Category: Latest Browns News

Kevin Stefanski pleased with injury rehab for Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry

Kevin Stefanski pleased with injury rehab for Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry

Even though he hasn’t seen them in person in over a month, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remains quite pleased with the injury rehabilitation progress from starting wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

Stefanski addressed their injury status with one of the first questions in his conference call with reporters on Thursday.

“Both are exactly where they need to be in terms of rehab progression,” Stefanski stated. “They were in the building quite a bit in January and February. They’re doing everything they need to do and they’re right where they need to be from a rehab standpoint.”

Beckham is recovering from what is commonly referred to as sports hernia surgery. Landry had a broken sacrum surgically repaired in February as well. Both Browns wideouts played through their injuries throughout the 2019 season.

The Tiger King of Cleveland QBs: Brian Sipe

The Tiger King of Cleveland QBs: Brian Sipe, who won more games against teams with big cat names than anyone else in Browns history

If you haven’t seen the new Netflix documentary ‘Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness’ then you need to get from underneath your rock and quarantine to the fullest by watching the most sensational documentary ever made!

After watching the series, an obvious argument broke out between a friend and me about who would be the most likely quarterback from Cleveland Browns history to be an eccentric Tiger King. After discussing whether or not Brady Quinn’s sculpted jawline would matter, the conversation shifted to which Browns quarterback had the best record against NFL teams with a big cat as their logo. That includes the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Brian Sipe- 8 Wins

Sipe was with the Cleveland Browns from 1974-1983 and is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Cleveland history with a couple All-Pro seasons and an NFL MVP to his name. The fact that Sipe is the Tiger King of Cleveland should surprise no one as he defeated the Lions in 1983 and the Bengals in 1983, 1981, twice in 1980, 1979, 1978 and 1977.

 Tim Couch- 7 Wins

Unfortunately, Couch didn’t have quite the success that Sipe did after being the first selection ever in the reboot of the Browns franchise in 1999. But it makes sense that Couch had so much success against cat teams considering he was a Wildcat at Kentucky. Couch beat the Jaguars in 2002 and 2001 while also defeating the Lions in 2001. Couch also had a few victories against the Bengals in 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000.

Bernie Kosar- 7 Wins

Kosar would have been my bet for the official title of King Kosar, but seven wins ain’t bad. Kosar was with Cleveland from 1985 to 1993. Like Sipe, No. 19 had a fairly decorated career with a few Pro Bowls under his belt. Kosar beat the Lions in 1986 and owned the Bengals in 1993, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1987 & 1986.

Chris Hubbard’s smart restructure changes the fan prism on the Browns OT

Chris Hubbard’s smart restructure changes the fan prism on the Browns OT

Chris Hubbard has spent the last few months as a persona non grata amongst Cleveland Browns fans. His disappointing play in his first two seasons as the Browns’ right tackle led to many calling for his head.

It wasn’t supposed to be that way for Hubbard or the team. Flashback to 2018 when then-GM John Dorsey triumphantly lured Hubbard to Cleveland from the rival Pittsburgh Steelers to solve the problem at right tackle. Hubbard signed for $37.5 million over five years, with $18 million fully guaranteed.

Hubbard has not come close to being worth the free agent outlay. He ranked 45th at tackle in Pro Football Focus pass blocking efficiency in 2019, one spot lower than in 2018. Only Kolton Miller allowed more QB hurries over those two seasons.

Fans let him know about it. Comment sections and social media that mentioned Hubbard were brutal towards him.

The Browns smartly signed Jack Conklin, the best right tackle on the free agent market, to replace Hubbard in the starting lineup. That move has been well-received around the league.

Instead of jettisoning Hubbard and completely depleting the depth at tackle, the Browns and new GM Andrew Berry gave Hubbard a shot at redemption. They restructured his contract to keep him at a reasonable cost for an experienced backup.

