Cleveland Browns: Recently worked out players don’t cut it
By Ryan Rosko
The Cleveland Browns evaluated a group of free agents but don’t expect a difference-maker to emerge from the group.
Finally, the Cleveland Browns have a football mind in charge of their roster in general manager John Dorsey. Dorsey has not been quiet since joining the franchise, having already made some moves, most notably releasing wide receiver, Kenny Britt.
As great as the Britt move was, more is needed. Let’s be honest. Cleveland’s roster is not as good as some make it out to be. At some positions, there is depth but mainly it’s backup focused rather than players who can turn into starters.
That said, looking to upgrade a roster is a 365-day job. Of course, at the end of the year, there could be some diamonds in the rough but that’s no guarantee. With that in mind, ESPN‘s Adam Caplan reported the Browns worked out eight players, headlined by kicker Roberto Aguayo.
Former #Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo worked out for the #Browns today along with TE Gavin Escobar, QB Stephen Morris, P Jeff Locke and 4 other players.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) December 18, 2017
It is to be determined if Cleveland will sign Aguayo, punter Jeff Locke, tight end Gavin Escobar, quarterback Stephen Morris, or any of those other four. I give credit to Dorsey and company reviewing where those players are at but they all would simply be depth signings — nothing more.
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A logical Browns-esque move would be signing Aguayo. The former Florida State product succeeded in college but failed as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2016 second round pick. In addition to Tampa, he has also signed with two other teams already: The Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.
Aguayo’s stat line is less than ideal going 32-34 on extra points and 22-31 on field goals. Seeing him compete with rookie Zane Gonzalez may very well happen but it is not as intriguing now since both have had their fair share of disappointing play thus far.
Hopefully, for the sake of the franchise, fans don’t have to watch Aguyao compete versus Gonzalez.
Locke was decent with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions but he is no Britton Colquitt. Morris and Escobar are not difference-makers either and neither would be no more than third on the depth chart.
As seen above, there are slim pickings right now given that it is nearly the end of the season. Should a signing occur, as long as it is for depth, then okay, fine. Anything more is not realistic.
The names announced today are interesting but are not preferred. The good news is that before we know it, free agency will be here and Dorsey can start adding more talent, specifically more starters to the team.
Next: How about a non-QB going first overall?
Once that time gets here, more impactful players will be mentioned. Until then, let’s just hope Cleveland can win a game before the season ends.