Tag Archives: Ray Farmer

Browns Part Ways With General Manager Ray Farmer, Head Coach Mike Pettine

Here is the official press release from the Cleveland Browns on the firings of Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine with thoughts from team owner Jimmy Haslam.

BEREA, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns on Sunday night relieved General Manager Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine of their duties.

Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer - Courtesy of AP

Farmer joined the organization in March of 2013 as the Assistant General Manager and was promoted to General Manager in February of 2014.

Pettine was named the 15th full-time head coach of the Browns on January 23, 2013. In two full seasons with the team, he compiled at 10-22 record.

Jimmy Haslam Standing Photo

Owner Jimmy Haslam released the following statement:

“We greatly appreciate Ray’s and Mike’s dedication and hard work while with the Cleveland Browns. We’ve made this decision because we don’t believe our football team was positioned well for the future. We are all disappointed with where we are and we take full responsibility. We will approach the search for our next football coach and executives to lead our football operations with a clear vision regarding what we need to do to build a successful organization. We will be methodical in looking for strong, smart leaders with high character who are relentlessly driven to improve our football team, willing to look at every resource possible to improve, and who embrace collaboration to ultimately make the best decisions for the Cleveland Browns. We are fully committed to bringing our fans the winning organization they so clearly deserve.”

Owner Jimmy Haslam will be available to the media in the postgame press conference room at FirstEnergy Stadium at approximately 8 p.m. tonight. Accredited media may park in the North Port Authority lot and should enter through the west service-level gate.

 

 

OFFICAL CLEVELAND BROWNS FINAL CUTS

 

Browns reduce roster to 53

Browns Helmet Sideways Photo

 BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer announced the following roster moves this afternoon:

 

Waived:
OL Karim Barton
QB Pat Devlin
RB Shaun Draughn
DB Landon Feichter
RB Tim Flanders
DB Kendall James
WR Darrius Jennings
OL Erle Ladson
WR Josh Lenz
WR Vince Mayle
DL Jacobbi McDaniel
OL Andrew McDonald
OL Darrian Miller
DB Robert Nelson Jr.
OL Vinston Painter
LB Hayes Pullard III
DB Joe Rankin
LB Mike Reilly
DB De’Ante Saunders
DL Dylan Wynn

Contract Terminated:
QB Thaddeus Lewis
OL Eric Olsen

The Browns roster is currently at the NFL maximum of 53 players.

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK POSSIBILITIES

 

FRANCHISE QB?

If I’m Browns G.M. Ray Farmer and I believe that Marcus Mariota is indeed a franchise quarterback and is far better than any quarterback who will, or may be available in next year’s NFL Draft then I trade up to get him! Even if it means over paying for him.

I’m not saying I think Mariota is a franchise QB, because I don’t.

I’m saying if Farmer, head coach Mike Pettine and first year quarterback’s coach Kevin O’Connell, who was Mariota’s quarterback’s coach leading up to his pro day and the NFL Combine feel the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner is the real deal, then who cares what anybody else thinks, go get your QB!

 

MY PICKS

Having said that, it I’m the Browns I’m keeping picks #12 and #19 and filling two HUGE needs on this football team.

At #12 the Browns, if any of these three wide receivers are left, should draft Amari Cooper, Kevin White or DeVante Parker. All three players would give the Browns passing game a much needed boost with size and speed on the outside and a nice target in the redzone! Any one of them would help whoever is playing quarterback for Cleveland in 2015.

At #19 the Browns need to find some help at stopping the run. If either of these defensive linemen are available then Ray Farmer shouldn’t waste any time in turning in one of their names to commissioner Roger Goodell at the podium – Danny Shelton or Malcom Brown. Neither is a sexy pick, but Shelton or Brown would help immediately in containing the opposition’s ground attack and from their dead last ranking out of all 32 teams last year, the Browns are in dire need of that run stopper!

 

OTHER POSSIBILITIES

If all three of the above mentioned wide outs are gone at #12, then the Browns should draft Danny Shelton or Malcom Brown there and then take the best available wide receiver at #19.