By and large, the reaction to keeping Hubbard around proves it wasn’t personal. Fans appreciate his willingness to stay where he has not been welcome. His play is commensurate with a top swing tackle, the same role he played quite capably in Pittsburgh.

The prism of public opinion now reflects the team dynamic. Hubbard is well-liked in the locker room, known as a hard worker and a positive influence. That can come in very handy with a rookie manning left tackle, as well as uncertainty at right guard. Hubbard himself could fit in there, too. The optimism surrounding the now-suitably compensated Hubbard and the lowered expectations for his ability is a stark change from earlier this offseason.

Andrew Billings sees Browns ‘trending in an upward way’

Andrew Billings sees Browns ‘trending in an upward way’ in his press conference

New Browns defensive tackle Andrew Billings held his introductory press conference this week. Due to the travel restrictions and closures, Billings conducted the interview via a conference call. Even with the social distance, Billings’ quiet yet assertive confidence came through.

He’s bullish on his new team after playing against them for the last three seasons as a member of the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Billings specifically cited running back Nick Chubb (“he is good”) while noting he knows more about the offense because that’s who he’s faced.

Billings likes the potential he sees with his new team.

“I think they are definitely in the right direction, have a lot more potential now and I think they are trending in an upward way.”

The big DT sees his role as a continuation of what he did with the Bengals.

“I am still playing the same position and going between 2i and a 3-technique and stuff like that,” Billings said before addressing what attracted him to Cleveland. “Honestly, just the job, the technique and the style. Obviously, I like the coaches, as well.”

The Hurry Up Podcast: Cincinnati TE Josiah Deguara and Browns free agency

The Hurry Up Podcast: Cincinnati TE Josiah Deguara and Browns free agency

Host Mac Robinson sits down to talk with NFL Draft tight end prospect and Cincinnati Bearcat Josiah Deguara. Listen as they talk about life as a draft prospect during the Coronavirus pandemic, his experiences at the NFL Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl, and favorite Marvel characters!

In addition to talking to Deguara, Mac also breaks down every signing so far this offseason by the Browns, as well as how it could affect the team’s plans going forward in the draft and throughout the rest of the offseason.

Be sure to follow Mac (@MacRobinson95) and the podcast (@HurryUpPodcast) on Twitter for all of the latest news and notes surrounding the podcast, the Browns, and all things football!

 

 

Chris Hubbard agrees to a restructured contract to stick with the Browns

Chris Hubbard agrees to a restructured contract to stick with the Browns

Earlier this week I wrote about why Chris Hubbard remained on the Browns roster after being deposed as the starting right tackle with the team signing free agent Jack Conklin. It seems Hubbard saw the imminent writing on the wall and proactively ensured he’ll stick around longer.

Without either side formally announcing anything, the Browns and Hubbard agreed to restructure the veteran tackle’s contract. The move appeared on the NFL’s official transactions from Wednesday.

No details are available of the terms of the restructure. Hubbard was due a $6.15 million salary in 2020, the third year of his five-year, $36.5 million contract he signed as a free agent prior to the 2018 season. He has been the team’s starting right tackle for the last two seasons but now projects as the swing tackle or potentially the right guard, a position that is currently an open competition.

Chris Hubbard: Why the Browns haven’t dumped the OT yet

Chris Hubbard: Why the Browns haven’t dumped their old right tackle yet even after signing Jack Conklin to take his job

When the Cleveland Browns signed Jack Conklin to be the right tackle for the foreseeable future, many expected Cleveland’s old right tackle to hit the streets. Yet here we are, nearly a week later, and Chris Hubbard remains on the roster.

He’s been usurped as the starter, but that doesn’t mean Hubbard lacks value for the Browns. The key for him is to still have enough value to the team with his $6.5 million (salary plus bonuses) compensation due in 2020. Right now, with only oft-injured Kendall Lamm and Conklin as the tackles on the roster, Hubbard is still worth keeping.

