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Cleveland Browns: Should Matt Spaeth Be A FA Option?

By Ryan Rosko

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth (89) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth (89) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Cleveland Browns build their offense to what they envision, should they look to a former Pittsburgh Steeler to help them going forward?

Earlier today, the Pittsburgh Steelers released tight end Matt Spaeth due to a failed physical designation. Since the tight end position for the Cleveland Browns is questionable behind starter Gary Barnidge, the consideration of adding a former opponent should be on-going.

Barnidge should continue to be the top option for Browns quarterbacks this fall as many of the wide receivers will be adjusting to the speed of the NFL. Second-year tight end E.J. Bibbs would be the backup if the season started today.

Despite Bibbs’ progression this offseason, what if it is not to the level the Cleveland Browns coaching staff expects? Sure, Terrelle Pryor is expected to be in the mix in some way as a wide receiver/tight end hybrid, but again his production like others is not guaranteed.

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Spaeth is not an elite tight end but he does provide a serviceable option in the passing game. Known more as a receiving tight end, his ability to block when needed is also undervalued.

Spaeth has played second fiddle to former Steelers starting tight end Heath Miller for most of his career. His career stats are not great but that is due to a combination of limited playing time and injuries. In nine seasons, Spaeth has 55 receptions for 420 yards and 10 touchdowns.

If Bibbs does not take his game to the next level and Pryor is inconsistent in the role he will have, the Cleveland Browns will once again have to rely on Barnidge. Should that happen, opposing defenses will lock in on Barndige, forcing the Browns’ offense to struggle.

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Wait, what about fellow tight ends Randall Telfer and Seth DeValve you may ask? They will be lucky to get meaningful reps during regular season games. Telfer did not see the field last season and has been banged up since college.

DeValve meanwhile, is seen as a difference maker in terms of matchups by the Cleveland Browns. That said, he is not the traditional tight end and is a developmental player who mainly played as a wide receiver in college.

Spaeth’s failed designation was because of a knee injury he did not recover from. I threw out the possibility of Spaeth joining Cleveland on the condition that he will be healthy soon. After all, other teams (including those in other sports) do not always agree on the pass or fail condition of a player.

Pittsburgh may believe that there is no way Spaeth can come back from his knee injury. On the hand, in time, what if the Cleveland Browns medical and coaching staffs views his condition in a different way? Such a scenario has happened before and it will happen again, so never say never.

Ultimately, the Browns should pass on Spaeth. Between Barnidge and Bibbs taking the majority of reps in two tight end sets, along with Pryor’s impact, there is no room for Spaeth.

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Besides, the Cleveland Browns want to see their player develop, which will be huge for players like Telfer. Even if Spaeth becomes healthy, the Browns have had their share of coming up short when it involves injuries. Cleveland’s new regime is looking to change things, not repeat them.

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