The NFL returned to Cleveland in 1999, but like so many of the years since, 2011 was not a kind one. The Cleveland Browns went 4-12 this year and missed the playoffs for 12th time in 13 seasons. That was mostly the fault of a feckless offense that ranked toward the bottom of the league in almost every category. On the free-agent front, it's a bit of a "beauty in the eye of the beholder" situation.
Depending on how you look at it, the Browns are either lucky to have just 15 players hitting free agency this year or have some tough decisions to make on the players already under contract. Even among the starters slated for free agency, none are coming off spectacular seasons. Running back Peyton Hillis (unrestricted) was solid when healthy, but he also rushed for just 587 yards and scored just three touchdowns in 10 games. Safety Mike Adams (unrestricted) started all 16 games, but his three interceptions are a bit low from a position that is supposed to be all about ball-hawking.
Here's a complete list of Browns free agents (via Mac's Football Blog):
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (4)
WR Jordan Norwood
DE Marcus Benard
DT Brian Schaefering
LB Titus Brown
Unrestricted Free Agents (11)
RB Peyton Hillis
TE Alex Smith
OT Oniel Cousins
OL John Greco
OL Artis Hicks
OL Steve Vallos
LB D'Qwell Jackson
CB Mike Adams
CB Dimitri Patterson
K Phil Dawson
P Brad Maynard
For more on the Browns offseason, be sure to check out Dawgs by Nature.
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