Of all the players the Browns signed in free agency, left tackle Kevin Shaffer
was the one that arrived with the least fanfare. He did not carry the reputation
of LeCharles Bentley, Joe Jurevicius, Ted Washington or Willie McGinest, but,
with plenty of salary cap room, the Browns wooed Shaffer with a seven-year $36
million contract on the first day of free agency.
If he is quick enough and strong enough to protect Frye's blind side, as the
Browns believe he is, they made a wise investment. L.J. Shelton played left
tackle last season, but negotiations did not go smoothly and he ended up signing
with Miami, though not until after the Browns signed Shaffer.
The Browns might have been able to sign an aging veteran who is better than
Shaffer today, but they do not want to go through a scenario where they are
looking for a new tackle in 2007. Rather than scramble around for another
one-year rental as they were forced to do last year when they signed Shelton in
June, General Manager Phil Savage locked in Shaffer until 2011.
"At his age (26) he has an upside," Savage said. "We like his height, his
wing-span, toughness and work ethic. Kevin is a high character person and he
brings an achieving type mentality to our offensive line."
One reason Shaffer was a high priority is he blocked for Michael Vick in
Atlanta. Frye moves out of the pocket when he feels pressure -- nothing like
Vick, certainly -- and the Browns believe Shaffer can hold his blocks as Frye
moves.
Shaffer realizes fans are taking a wait-and-see approach with him, and since
training camp is open to the public, discerning fans will form their own
opinions about him. He faced similar challenges in Atlanta and succeeded.
"I'm a seventh-round draft pick and worked my way up and things have finally
paid off for me," Shaffer said. "I love the heritage here and I love the fans,
their loyalty. We have a great group of players here. It's important to set an
identity for the offensive line, to be tough and do everything we can to win."
The Browns do not have experienced players behind Shaffer or right tackle
Ryan Tucker, so Shaffer will have to come through or Frye could have problems.
Shaffer's backup, Kirk Chambers, is in his third season but he had very limited
playing time at offensive tackle his first two seasons.
CAMP CALENDAR: Training camp opens July 26 and closes Aug. 24.