BerniesInsider.com Rumor Central
2004 Rumors

Rumor Tracking Legend (icons displayed on front page)

	It's a brand new baby rumor. Awwww, ain't it cute? Yeah.
	Booyah! We're cooking with gas. This is a rumor that's showing life and gets special attention
	Not quite hot, but a rumor worth keeping a close eye on...
	Neither hot nor cold, but not so inane that we're killing it and putting it in the graveyard.
	A one-lively rumor that doesn't seem to be going anywhere (for the Browns at least)
	It's given up the ghost. It's pushing up daises. It's gone off and joined the choir invisible. It's an ex-rumor.
	This is rumor heaven... a rumor that actually came true and resulted in a change in the Browns.
	Some rumors just won't die. This is what a rumor becomes if it returns after we put it in the Rumor Graveyard. Scary, huh?

Front Office  Personnel

Why We're Tracking: Carmen Policy has gone on record as saying that there are likely to be some changes in the Browns front office to "assist" with personnel decisions. There is unlikely to be a GM, since Policy doesn't like that term, but it's been pitched as someone to give Butch Davis some help. The Browns draft and free agent selections over the last several years (since their return, really) have been less-than-stellar, so it is generally perceived that changes are needed.

Ozzie Newsome: Frequently mentioned as a possibility to return to Cleveland, Newsome is actually under contract with the Ravens for several more years. This is 2004's first rumor to hit the graveyard... before it even really had a chance to thrive. Added 1/1/2004. Moved to Rumor Graveyard five minutes later.

Phil Savage: The Ravens Director of Player Personnel has had an excellent record of success, and has been wooed by a number of teams. Will the Browns be among that number? General consensus is "No", but we've already seen his name mentioned in local papers, so that's enough for us. Added 1/1/2004.

Offensive Coordinator / Other Coaches

Why We're Tracking: Bruce Arians was given his walking papers the day after the season ended.

Terry Robiskie: The Browns WR coach is most-often mentioned as the primary candidate for the offensive coordinator job. With a number of high-ranking roles (including Redskins interim head coach) on his resume, many feel that Robiskie might leave if he is passed over for the role. Added 1/1/2004.

Ted Tollner: He has the right resume, and a background with both Butch Davis and Carmen Policy. Davis wanted him to be the OC back in 2001 when he was still head coach at San Diego State. Could Ted's time have finally arrived? We'll be tracking. Added 1/1/2004.

Browns Free Agents / Contract Negotiations

Why We're Tracking: Because money makes the NFL go round, and money will dictate the future of all of these 2003 Browns.

Tim Couch: From being the back-up quarterback, to his return to the starting role, the buzz of 2003 was often about Couch. His performance thus far shows that he's being overpaid for what he is producing. He's volunteered to re-negotiate his contract to make it more cap-friendly, and the Browns want him back. Will the team and Couch find a way to work things out? Added 1/1/2004.

Dennis Northcutt: He's a free agent, and wants to see the money. The Browns need Northcutt, and may be a better option for him than his desire for a featured role would indicate. Will the Browns show him the money? Added 1/1/2004.

Daylon McCutcheon: Cutch gets a $1.3 million roster bonus on March 1 if he's still with the team. This is a lot to swallow for the Browns, but Cutch has been a reliable CB since he was drafted in 1999. Will he get paid? We may not know for sure until 3/1/2004. Added 1/1/2004.

Chris Gardocki: Like Cutch, the reliable Gardocki has been with the team since 1999, but now he's a free agent. The Browns say he's got a couple years left in his leg and they want him back - but - they also pursued and finally snagged punter Derrick Frost. America loves drama. Added 1/1/2004.

Robert Griffith: The Browns safety was a high-profile acquisition and came over to join his old coach, Foge Fazio. He wanted to lead the defense, both in the locker room and on the field, but many feel he's overpriced and may be cut prior to 2004. Added 1/1/2004.

Jamel White: The Browns have four legit running backs, and there won't be enough footballs for all of them. White wants to be a feature back, but still seems unhappy, making him a prime candidate to be shuffled off in 2004.  Added 1/1/2004.

Draft / Offensive Line

Why We're Tracking: Because Tim Couch has taken enough abuse the last five years.

Robert Gallery (OT, Iowa): Many Browns fans have already fallen in love with the Iowa LT, an All-American selection in 2003. Is he a perfect fit - and can the Browns grab him in their draft slot? The answer to both may be "yes", but there's still time for changes between now and Draft Day. Added 1/1/2004.

Shawn Andrews (OT, Arkansas): Considered by many to be the top offensive tackle in the draft, Andrews is huge and will likely be a top pick on draft day. But, he's a right tackle in college and may not be quite as neat a fit as Gallery. But what if Gallery is gone? What if Andrews wows in the private workouts? Added 1/1/2004.

Vernon Carey (OT, Miami): Let's see if we can put this together... offensive tackle, Miami Hurricane... maybe still there in the second round? Interesting.

Draft / Tight Ends

Kellen Winslow, Jr (TE, Miami): Between his genes and his performance in college, it's clear that Winslow will be at the top of most TE draft lists in April. The Browns have a need there, and Winslow went to the right college. Will his mouth push him down in the draft, and will the Browns really choose a TE over their offensive line needs? Added 1/1/2004.

Ben Troupe (TE, Florida): He's one of the best to be available, and the Browns like him. Maybe, Browns fans wonder, will he be there in Round 2, or even in Round 1 if the Browns trade down? Added 1/1/2004.

Draft / Safeties

Sean Taylor (S, Miami): Let's suppose, for a minute, that Mr. Gallery and Mr. Andrews are not available when the Browns select in the 2004 draft. Suppose, also, that Mr. Taylor is available. Think he might be a candidate? We do too. Added 1/1/2004.