
• LB Ben Taylor made too many of his tackles six or seven yards downfield. He won't get an offer from the Browns.
   
• LB Orlando Ruff could not knock Taylor from the starting lineup. He will not be back.
   
• DE Orpheus Roye's contract extension is the top priority, but the Browns expect Roye to test free agency.
   
• NT Ethan Kelly (RFA) is a good plugger. He will probably return to the Browns as a backup.
   

MEDICAL WATCH

• TE Kellen Winslow Jr. (knee) is continuing his rehab from June surgery and should be ready for training camp.
   
• WR Braylon Edwards is lifting weights after Jan. 3 knee surgery. His projected return date is the season opener.
   
• QB Trent Dilfer is recovering from surgery Feb. 7 to repair a partially torn right patella tendon.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• There is talk of moving Kellen Winslow Jr. from tight end to wide receiver next season. Winslow has played only two games in
  two seasons, missing the other 30 because of injury.
   
• General Manager Phil Savage and his scouting staff have been holed up in their draft war room 10 to 12 hours a day since Feb.
  12 reviewing their notes on more than 800 potential draftees.
   
• Coach Romeo Crennel made no changes in his coaching staff. For what it's worth, Butch Davis kept his staff intact between 2001
  and 2002. The 2002 season was the only time the Browns made the playoffs.
   
• Randy Lerner is continuing in his dual role as team owner and team president. He is in no hurry to name a new president to
  replace John Collins, who resigned Jan. 3.