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The honeymoon period for the new Cleveland Browns' regime is over.
Doubts are swirling about the team's moves, or lack thereof, on day one of NFL free agency.
Fueling the doubts is a report by Pro Football Talk and Michael Silver, alleging the Browns pulled an offer from free agent right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.
Said a Browns player re: the team pulling its offer for RT Mitchell Schwartz: "I'm as confused as anyone." @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016
The Browns have already lost center Alex Mack, potentially leaving two gaps in the team's offense line.
The OBR's Lane Adkins suggested the team sign Schwartz, considering the veteran performed well on the right side this season. Tackles are becoming a hotter commodity with the uptick of dynamic pass rushers in the NFL.
Perhaps the club's analytics department deemed Schwartz too pricey or approaching a dropoff. The four-year pro turns 27 in June.
Either way, Silver blasted the team's front office on NFL Network, accusing the Browns of lacking "street smarts."
Pro Football Talk described the situation this way:
"As one source explained it, the Browns possibly are posturing. Others think that the team is calling the bluff of Schwartz’s representatives, who may be trying to create a market that may not be there."
As PFT explained, the Browns and Schwartz might still come to an agreement. Time still remains on the clock.
But at the end of the day, the Browns cannot afford to lose both Mack and Schwartz, especially if the club drafts a quarterback at No. 2 in the 2016 NFL Draft.