That status will change when (not if, when) the Browns draft their presumptive starter at left tackle in April. At that point, Hubbard becomes a very expensive backup. Anyone who’s watched his struggles the last two seasons as the starting right tackle would have difficulty trusting Hubbard to step in for longer than a spot-start due to injury. He can conceivably also be the top reserve guard, though that’s a steep price tag for a reserve interior lineman.

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Keeping Hubbard on the roster right now does the Browns no harm. His roster bonuses are per-game and workout bonuses are shelved while workouts are suspended. Dumping him today would only exacerbate the glaring need at left tackle. That status will change for both Hubbard and the Browns after the 2020 NFL Draft. Until then, don’t sweat his lingering presence in Cleveland.

 

Browns have just two players over 30 currently on the roster

A lot of the Browns players are younger than you might think

We’ll have to wait until the fall to see if the Cleveland Browns have gotten better on the field. But one thing we know already: the Browns have gotten younger.

After jettisoning Morgan Burnett, Eric Kush, Drew Stanton and others from the 2019 roster, the Cleveland Browns have just two players who are 30 years or older on the team.

Technically, the two players who are at least 30 aren’t even officially on the roster yet. Neither safety Andrew Sendejo nor backup quarterback Case Keenum — both are 32 — are listed on the team’s website as Browns. The free agent imports have both agreed to terms with Cleveland but not officially inked their contracts yet.

It won’t be that way for long. Long snapper Charley Hughlett turns 30 in May. Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson will both turn 30 during the 2020 NFL season. But that’s all.

Both Joel Bitonio and Chris Hubbard are just 28. Jarvis Landry is still only 27, as is fellow WR Odell Beckham Jr. Newcomers Jack Conklin and Austin Hooper are just 25.

It’s a young core team in Cleveland, albeit one with a lot of experienced veterans.

Thanks to the referral from r/Browns for the info

 

Andy Janovich ‘really excited’ to join Browns with his trade now official

The Browns sent a 2021 7th round pick to Denver for Janovich

The Cleveland Browns trade for fullback Andy Janovich is now official. Janovich joined the Browns on Friday after the team finalized sending a seventh-round draft pick in 2021 to the Denver Broncos for his services.

Under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are bringing back the fullback into the offense. It has not been a featured position under the last couple of offensive coaching regime. Stefanski is certainly happy to have Janovich, a player he specifically sought after, in Cleveland.

“I’m really excited to add Andy into our group,” Stefanski said via a press release. “He’s a schematic fit to what we want to be. He has all the intangibles you think of when you think of fullbacks. He’s as tough as they come. He’s a team player through and through. Fits the mentality of what we’re trying to be.”

Janovich is ready to get to work with his new team.

“I’m really excited,” Janovich said on the Browns’ website. “They’re going to have an offense like (Broncos coach Gary) Kubiak had or I had with (Eagles and former Broncos coach Rich) Scangarello here. I’m really excited I’m going to a place that wants to use and utilize what I can bring.”

He’s known for his lead blocking in the run game, but Janovich has flashed decent hands and the ability to be an asset in the passing game too.

Browns DT Larry Ogunjobi donates 100,000 meals to local food bank

Browns DT Larry Ogunjobi donates 100,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in support of Feeding America

Larry Ogunjobi is doing what he can to help out folks in greater Cleveland who are in need. The Browns defensive tackle announced via Twitter he is donating 100,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in support of the Feeding America program.

Ogunjobi is the second Browns player in less than 24 hours to make a significant commitment and donation to the food bank, following in the footsteps of quarterback Baker Mayfield and his wife, Emily.

It’s a major gesture of generosity from Ogunjobi, who has earned a little over $1.2 million in his three years with the Browns. That’s not a lot of money by NFL standards, but that doesn’t matter to the big-hearted Ogunjobi.

You can also donate to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank if you can, or also see them if you need assistance in these unusual times.