On Wednesday, the Browns formally introduced old friend and new GM Andrew Berry to the media. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from his presser:
- It sounds like running back Kareem Hunt will have an opportunity to move forward with the Browns, despite his latest misstep. “With Kareem, we’ve communicated our expectations for him moving forward,” Berry said (via Jeff Risdon of USA Today). “We want guys who are going to be smart, tough, and accountable on and off the field. Kareem understands that.” Hunt, who was cut by the Chiefs after a video showed him shoving and kicking a woman at a Cleveland hotel, was recently found with marijuana and vodka after being pulled over by cops. The Browns can retain Hunt via the restricted free agent tender or negotiate a new deal with him, but it seems unlikely that they’ll want to make a long-term commitment to him at this time.
- Berry offered similar thoughts regarding Odell Beckham Jr., though he noted that both he and Hunt will have to fit into the Browns’ “culture in terms of being smart, tough and accountable.” The GM says that both he and head coach Kevin Stefanski have chatted with Beckham, an indication that they’re all on the same page. OBJ reportedly wanted out of Cleveland towards the end of the season, but we recently heard that the Browns’ new regime has every intention of keeping him. OBJ had “just” 1,035 yards in a down year, but the Browns believe that he can get back to his old form in short order.
- Berry says the Browns plan to “aggressively add talent” this offseason (via 92.3 The Fan). With roughly $50MM in available cap room, the GM will have opportunities to spend in March before he makes his pick at No. 10 overall in April.
Jack Conklin is my dream acquisition. The Titans have Tannehill and Henry to deal with (so one of them might get tagged), and Conklin could anchor the right side of the line. Then drafting a left tackle at 10 would make that line look significantly better.
Hubbard and Kirksey can be cap casualties.
And Vernon has a cap hit of $15.5MM w no dead money if released. Easy decision to release him. Can apply those savings directly to Conklin.
Both good comments.
It’s okay, guys, he approves of the comments!
Theirs, yes. Yours, no.
Good idea, add an O lineman and get rid of your team leader in tackles on one of the worst run defenses. That should work…
I’m assuming you’re replying to my comment since I don’t know who else you’d be talking about leading in tackles.
I’m also assuming you don’t know what you’re talking about, because Kirksey has ended the last two years on IR. It makes no sense to pay a guy big money when he can’t stay healthy.