HEADLINES

Brandon Browner

Extra Points: Freeney, Young, Edelman

March 15th, 2014 at 6:20pm CST by Rob DiRe

Dwight Freeney has agreed to take a pay cut to remain with the Chargers, according to Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego. The move clears about $900,000 in cap space for the team and reduces Freeney’s base salary from $2.5MM down to $1.625MM. It also reduces his roster bonus from $500,000 to $375,000.

Other notes from around the league this evening…

Brandon Browner Signs With Patriots

March 15th, 2014 at 10:41am CST by Rob DiRe

SATURDAY, 10:41am: Browner has officially signed with the Patriots, who announced the addition via Twitter.

FRIDAY, 6:18PM: Brandon Browner has now agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots, reports Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (via Twitter). According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal could be worth up $17MM for the 6’4″ cornerback (via Twitter).

Browner will join Darrelle Revis as the new toys for Bill Belichick’s defense. The former Seahawk will go from playing across from Richard Sherman to Revis, allowing him to do most of his work against number two receivers. Unlike Revis, Sherman did not follow number one receivers across the formation.

 

FA Rumors: Weeden, Browner, DRC, Clark

March 14th, 2014 at 5:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Count the Cowboys among the teams with interest in Brandon Weeden following the signal-caller’s release from the Browns, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. According to Archer, even though the Cowboys believe Kyle Orton will return next season to back up Tony Romo rather than opting to retire, the team could carry three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster. Here’s more on a few free agents who either remain on the market or recently agreed to deals:

  • Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network hear from Redskins sources that Brandon Browner hadn’t arrived at Redskins Park for his free agent visit as of close of business today (Twitter link). Meanwhile, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (Twitter link) hears that Browner remains in New England, attempting to hammer out a deal with the Patriots. We recapped the odd back-and-forth developments in the Browner story in an earlier post.
  • Following Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie‘s visit with the Jets, the cornerback will meet with the Giants, assuming he doesn’t yet have a deal in place, reports Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger.
  • The Panthers have showed interest in free agent safety Ryan Clark, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter).
  • Wide receiver Steve Smith said on a conference call today that before he agreed to sign with the Ravens, the Chargers made him an offer and the Redskins and Seahawks also expressed interest (Twitter link via Joseph Person).
  • B.J. Raji received interest from the Raiders and Chiefs before he agreed to re-sign with the Packers, tweets Ian Rapoport. I imagine it’s no coincidence that the general managers in both Oakland and Kansas City have roots in Green Bay.

No Deal For Brandon Browner, Patriots

March 14th, 2014 at 11:33am CST by Rob DiRe

11:33am: Breer and Rapoport hear from Redskins sources that Browner’s visit, which was called off as of this morning, is now back on for this afternoon (Twitter link).

9:29am: We now have conflicting reports coming even from the same reporter. Acknowledging how messy the story has become, Albert Breer says he’s hearing from two Redskins sources that Browner’s visit has been called off, even though agent Peter Schaffer still says it’s a go (Twitter links).

9:09am: Once again, we have conflicting reports on Browner, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hears that today’s visit with the Redskins is still happening. According to Florio’s source, the meeting was delayed, not canceled.

FRIDAY, 8:37am: Although Browner had been scheduled for a visit in Washington next, he’s still in the Boston-area this morning and continues to talk to the Patriots, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson and Field Yates (Twitter links). Ian Rapoport hears that the visit with the Redskins may have been canceled, while Albert Breer says Washington is under the impression Browner may do a deal with New England (Twitter links).

THURSDAY, 9:45pm: Agent Peter Schaffer tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that reports of Browner signing with New England are “100% untrue.” Schaffer added that he has four teams to still negotiate with. Meanwhile, Rapoport tweets that the cornerback is telling those close to him that he is New England-bound. Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune (on Twitter) says those four teams are the Patriots, Saints, Redskins, and Raiders.

9:10pm: Brandon Browner and the Patriots have come to an agreement on a two-year deal, reports Ian Rapaport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Browner must serve his four-game suspension to begin 2014.

The giant Browner, who is among the tallest cornerbacks in the league if not the tallest, will be paired with Darrelle Revis when he gets back from suspension. The former Seahawk had previously played across from another one of the league’s best defensive playmakers in Richard Sherman.

