Serious thought has been given to using Joshua Cribbs as a part-time safety. He is entering his fifth year and so far has not had much impact as a wide receiver -- only 16 catches in four years, and 10 of those were made in 2006.
Cribbs caught only two passes in 2008. His value on offense is as a rusher from the quarterback position. He carried the ball 29 times last year, third most on the Browns behind Jamal Lewis (279) and Jerome Harrison (34).
Cribbs, a standout kick returner, is likely to stay on offense almost exclusively if the Browns draft a safety. Cribbs said he is willing to play whatever position the Browns ask him to play.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--OL Lennie Friedman missed all of 2008 with a shoulder injury, lost weight during his recovery and is unlikely to be re-signed.
--LB Kris Griffin has a long injury history and won't be back.
--CB Daven Holly is worth re-signing if the price is right. He is coming off major knee surgery and doesn't have much bargaining leverage.
--LB Willie McGinest is expected to retire.
--LB Shantee Orr made four tackles from scrimmage and six on special teams. He will not be back.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)
--TE Brad Cieslak (ERFA rights terminated).
--DE Chase Pittman (not tendered as ERFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--S Mike Adams: UFA; $4.1M/3 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--FB Charles Ali: ERFA; terms unknown.
--WR Syndric Steptoe: ERFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB Eric Barton: UFA Jets; $11.15M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--LB David Bowens: FA Jets; $7.2M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--RB Noah Herron: FA Jets; terms unknown.
--CB Corey Ivy: UFA Ravens; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DT C.J. Mosley: UFA Jets; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--WR David Patten: FA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--CB Hank Poteat: UFA Jets; $745,000/1 yr.
--TE Robert Royal: FA Bills; $10M/3 yrs, $3M guaranteed.
--T/G John St. Clair: UFA Bears; $9M/3 yrs, $600,000 guaranteed.
--OT Floyd Womack: UFA Seahawks; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--CB Terry Cousin (released).
--CB Travis Daniels: UFA Chiefs; terms unknown.
--LB Andra Davis: UFA Broncos; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--TE Darnell Dinkins: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Ken Dorsey (released).
--P Mike Dragosavich (released).
--QB Bruce Gradkowski (released).
--S Sean Jones: UFA Eagles; $3M/1 yr, guarantees unknown.
--WR Joe Jurevicius (released).
--C/G Seth McKinney: UFA Bills; terms unknown.
--LB Antwan Peek (released/failed physical).
--PK Jason Reda (released).
--OT Kevin Shaffer (released).
--TE Kellen Winslow (traded Buccaneers).
--RB Jason Wright: UFA Cardinals; $2M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--OT Eric Young (failed physical).
--OG Scott Young: UFA Broncos; terms unknown.
