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Cleveland Browns: Two Former Starters Will Play In A New League

By Ryan Rosko

Aug 12, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 17-11. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 17-11. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we wait for the Cleveland Browns to play again, we will get to see familiar faces once associated with the team playing football very soon.

Former Cleveland Browns players will be playing in a new league in the coming weeks. Yes, you read that right.

There’s minor league baseball and the NBA D-League. Could The Spring League be the next minor league system, this time for the NFL, to be the next big thing? It may, but time will tell. As far as where we can watch the league, that will be announced soon.

The NFL Europe league was the most successful minor league system that the NFL has had. In some cases, a minor league for the NFL makes plenty of success. However, football is different from the rest of the major sports.

Players in other leagues often play in the minors or other types of leagues before getting another chance to play in the MLB, NBA, or NHL. That said, when NFL players struggle to get another look, they quickly become forgotten by fans, teams, and the media.

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According to The Spring League’s website, there are a few former popular NFL players who plans on making the most out of this opportunity, including two former Browns: Running back Ben Tate and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr.

Per their website, The Spring League will only play six games this season from April 15th through April 26th with prices per ticket ranging from $28-$125. Six!

That’s crazy, but understandable. More players will be known soon and given that there is no guarantee the new league will succeed, a small sample size is a smart move.

Maybe, if it catches on, we will see more games next season. Regardless, this recent opportunity for former players will be completed before the 2017 NFL Draft.

According to pro-football-reference.com, Tate started six games and played in eight games with Cleveland in 2014. During that time he rushed for 333 yards and four touchdowns on 106 carries.

In four NFL seasons with the Browns, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers, Tate rushed for 2,382 yards and 14 touchdowns on 545 carries. He showed occasional flashes with the Texans and Browns, but it was not enough to keep an NFL career.

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Also according to pro-football-reference.com, Winslow reeled in 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns during his time with Cleveland from 2004-2008.

The Browns’ former first round pick also has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. Winslow last played in 2013 and has accumulated 469 receptions, 5,236 yards, and 25 touchdowns in his career. Had Winslow not endured the injuries he suffered, he likely would have had a longer career.

The chances are small that Tate, Winslow, or any other player will get a legitimate chance again in the NFL after competing in The Spring League. Still, talent is talent and if NFL teams are convinced enough to bring someone to camp, then something would have worked out right.

Of the players listed as of now, Winslow is the most intriguing as far as what he could bring to the field. I do not expect anyone to get a real serious look in training camp, but anything can happen.

Next: Grading Tony Grossi's Recent Mock

The players in this league have nothing to lose and their desire in attempting to keep their careers going cannot and should be knocked.

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