Browner will be 30 years old at the start of the upcoming season, and has only played three seasons in the NFL, all with the Seahawks. Browner was also suspended in 2011, also for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

FA Rumors: Campbell, Melton, Browner, Mack

March 14th, 2014 at 7:41am CST by Luke Adams

Offensive lineman Bruce Campbell, who was originally thought to have a deal with the Redskins, will visit the Giants today, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Last we heard on Campbell, there were some issues with his physical, but Washington remained on the table as a destination. According to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (via Twitter), the Redskins’ offer stands, though perhaps it’s not the same offer that Campbell initially agreed to, given the health concerns.

Here are the latest updates on a few more free agents on the board, plus one that recently came off it:

  • After sticking around Minnesota overnight, defensive tackle Henry Melton is on his way to Seattle to visit with the Seahawks, says Josina Anderson of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • While his agent negotiates with the Patriots and Raiders, free agent cornerback Brandon Browner will first visit with the Redskins today and then head to New Orleans to meet with the Saints, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
  • Center Alex Mack is in no hurry to sign his transition tender from the Browns, agent Tim Younger tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. According to Mack’s agent, his client intends to make some visits to teams at some point, but there are none on the docket quite yet.
  • The Cowboys showed no signs of wanting to re-sign Jason Hatcher before he landed with the Redskins, the defensive lineman himself told KRLD-FM yesterday, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I know the [Cowboys’] fans are upset. They should be,” Hatcher said. “They have all the right in the world to be. But I made the right decision for me. If we could’ve made it work out we would’ve, but I’m in a great place with the Redskins, a great organization. I’m looking forward to getting back to football.”

FA Rumors: Clark, Browner, Finnegan

March 13th, 2014 at 4:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Ryan Clark‘s visit with the Redskins went well, but there’s no deal yet, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post. However, Washington is still talking with the former Steelers safety. More from around the league..

  • The Saints are among teams looking at cornerback Brandon Browner, according to ESPN’s John Clayton (via Mike Triplett’s Twitter). The recently reinstated cornerback is also reportedly visiting with the Redskins and Patriots.
  • Former Rams and Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan will visit with the Dolphins tomorrow, tweets Albert Breer of NFL Network.
  • Bears GM Phil Emery planned to speak with Henry Melton‘s agent after the defensive end met with teams and gauged his market, tweets Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com. However, the clock is ticking for Chicago as their cap room is dwindling.
  • The Redskins have had talks with Reed Doughty, but it doesn’t sound like anything is imminent, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post. It’s still a “work in progress,” a source tells Jones.
  • 49ers free agent running back Anthony Dixon tweets that he’s on his way to Buffalo to visit the Bills.
  • It sounds like Antonio Cromartie‘s meeting with the Cardinals was more of a feeling out than anything, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
  • The door isn’t shut on Alex Mack and the Colts, but the odds have gone down drastically, tweets Mike Wells of ESPN.

FA Rumors: Steve Smith, Andre Brown, Hatcher

March 13th, 2014 at 8:28am CST by Luke Adams

The Ravens will be in hot pursuit of Steve Smith when he’s officially released by the Panthers, and a deal could end up materializing quickly, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Here’s more:

  • It sounds like there’s a decent chance free agent running back Andre Brown could end up signing with the Raiders, continuing the offseason’s apparent free agent swap between Oakland and the Giants, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
  • Assuming Jason Hatcher doesn’t sign with the Raiders, the defensive lineman will visit the Redskins, a source tells John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
  • Cornerback Brandon Browner will visit with the Redskins tonight, according to Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
  • The Panthers have interest in bringing back free agent receiver Brandon LaFell, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
  • Although fullback Henry Hynoski is visiting the Lions today, he has remained in contact with the Giants, tweets Rapoport.
  • ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Twitter links) has the details on the Titans‘ upcoming free agent visits: LaMarr Woodley intends to visit Friday if he doesn’t sign with the Raiders, while Pat Sims and Antonio Smith will visit today.
  • The Vikings have made a call inquiring on free agent guard Daryn Colledge, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN. Colledge, who will visit the Rams today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), was recently cut loose by the Cardinals for cap savings.

FA Visits: Woodley, Munnerlyn, Browner

March 13th, 2014 at 7:25am CST by Luke Adams

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen were out to dinner with edge defenders LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck Wednesday night with the Raiders, and things are moving in the right direction with both players, says Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter links). Here’s more from around the NFL on free agent visits:

  • While it sounds as if Woodley’s meeting with the Raiders went well, the ex-Steeler is on his way to Tennessee to meet with the Titans today, tweets Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com.
  • Panthers free agent cornerback Captain Munnerlyn visited the Vikings last night and also has appointments planned with the Jets and Buccaneers, tweets Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.
  • After reaching an agreement yesterday with ex-Buc Darrelle Revis, the Patriots will host another free agent cornerback for a visit today, according to Mark Ockerbloom of Fox 25 Boston, who tweets that Brandon Browner will meet with the team.
  • Defensive lineman Anthony Spencer is visiting the Redskins, according to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News.
  • The Panthers brought free agent defensive back Roman Harper in for a visit, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
  • Free agent linebacker Darryl Sharpton is meeting with the Titans today, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • The Lions are hosting free agent safety James Ihedigbo for a visit, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, who notes (via Twitter) that Ihedigbo has a history with new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

East Rumors: Giants, Jets, Pats, Eagles

March 12th, 2014 at 7:12pm CST by Ben Levine

A couple of rumblings from the teams in the Eastern divisions…

  • Jacoby Jones turned down more money from the Giants to re-sign with the Ravens, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
  • Linval Joseph, who was signed by the Vikings, said today that the final offer he got from the Giants was nowhere close to what he got from Minnesota, tweets Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
  • The Jets have expressed interest in recently reinstated cornerback Brandon Browner, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. However, at this time, it appears unlikely that he’ll end up with Gang Green.
  • Jason Avant, who hit the market early after being released by the Eagles, will visit with the Patriots, tweets Field Yates of ESPN Boston.
  • Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (on Twitter) surmises that if another team really wanted Patriots free agent receiver Julian Edelman, he’d be signed by now. The wide receiver market isn’t terribly hot at the moment.
  • Malcolm Jenkins said the Raiders and Rams showed interest before he decided to sign with the Eagles, says Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly (via Twitter). As Mosher points out, Rams’ defensive coordinator Greg Williams was Jenkins’ coach with the Saints.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFL Reinstates Brandon Browner

March 5th, 2014 at 3:47pm CST by Zachary Links

3:47pm: The NFL and NFLPA have released an official statement on Browner’s reinstatement. According to the release, Browner will have to serve a four-game suspension and forfeit an additional four weeks of pay in 2014.

WEDNESDAY, 9:23am: Although he has been reinstated, Browner is still expected to face some sort of suspension to open the 2014 season, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

TUESDAY, 6:28pm: Cornerback Brandon Browner announced via Twitter that he has been reinstated by the NFL. The league had suspended him indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy but it sounds like they’ve buckled as Browner and his lawyer prepared to file a lawsuit.

“I received wonderful news today. The NFL has reinstated me, and I now have the opportunity to prove to the fans and my teammates how important this sport is to me. I realize now more than ever that being part of the NFL is not a right, but a privilege,” the cornerback wrote. “I am grateful that Commissioner Goodell and my agent were able to resolve this issue in a positive, productive manner so I can continue my career, provide for my family, and help my team win a Super Bowl. Thank you to all who have gone out of their way to show their support. I will live up to your expectations of me.”

The league slapped the 29-year-old with a suspension in mid-December which sidelined him for the postseason and Seattle’s Super Bowl victory. It wasn’t Browner’s first run-in with the league office – he was also suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the performance enhancing drug policy for using a prescription drug. This suspension, however, apparently had nothing to do with drugs. Browner was suspended for missing scheduled drug tests years ago while he was without an NFL contract. With the indefinite suspension lifted, Browner can now look forward to unrestricted free agency on March 11, and a potentially hefty payday.

Over the last three seasons with Seattle, the 6’4″ corner has racked up 104 tackles and ten picks over the course of 36 games. He’ll celebrate his 30th birthday in August.

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