Perhaps the best free agent signing the Browns could have made involved a player who never really wanted to be a free agent, or anything but the virtual “face of the franchise.”  In the case of Josh Cribbs, for the first time in years, rational actions have ruled the day, as the Browns lock up their “spiritual force” for another three seasons.

And while no one was looking forward to – or probably even seriously planning for – a Browns future without Cribbs, perhaps the greatest part of this narrative is that it finally appears that the organization has someone who is clearly in charge.

Browns and Cribbs Agree to New Deal

“To ask with three years left is unusual,” he said. “But in Josh’s case, they had a good point. He’d outperformed his contract to a certain extent the more I studied it. I could say “no, we’re not going to do it.”

 But that would be kind of silly. Once we dove into it, someone’s got to make the call, so I made the call.”

Holmgren said the challenge was to reward Cribbs without sending the message that contracts can be easily torn up and re-done.

 “You start with the philosophy that we’re going to make every effort to keep our core players, our best players here and clearly Josh is one of those,” he said. “I want every player we have to want to be here, to give me and Eric (Mangini) his best.”

Indeed, someone does “have to make the call.” 

After close to a decade of Randy Lerner’s frustratingly tepid ownership, perhaps the organization is finally in some capable hands.  While Mike Holmgren certainly doesn’t retain ownership of the franchise, he may as well – considering that he is solidly the man in charge.

But then again, aren’t we just talking about a contract here?

Lost in the swell of fan frustration regarding Cribbs’ status was the delicate act that Holmgren had to perform.  Because Cribbs had “outperformed” his old contract, the only way to go forward was to essentially start from scratch, which as Holmgren stated, could have set a dangerous precedent. 

Throw in Cribbs’ post-regular season media blitz and some sporadic comments from J.R. Rickert and this situation could have turned ugly in a hurry. 

Isaac Sowells ugly.

However, Holmgren showed that he is not easily rattled and didn’t appear to hold any type of personal bias against Cribbs, as compared to other player personnel situations in Cleveland’s past.

In the end, common sense, patience and rational thought won out.  Not the most exciting or dramatic of circumstances, but then again, it’s a new era.  Finally.

Now, more importantly – we can finally turn our attention to the quarterback situation.  Jesus, when’s the last time anyone mentioned DA or Brady?

Or, how about these guys?

Best Available Free Agents

Perhaps this is a little late, but Pat Kirwan’s list of NFL free agents is a detailed one….and kind of unsettling, especially after realizing that the top names have already signed on with new teams.

Of course, this could be a good thing, when you consider that the winners in March are rarely the same teams who become consistent playoff contenders.

However, there’s always a chance the Browns could find another player who could deliver an Eric Steinbach-esque impact. 

Let’s take a look.

Peppers, Dansby, Brackett, Taylor, Rolle and Robinson are long gone.  And truly, except for Dansby, the Browns aren’t missing much.  However, looking at the monster contract given to Dansby, I’m kind of relieved the Browns weren’t in the hunt.  While Dansby was clearly the most well-rounded defender available, the money he received reflected the inflated nature of this year’s limited free agency.

As for the rest, Darren Sharper or Ryan Clark would be a most welcome addition to a critical area of need in Cleveland.  While Sharper would be more of a reach, especially considering his Saints’ success last season, Clark could be a more viable option.  Clark could finally offer the Browns the blend of toughness and experience that the position has been missing for over a decade.

As for more experience, how about Thomas Jones?  Would anyone be upset with a Jerome Harrison/Thomas Jones pairing heading into 2010?  Wouldn’t the natural connection between Jones and Mangini seem to make this potential deal obvious?  Or, how about this?  If Mangini were still fully in charge, would this have already happened?

As for the rest of Kirwan’s list, I’ve always been a fan of Leigh Bodden.  And if we’re dealing with revisionist history in light of yesterday’s Corey Williams trade, here’s this to consider:  all things being equal, would you still make the Bodden and a draft pick for Shaun Rogers trade? 

Speaking of Scott Fujita, it’s been reported that the veteran linebacker is high on the Browns, and the team may have an interest in him as an inside linebacker.  After watching the slow-developing…very slow-developing train wreck that was Jason Trusnik last season, I’m sold on this move.  Jarvis Green could be another intriguing player, simply because of his experience and the mere fact that finding true 3-4 ends is nearly impossible. 

Of the lower tiers, Jamal Williams, Lito Sheppard, Joey Porter and Dwan Edwards are very intriguing possibilities, assuming that the calendar is rolled back to 2004.  Williams was easily the league’s best nose tackle for years, until his body fell apart last season.  A Porter addition would be more entertaining than anything, as the fallen ex-Steeler could compare sermon notes with fellow divisional has-been Ray Lewis.

As for the rest…exactly. 

I still like Antonio Bryant –perhaps, I’m the only one left.  His lone season in Cleveland was productive and he quietly – which is a big accomplishment for him – put together some solid games last year.  And really, just the mere idea that he and K2 existed peacefully on the same struggling team is beyond imagination.

And to think in Cleveland, they just missed each other.  Now, in this new era of common sense, I’m not sure we’ll ever reach such heights of hilarity….which means I’m proposing the following:

Bring back K2, Bryant, draft Dez Bryant, sign Porter, bring back Jamal Lewis and Wayward Son of Reboot, Shaun Smith, and let’s go to work. 

This new era isn’t exciting enough for me.