01 March 2008 - 10:47

Browns trade for Rogers, Williams  Comments

The Browns swung some heavy trades on Friday to add almost 700 pounds to their defensive line.

Shortly after formally confirming the trade of the club's second-round pick for Green Bay defensive lineman Corey Williams, General Manager Phil Savage was completing another trade for mammoth Detroit lineman Shaun Rogers.

The latter deal, hastily consummated after a proposed trade of Rogers to Cincinnati fell through, sends cornerback Leigh Bodden and the Browns' third-round pick to Detroit.

The Browns did not confirm the Rogers trade, but a Lions source did.

Rogers is listed as 6-4 and 340 pounds, but a weight gain of nearly 30 pounds last season landed him in the doghouse of Lions coach Rod Marinelli. Rogers had a career-high seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2007, but the Lions did not want to pay the two-time Pro Bowler a $1 million roster bonus that was due today.

The ramifications of these two deals are immense.

Rogers no doubt will take over as the Browns' nose tackle. Williams, 6-4 and 313 pounds, joins Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith in a three-man rotation at the two defensive end spots. Shaun Smith also would spell Rogers at nose.

In dealing Bodden, the Browns give up on a rags-to-riches player who some in the organization felt slipped measurably last season. The move secures one starting cornerback job for Eric Wright and sets up a battle for the other one between Daven Holly and Brandon McDonald.

The Browns will have to add another cornerback, probably in the draft. But they are left without their top three picks in the April 26-27 draft.

They gave up their No. 1 last year for quarterback Brady Quinn, their No. 2 for Williams and their No. 3 for Rogers.

Prior to completing the deal for Rogers, Savage said there was no defensive lineman in the draft worthy of selecting with the second-round pick, No. 56 overall.

"I knew there was going to be some sacrifice involved in trying to obtain a player we wanted, but in my mind, in our estimation, a legitimate veteran defensive lineman who's still got a lot of upside potential seemed to be a good fit for us," Savage said.

"It's going to be tough for us to watch all these players come off the board. I would say our scouting staff has spent more time getting ready for this year's draft than any one since I've been here, because we weren't sure what was going to happen.

"Now we can narrow our focus and lower our sights and get to know those mid- to lower-rounds players better and maybe find a gem or two."

Williams, 27, was tagged the franchise player by the Packers, which preserved them two No. 1 picks in compensation. They agreed to much lower compensation because they did not want to commit a lot of money to him. They have a surplus of defensive linemen.

The Browns agreed to a six-year contract with Williams. Savage would not comment on reports that the deal included between $16 million and $18 million in guaranteed money and over $36 million overall.

Rogers is under contract for three more years at base salaries of $4.25 million, $5.25 million and $7 million, according to the players union Web site. The Browns also would be responsible for his $1 million roster bonus due today.

Williams will be introduced to the media this morning.

"I think he'll be a really valuable addition to us, not only because of his rush ability on the inside but also his ability to play the run," Savage said. "We think he'll give us some legitimacy on the defensive front."

Savage also confirmed the team hosted visits Friday by New England receiver Donte Stallworth and Tennessee defensive end/linebacker Travis LaBoy.

More players are expected to visit over the weekend, including Baltimore linebacker Nick Greisen. The Browns also are trying to line up a visit with Pittsburgh outside linebacker Clark Haggans.

Savage said he hopes to sign more players over the weekend, but wasn't sure it could get done.

"I'd love this to be over by Monday so we can get on to our second day draft picks," he said.

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posted by Malcolm. 01 March 2008 - 10:47

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