We are currently in process of doing brief reviews of all of the free agents on the Cleveland Browns. Today, we take a look at a player nicknamed, "Pork Chop."
OG Floyd Womack
How and When He Joined the Browns: After spending eight years with the Seattle Seahawks, Womack was a pretty big free agent signing for the Browns during the 2009 season. It's not that Womack was expected to become a stud or anything, but the team needed a starting lineman after the departure of Rex Hadnot. When the Browns first signed Womack, here is what I said about him:
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.
Productivity Level Last Season: Although the Browns needed help at right tackle last season, Womack stayed at right guard all year. Considering how bad John St. Clair was playing next to him, Womack's consistency of being a decent right guard was something I did not take for granted. Peyton Hillis received a boatload of carries last year off of right guard; the Browns were second in the league in carries behind right guard.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: When the Browns signed Womack in 2009, I thought he would be a two-year role player, and he has lived up to those expectations and beyond. He was effective at right tackle for a stretch in 2009 and has done an acceptable job at the right guard position. Whether Womack is a starter or not, his versatility can really help the team in the event of an emergency situation.
What the Browns Should Do: The Browns now have some youth for the right side of the offensive line, but the investments are not outrageously high and there is uncertainty that remains with Shawn Lauvao and Jason Pinkston. Can these guys be starters in the future? That remains to be seen. Tony Pashos has been pegged for the right tackle spot. If Lauvao and Pinkston compete for the starting right guard spot, the Browns need a veteran backup who can play guard and tackle (remember, Pashos has had injury issues too). Womack needs to stay.
Now it's your turn -- vote in the poll below on whether or not the team should try to re-sign Floyd Womack!