Lane Adkins: Scanning the Radar

Lane Adkins lets you know the latest he's heard regarding the Cleveland Browns' interest in remaining available free agents and potential trades. Lane gives you the straight scoop, as always...

Q: What is the latest regarding the Browns interest in linebacker Al Wilson, or any other available player at the position?

LA: Wilson remains on Cleveland's radar, but the team is not pressing the issue. The organization would like to sign the veteran on the cheap and let him prove he can physically play following a neck injury. An offer is on the table to Wilson, but his representative has been inclined to play the waiting game and see if a better offer is forwarded later in the off-season. Free agency has taken a back-seat to draft preparation for the organization and the team has not been active in pursuit of available free agents of late.

Q: We keep hearing speculation from an Insider from the OBR that quarterback Brady Quinn's agent is going to force the team to trade the promising player if he does not win the starting job this season. How true is this?

LA: I can't and won't speak for anyone else providing information. What I can add is that the Browns have no intention of dealing Brady Quinn anytime soon.  As for his agent (Tom Condon), I suppose he could attempt to force the issue, number-ten almost assuredly will be in a Cleveland uniform in the 2008 season. There appears to be no desire to deal away what is perceived a strength of the roster at the present time.

Q: How is the transition going for the defense? With Tucker calling the shots and new players in the scheme, could we see a dramatically improved defensive team this season?

LA: Tucker provides a calmer and much more people-friendly demeanor with the staff and his players. Some of the best coaches are those that have the ability to be receptive to those surrounding him. Due to this approach and the improved talent, I see Tucker being successful with the Cleveland defense. The true test begins in camp and in the season, but I do not anticipate the issues which surrounded the staff on the defensive side of the ball last season.

Q: We heard from head coach Romeo Crennel that defensive lineman Shaun Rogers was weighing about 355-pounds at the beginning of the voluntary workouts in Berea. If this is the case, is it safe to assume that the player is dedicated and excited about the new opportunity in Cleveland?

LA: I am told Rogers is in good spirits and does look at the trade to Cleveland as a fresh start, an opportunity to win and disprove some beliefs in him as a person and player. Being said, I have been told Rogers weighed close to 367-pounds a month ago. Lets see what his conditioning is and weight come summer when he is expected to be in much better shape.

Q: Is there anything new about the team trading for cornerback Fabian Washington of the Oakland Raiders?

LA: Nothing at all. The Browns are not in trade talks with the Raiders at this time, from what I have been told. If anything were to transpire, it would likely occur during the draft.