Possible candidates there could be: Breshad Perriman, Jaelen Strong, Sammie Coates or Devin Smith from the Ohio State University. Smith would be considered a reach at #19, but he probably won’t be around at #43 in the second round when the Browns pick. So if you’re looking for someone to take the top off of opposing defenses in the passing game and for a standout special team’s gunner, then reaching that high for Smith would be the way to go.

OFFICIAL BROWNS PRESS RELEASE ON SIGNING DWAYNE BOWE

Browns sign WR Dwayne Bowe – 

Veteran has compiled more than 7,000 yards over 8 seasons

 By Andrew Gribble, ClevelandBrowns.com Senior Staff Writer

The Browns have signed wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, general manager Ray Farmer announced Friday.

Bowe, 30, comes to Cleveland after eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he ranks among the franchise’s best in numerous receiving categories.

“Dwayne is a player that adds a big, tough and physical presence to our group,” Farmer said. “His ability to play in high traffic areas of the field for contested catches is something we really like. We have talked about having a versatile group of wide receivers that can align and play from various positions, and he can do that. His position versatility to inside and outside numbers appeals to us in a variety of ways. We look forward to seeing how he will help our team.”

Bowe’s 532 career receptions rank second in Chiefs’ franchise history (first among wide receivers) and his 7,155 yards rank third. Of his 532 catches, 100 have gone for 20 or more yards, a total that also ranks second all-time in Kansas City. His 44 career touchdowns rank fifth.

“The Browns were the perfect situation from the fan base to the style of offense and the way I’ll be utilized to help the team go to the next level,” Bowe said. “After eight years, you’re a pro’s pro. I’ve had every style of coaching, every personality. I’ve been through a lot and it’s going to make this transition a little easier because of what I’ve been through. The fan base is crazy just like Kansas City and is something I’m excited to be a part of. The positive energy I’m going to bring to the locker room is definitely going to take the Dawg Pound to the next level.”

Bowe said new Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo’s plans for him in the passing game also excited him about his move to Cleveland.

“That’s something I wanted to be a part of, getting more opportunities and being able to showcase my talent,” Bowe said. “The way he brings the energy and that positive excitement is another reason why I made my decision to be here.”

Bowe, a 6-foot-2, 222-pound Miami native who starred at LSU and was the Chiefs’ first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2007 draft, made an immediate impact as a rookie (70 receptions, 995 yards, five touchdowns). He followed with his first of three 1,000-yard seasons when he compiled a career-high and Chiefs franchise record 86 receptions for 1,022 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008.

Bowe’s most productive season was in 2010, when he landed in the Pro Bowl after racking up 72 receptions for a career-high 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns, the latter of which led the NFL. He followed with another 1,000-yard season in 2011 (81 receptions, 1,159 yards and five touchdowns).

Over the past three seasons, Bowe has accumulated no fewer than 57 receptions and combined for 2,228 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Dwayne brings a nice combination of size and speed to our wide receiver group,” Browns coach Mike Pettine said. “He is a veteran player that has been productive and caught a ton of footballs in this league. His size and catch radius make him very quarterback-friendly, and we are happy to add him to our team.”

Bowe is the second new addition to the Browns’ wide receiving corps this month, as he joins recently signed veteran Brian Hartline. Together, they bring more than 200 games of experience and a combined 11,398 yards to a Cleveland group that returns last year’s leading receiver, Andrew Hawkins.

“These guys just want to play football. You don’t have any ego guys on that team,” Bowe said. “You’ve got guys that just want to come in and do their job and make the organization successful, and that’s all you ask for in a group, guys that want to come in and play their tail off. It doesn’t matter if they’re No. 1 or No. 2 as long as everyone is contributing. They just want to win. That’s something the organization definitely needs now is winning, and they’re putting in the right pieces to make that happen.”

 

 

JOSH GORDON SUSPENDED FOR A YEAR BY THE NFL

Read the official statements on Josh Gordon being suspended from the NFL and the Cleveland Browns below.

Browns Helmet Sideways Photo

Statement by an NFL Spokesperson on Josh Gordon:

“Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Gordon’s suspension begins immediately.”

[Note: The NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse is posted on nflmedia.com. From the home page, click on “Resources” and then “About the NFL.”]

