Just when you thought the 2010 edition of NFL free agency was getting boring, a day like Sunday happens. A few “franchise players”, both past and hopefully future, found themselves on new teams. How little it took to acquire said players is the most shocking of all.
The Browns had hoped that Brady Quinn would be their franchise quarterback when they selected him in the first round of the 2007 draft. That hope is gone as they dealt him for a bag of balls and a kicking tee to the Denver Broncos. Actually, the deal saw the Broncos send fullback Peyton Hillis, their 2011 sixth round draft pick and a 2012 conditional pick to the Browns for Quinn. Quinn will compete with Kyle Orton in camp for the team’s starting QB spot.
LaDainian Tomlinson arguably was the league’s best running back, and player, for most of the past decade. After the past two years of declining abilities, the Chargers released Tomlinson before free agency even started. Now, LT is on the team that led the league in rushing yardage last season, the New York Jets. Tomlinson chose New York over Minnesota, both teams played in their conference championships a few months ago.
In other minor news, the Cleveland Browns continued their aggressive offseason by dealing linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders for a third round pick.
In even lesser news, the St. Louis Rams signed free agent and former Philadelphia Eagles and Browns center Hank “Honeybuns” Fraley.
