Bowens fills much-needed LB spot for Browns Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker Perhaps more than any other position, the Cleveland Browns needed linebackers heading into the 2009 season. That need became somewhat less vital Tuesday as the Browns signed former New York Jets linebacker David Bowens to a four-year contract. According to ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton, the deal is worth $7.2 million. Bowens is versatile and can play inside or outside for Cleveland coach Eric Mangini, who spent time with Bowens in New York. Bowens, 31, was primarily a backup in New York but is expected to start for the linebacker-deprived Browns, who lost two starters (Willie McGinest and Andra Davis) this offseason. The acquisition of Bowens doesn't mean Cleveland will stop looking for linebackers in the NFL draft, where the team hopes Aaron Curry of Wake Forest will be available at No. 5. But the Browns have at least three penciled-in starters for next season in Bowens, Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson. In other AFC North news, the Browns also signed restricted free-agent safety Abram Elam to a one-year deal. The Jets have seven days to match Cleveland's $1.5 million offer. Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon also signed his one-year tender of $2.189 million Tuesday to officially return to the defending Super Bowl champions. Here is the full story. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation?tag=09%20free%20agency
Bowens was not the greatest player, but he was a good depth guy. But truthfully I would rather draft a guy in the later rounds that can play that role, and who knows he might turn into a star.
no huge loss, bowens is not starting caliber but will be in Clev, Elam is prob too expensive to match at this point for a back up role. Already moved on.
mangini is signing all his lower level depth cronies that he basically gave a chance to play or a second chance in their career no biggy
It's funny how bad the Browns will be next season. They will be fielding a team that resembled what we sent out in the 3rd quarter of our preseason games last year.
Ok this is getting out of hand and I'm now more glad than ever to not have this idiot. He signed Abram Elam, Hank Poteat, CJ Mosley, AND David Bowens. Is there more? edit: adding Poteat
Heres a shocker...Mangini is taking one of our converted linebackers that cant cover the pass. Now we are down to 3? Thomas, Gholston, Pace. Bowens played pretty damn hard while he was here..but at least we opened up a roster spot for the return of a true linebacker in the NFL.
I'd rather have Barton starting for me than Bowens. With both available that is a curious decision to me.
We better sign Abram or at least get a draft pick for him. I'd want a #5 at least and more likely a #4. Really, I would want a #3. Bowens is a very good Special Teamer and a decent backup. His type is not easily replaced and the kind of player you want filling out the 53.
guess we'll be stuck with eric smith for a backup safety thats to expensive to sign elam as a backup. also we're not entitled to any draft picks for him even though he was a restricted free agent. i'm not sure but i read that its because he wasn't drafted thats why there's no draft pick compensation.