 

Statement from Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer on Josh Gordon

“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh. Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the Nation Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.”

 

OFFICIAL BROWNS PRESS RELEASE ON JOHNNY MANZIEL ENTERING REHAB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  –  Feb. 2, 2015

     Johnny Manziel Sad 2               

Statement from Brad Beckworth, a Friend and Advisor to Johnny Manziel and his Family

Brad Beckworth, a friend and advisor to Manziel and his family, has confirmed that Johnny entered treatment on Wednesday.  “Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason.  On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”

Statement from Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer on Johnny Manziel

“We respect Johnny’s initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process. Our players’ health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns. We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player.  Johnny’s privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same.”

BROWNS 2014 FIRST ROUND DRAFT DISASTERS

Browns general manager Ray Farmer has made some good decisions this season on acquiring talent, but when it mattered most, the first round of the draft, he dropped the ball big time!

Knowing he had a wide receiver who was going to be suspended for maybe the entire year and in a receiver rich draft, he bypassed highly rated wide outs for a cornerback and a quarterback that will make us all wonder about his grading system when the 2015 NFL draft comes around.

Who would have helped the Browns more this year and in the future, the two players Farmer selected in the first round in Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, or any one of these four wide receivers Sammy Watkins, Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans or Kelvin Benjamin?

Manziel-Gilbert-Farmer-Pettine Jersey Photo

Justin Gilbert – 29 tackles – 1 interception – 1 td – 8 passes defensed

 

Johnny Manziel – 18-35-175 yards – 0 td passes – 2 interceptions/29 yards rushing – 1 td

 

Sammy Watkins – 62 receptions – 925 yards – 6 td’s

 

Odell Beckham Jr. – 79 receptions – 1,120 yards – 11 td’s

 

Mike Evans – 63 receptions – 997 yards – 11 td’s

 

Kelvin Benjamin – 72 receptions – 999 yards – 9 td’s

 

Plus there is one more game to play which gives all four wide receivers the opportunity to go over 1,000 yards receiving in their rookie year.

Ask yourself, who would have helped the Browns more this year and beyond?

BROWNS WAIVE BEN TATE – OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

 

Brian Hoyer In Game Wide Shot vs Redskins

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 18, 2014

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday waived RB Ben Tate. General Manager Ray Farmer made the announcement.

“With all the transactions we make while constructing our roster, it will always be our intent to do what is best for our football team,” said Farmer. “This move is no different and we wish Ben the best going forward.”

Tate started six of the eight games he appeared in this season. He rushed for 333 yards with four touchdowns and added nine receptions for 60 yards.

 

ROOKIE IMPACT A KEY TO BROWNS SUCCESS

On “Draft Day” 2014 all the hype and talk in Berea, Ohio was about one rookie selected by the Cleveland Browns, quarterback  Johnny Manziel. But after 9 games into the 2014 season he is the least productive rookie to play in his class.

Manziel has thrown one incomplete pass, caught another pass that was nullified by a penalty and done nothing else but serve as Brian Hoyer’s back up, and that’s OK. Manziel hasn’t had to play because Brian Hoyer is playing above average football at the quarterback position by not making mistakes, connecting on timely throws and leading the Browns to a (6-3) record and into playoff contention for the first time since 2007 this late in the season.

Manziel-Gilbert-Farmer-Pettine Jersey Photo

While Manziel has had no impact on the Browns success this season, six other rookies either drafted or signed as free agents by G.M. Ray Farmer have made major contributions to the Browns best start since 1994.

Here’s what they’ve done:

1st round pick – CB – Justin Gilbert – Has started a number of games – 23 tackles – 5 passes defended

 

2nd round pick – LG – Joel Bitonio – Has started all 9 games and solidified the left side of the line.

 

3rd round pick – RB – Terrance West – Leads the team in rushing through 9 games with 396 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus he’s caught 7 passes for 39 yards and another score.

 

3rd round pick – LB – Christian Kirksey – 41 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 2 passes defended

 

Undrafted rookie – RB – Isaiah Crowell – 297 yards rushing with a 4.6 yards per carry average that leads the team. He also leads the squad with 5 rushing touchdowns.

