Legitimate Signings: Floyd Womack, Eric Barton on Board

by Chris Pokorny on Mar 14, 2009 12:16 PM EDT in General News Comment 8 comments

Several low-key signings in to free agency, the Browns finally agreed to terms with players who may actually be key contributors this season starters this season: OL Floyd Womack and LB Eric Barton.

Although the signing of Womack so soon after the release of Kevin Shaffer might seem like a sign that he will be placed at right tackle, I wouldn't count on it. Womack, originally a fourth round pick in the 2001 draft, has only started in 47 of the 90 games he has played. Last season, Womack started 14 games -- 8 at right guard and 6 at left guard.

At this point of his career, he has been considered more of a "versatile" lineman than a long-term solution. Perhaps he could serve as a one-year solution for the Browns at right tackle, if it comes down to that. If not, he provides better depth than a Seth McKinney or a Lennie Friedman does, although he cannot play center.

Barton should receive the opportunity to start alongside D'Qwell Jackson to fill the void left by LB Andra Davis. Considering Barton started all 16 games for the New York Jets last season, odds are that he'll have a leg up on other potential candidates for the job, including any second- or third-round draft choices we make at the linebacker position.

Barton had 127 tackles this past season, the second-highest total of his career. As we all know from Davis though, the number of tackles isn't always reflective of how good of a player you are. But, Barton has been an established, well-respected veteran in New York for quite awhile and should be an immediate upgrade over Davis.

In other news...

The OBR reports that the Browns are still negotiating with OL Adam Goldberg.
Derek Anderson was paid his $5 million bonus yesterday. He is now officially more tradeable, so let the rumors begin.
Former Browns RB Jason Wright is visiting with the Arizona Cardinals. Please don't bring him back, Mangini.
RB Jamal Lewis was owed a $4 million bonus after a down season last year.
Here's the sickest one of all: WR Donte Stallworth was given a $4.75 million bonus. That's what 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown -- as well as stepping on the heel of Braylon Edwards in the preseason -- get's you. Imagine having paid Tim Carter that type of bonus; it was the same type of production.

Poll

Are the additions of Womack and Barton redeeming for the rest of the offseason thus far?

Yes

234 votes

No

420 votes

654 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Making issues worse, its reporting that Stallworth just killed somebody with his car.

by vegasbrown on Mar 14, 2009 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The PD said Barton was praised by Mangini for his intelligence and ability to call signals, so it looks like Mangini brought him in to be the leader of the Browns defense on the field. I know our defense will probably be a hybrid of Manigin’s system with Rob Ryan’s system, but it will be good to have guys who know the system on the field to make sure the rest of the players are in their correct position. If guys are in the right position to make plays then they can make up for a lower level of ability.

by Buckeye Brad on Mar 14, 2009 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

To me the upgrade from Andra Davis to Barton is enormous even though Barton isn’t exactly spectacular.

As for Pork Chop, I think the the message has been sent already from Mangini about what type of lineman they will be targeting…..run blockers. The idea seems to be to move Hadnot to center and Womack at RG. Couple that with Robert Royal playing on run downs, and we are looking at far better run blocking.

What does this mean for the draft? Don’t be surprised if we take a running back in the first two rounds.

by Roger Dorn on Mar 14, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There should be some good RBs available at the top of the second round. LeSean McCoy, Donald Brown, Shon Greene to name a few.

by Buckeye Brad on Mar 14, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Barton is substantially faster than Davis, I will be fine with him starting for at least a year.

by rufio on Mar 14, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Womack is a road grader when healthy. Womack is a guy I always coveted. With a priority on his weight, he could be an above average lineman for a few more years, With the subtraction of Winslow and the Womack siging, the offensive focus has changed to the run game. This offensive line could be a strength again with a healthy Womack ,Tucker, Steinbach, and Thomas. Barton is the on-field defensive coach we needed. The previous regime lacked attention to detail on and off the field. With Barton and coach Bryan Cox, I don’t think this will be a problem with the front seven of defense this year. The moves made so far this off-season are unspectacular to the casual observer. However, these small moves could pay big dividends.

Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic. - Robert S. Wieder

by jerseywahoo on Mar 14, 2009 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Perspective rec

by Roger Dorn on Mar 14, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is a great pickup. a massive upgrade from andra davis. where are all the people who were whining about what a disaster the ManKok offseason had been? this move deserves to be praised.

by DontCallMeJoey on Mar 18, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs