Erie Dawg Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 NFL Free Agency: Could Cleveland Browns Reunite Michael Huff and Michael Lombardi? – POSTED ON MARCH 14, 2013 By Bob Evans Senior Writer The Oakland Raiders made a cap move earlier this week, cutting former first-round draft picks Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Both players enter the 2013 NFL Free Agency pool with the stigma of never living up to the lofty expectations put on them by their draft status, but either could be solid contributors to a number of NFL teams—Huff in particular. With the versatility to play both safety and cornerback, Huff was drafted by current Cleveland Browns general manager Michael Lombardi out of the University of Texas back with the No. 7 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Huff was drafted during the Al Davis era, which focused more on speed and raw combine numbers than actual on-field production—which often made it difficult to determine who was actually calling the shots between Lombardi and Davis. Huff’s career in Oakland has been an up and down one to say the least. He began his career as the team’s starting strong safety, registering 78 tackles at the position in his rookie year. His time as a strong safety didn’t last very long, as he was moved to free safety in his second season after the team acquired Gibril Wilson. This is where the fun in Huff’s career started, as he was then benched for a lack of production just five games into the 2008 season—but then split reps at the position in 2009. Obviously this was all after Lombardi had left, but Huff was finally able to display his ball-hawking skills at free safety which was a big factor in Lombardi’s original decision to draft him. After registering just one interception in his first three seasons, Huff accumulated 11 interceptions from 2009-2012. While those are not stand out numbers by any means, given the constant change and moving of positions he experienced, those are certainly not numbers to dismiss. In 2012, Huff’s carousel of position change once again started to spin—as the former Longhorn was asked to play cornerback after injuries decimated the position for the Raiders. He performed admirably, registering 56 total tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defended. It seemed to be a pretty seamless transition for the now 30-year old, as he proved his excellent versatility once again. With the Cleveland Browns in need of upgrades at both the cornerback and free safety position—and his connection to Lombardi in mind—Huff could be a good fit with the Browns. Coming off his best few seasons with the Raiders, it seems he has finally perfected his craft in the NFL. And after being cut by the Raiders, he isn’t likely to command a very large salary. Mainly being an afterthought or a bust by many people, Lombardi and the Browns could provide Huff an opportunity to prove to the league he can still play at a high level on a one or two-year deal. He would also have an opportunity to close a revolving door at free safety for the Browns, one that has seen quite the few faces man the position next to T.J. Ward over the past couple of years. While there have not been any rumors linking Huff to the Browns as of yet, this is something to keep an eye on for Browns fans. And if the price is right, Huff could be the answer Browns fans have been looking for a free safety for quite some time. http://www.buckeyestatesports.com/nfl-free-agency-could-cleveland-browns-reunite-michael-huff-and-michael-lombardi/ I'm not sure why this guy hasn't been looked at by the browns. With free agency throughout the league lacking any big name signings as of late, it would appear that its a buyers market. We have a need at FS and haven't even seen a interest at addressing it. The article mentions him going from SS to FS, but I thought he played some CB as well. It could be that he was just temporarily filling in for an injured player. At FS he would be a great addition for the secondary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zombo Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Either they are eyeing someone in the draft or believe Hagg, Bademosi or Gipson have potential. I like the latter, a lot. I actually like all three of those guys as safeties. If we can get a real corner to nail down the #2 spot, we have enough depth at corner now that these guys can play and compete at safety. Zombo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoorta Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 While there have not been any rumors linking Huff to the Browns as of yet, this is something to keep an eye on for Browns fans. And if the price is right, Huff could be the answer Browns fans have been looking for a free safety for quite some time. LINK I'm not sure why this guy hasn't been looked at by the browns. With free agency throughout the league lacking any big name signings as of late, it would appear that its a buyers market. We have a need at FS and haven't even seen a interest at addressing it. The article mentions him going from SS to FS, but I thought he played some CB as well. It could be that he was just temporarily filling in for an injured player. At FS he would be a great addition for the secondary. If the guy was drafted high first round, never really lived up to his potential. He could be like "Spare Change" Warren who had a long career as a journeyman type player. And Lord knows, we need an upgrade @ FS. But it sounds like the Browns are on a youth movement, and Lombardi may not be willing to bring in one of his past mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unsympathetic Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Who knows - maybe he's asking too much, or maybe he refused to consider Cleveland. He's still athletic enough to shut down a slot WR, so I've been in favor of picking him up from the minute he was released. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erie Dawg Posted March 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 If the guy was drafted high first round, never really lived up to his potential. He could be like "Spare Change" Warren who had a long career as a journeyman type player. And Lord knows, we need an upgrade @ FS. But it sounds like the Browns are on a youth movement, and Lombardi may not be willing to bring in one of his past mistakes. Well considering that al davis was not a master of drafting, Davis taking him in the first round may not translate to overall talent level. But at 30 he is not over the hill but more along the lines of what unsympathetic is saying. At 30 this is probably his last contract and wants to be paid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Buffalo Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 It probably has something to do with the fact that he is 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utzie Posted March 27, 2013 Report Share Posted March 27, 2013 Per Adam Schefter, Ravens' new deal with former Raiders S Michael Huff will be for three years, $6 million. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erie Dawg Posted March 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 Per Adam Schefter, Ravens' new deal with former Raiders S Michael Huff will be for three years, $6 million. WTf they stole him. How did we miss on that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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