 

Undrafted rookie – WR – Taylor Gabriel – 24 catches for 435 yards and 1 touchdown.  He’s averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He also has 1 kickoff return for 30 yards.

 

When you combine all of the offensive numbers from the rookies, they have accounted for  1,192 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. On defense, 64 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 7 passes defended. Not bad considering “Johnny Football”, the most celebrated rookie of the bunch has added nothing to this team through 9 games.

THE MONDAY MORNING DUMP

Browns Stadium vs SteelersWithout any hesitation I can say that the Cleveland Browns were the far better football team yesterday in all aspects – offense, defense, special teams and coaching. I picked the Browns to win the game because after watching the Steelers over the last 2 weeks I was able to see that they are an old team that lacks talent and should replace both of its coordinators.  The Browns are a young team that has some proven talent and some potential young talent, with a head coach who actually seems to know what he’s doing and really loves his job. Kudos to Mike Pettine and his staff for making this team respectable this early in the season. Now let’s see how they handle prosperity.

The Browns should be favored in their next three games; at Jacksonville, then home against Oakland and Tampa Bay. I expect them to go no worse than (2-1) in those games and be at least (5-3) if not (6-2) after 8 games. Then the schedule gets tough with games at Cincinnati, Atlanta, Carolina and Baltimore. Plus home games with Houston, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. So you better win the games you’re supposed to win and see if you can play .500 ball the second half of the season. If the Browns can do that, they could be looking at 8, 9 or even 10 wins. If you get to 9 or 10 wins, then you could be talking playoffs.

Having said all that, the Browns were (3-2) after 5 games last year and ended up (4-12). The difference this year I believe is an easier schedule over the next 3 weeks, Brian Hoyer is your QB and not Brandon Weeden or Jason Campbell, and a coach who the players actually believe in. Those 3 things should make a huge difference.

alex-mackHowever the Browns are going to have to do it without one of their best and most respected players – Alex Mack. The Pro Bowl center reportedly broke his leg in yesterday’s 31-10 win over the Steelers and is expected to be lost for the rest of the season. John Greco filled in nicely on Sunday against Pittsburgh, but how he performs moving forward will affect the Browns offense in a big way, not to mention Paul McQuistan moving over to take Greco’s spot at left guard. The offensive line has been this team’s MVP’s so far this season. Their depth is going to be tested the rest of the way.

Nobody was harder on the Browns front office for ignoring the wide receiver position in the draft and in free agency than yours truly. Early on it looks like Ray Farmer and the Browns were right and I was wrong. We’ll see if Taylor Gabriel and Travis Benjamin can both continue to make plays and if Miles Austin can stay healthy, but this group with some help from the O-line and Brian Hoyer have performed better than I thought they would. Plus they’ll get All Pro wide out Josh Gordon back for the 11th game of the season at Atlanta, which will have a huge, positive impact on the entire group.

Hats off to Chris Tabor and the special teams.  A few weeks ago they were a laughing stock. The last 2 weeks, they have been solid and made big plays to change the momentum of the game. They were a big reason the Browns won in Tennessee and also against Pittsburgh yesterday. Good decisions, fundlemental play and no mental mistakes go a long way in helping your team win.  Some of those things might not be sexy, but they help you win.

Brian Hoyer Sidelines vs SteelersAnd last but not least, happy 29th birthday to local “Mr. Hero” Brian Hoyer. I used it as a trivia question yesterday at my Browns appearance at Jo Jo’s Sports Bar in Medina and someone knew right away that October 13th was the Browns starting quarterback’s birthday. A year ago I don’t think anyone would have known or cared, but after you lead the biggest road comeback in the history of the NFL and your kicking the Steelers butts all over the field, people start to notice and pay attention. It’s still a small sample size (8 starts), but it’s getting bigger and the results are the same. Hoyer is now (6-2) as the Browns starter and can be a free agent at the end of the season. Your call Jimmy Haslam and Ray Farmer. Do you believe enough in him to sign him now and maybe save some money, or do you wait until the end of the season and roll the dice? Yes you have Johnny “Jam Boogie” waiting in the wings, but he is nowhere near being ready to be a starting QB in this league. The Hoyer contract situation will be another story line to follow as this season progresses.