Leadoff with Lee 8.5.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

The Cleveland Browns cut day, like most teams, was swift and heavy. While there weren't many surprises, there were some notable names that are no longer with the team.

The Browns traded CB Justin Gilbert in a rare in division trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2018 sixth-round pick. In his 23 career games, Gilbert has 39 combined tackles and 1 interception.

Browns agreed to a one-year contract with former Denver Broncos punter Britton Colquitt. The punter with eight seasons under his belt, had 84 punts last year for Denver, averaging 43.6 yards.

As for the Browns and running back Raheem Mostert, his agent announced on Twitter his client was cut. The Browns likely view George Atkinson as a replacement for Mostert, who seemed to be the favorite for the No. 3 running back job until a hamstring injury interfered a couple of weeks ago.

The team also released S Rahim Moore. The 6th year DB was picked up by the team in the offseason, but the team obviously has decided to go in another direction. Moore had 16 combined tackles and 1 interception last season with Houston.

Also leaving Cleveland is veteran WR Marlon Moore along with the following waived players:

DL Kenton Adeyemi, DL Chigbo Anunoby, DB Pierre Desir, RB Jahwan Edwards, DB Mikell Everette, OL Dan France, WR Taylor Gabriel, DB Charles Gaines, OL Garth Gerhart, TE Connor Hamlett, TE J.P. Holtz, WR Darius Jennings, OL Kaleb Johnson, OL Mike Matthews, LB Jason Neill, DB Eric Patterson, P Kasey Redfern and LB Justin Tuggle.

The Browns did manage to claim running back George Atkinson, defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun defensive back Marcus Burley, defensive end/outside linebacker Tyrone Holmes and linebacker Corey Lemonier before the Sunday deadline. Cleveland also signed veteran DL Stephen Paea.

Here's what the roster looks like as of now:

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (3): Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Cody Kessler;
Running backs (3): Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson Jr., George Atkinson
Fullback (1): Malcolm Johnson

Wide receivers (6): Terrelle Pryor, Andrew Hawkins, Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton, Rashard Higgins

Tight ends (3): Gary Barnidge, Randall Telfer, Seth DeValve

Offensive line (8): Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Cameron Erving, John Greco, Austin Pasztor, Shon Coleman, Spencer Drango, Alvin Bailey

DEFENSE

Defensive linemen (7): Danny Shelton, John Hughes III, Stephen Paea, Carl Nassib, Xavier Cooper, Jamie Meder, Tyrone Holmes

Linebackers (9): Christian Kirksey, Demario Davis, Tank Carder, Dominique Alexander, Scooby Wright III, Emmanuel Ogbah, Nate Orchard, Joe Schobert, Corey Lemonier

Defensive backs (10): Joe Haden, Jamar Taylor, Tramon Williams, Tracy Howard, Ibraheim Campbell, Jordan Poyer, Derrick Kindred, Don Jones, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Marcus Burley

SPECIALISTS 

Kicker (1): Patrick Murray
Punter (1): Britton Colquitt

Long snapper (1): Charley Hughlett

Reserve/Suspended

Receiver Josh Gordon (4 weeks)

Defensive end Armonty Bryant (4 weeks)

PRACTICE SQUAD

OL Dan France

TE Connor Hamlett

WR Darius Jennings

OL Kaleb Johnson
QB Kevin Hogan
OL Anthony Fabiano
DT Gabe Wright

- The Eagles corrected a huge mistake by taking advantage of the desperate Vikings. Philadelphia's deal of Sam Bradford to the Minnesota in exchange for a 2017 first-round pick and a 2018 fourth-round pick cures the loss of Teddy Bridgewater. It's worth noting that the Eagles paid Bradford an $11 million signing bonus essentially for offseason practices, so the Vikings "only" owe Bradford $24 million over the next two seasons. Sam Bradford brings a fully guaranteed $7M cap hit to the Vikings for 2016 ($17M in 2017); leaving dead caps of $5.5M in '16 & '17 w/ the Eagles.

- Former Broncos and Eagles QB Mark Sanchez is going to sign with the Dallas Cowboys.

- Former Browns QB Austin Davis and 5th year passer is signing with the Denver Broncos. He will come in as the No. 3 and mentor Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch initially.

- The San Diego Chargers are waiving CB Steve Williams to make room for former Browns CB Pierre Desir.

- The Atlanta Falcons announce they've waived WR Nick Williams to make room for former Browns WR Taylor Gabriel.

- Cleveland Indians starter Corey Kluber, who's making a serious case to win his second AL Cy Young Award, has been named the AL Pitcher of the Month for August. Kluber went 5-0 with 44 strikeouts and a 2.43 ERA in August, holding opponents to a .224 average.  Corey hasn't lost a game since July 3, going 7-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 10 starts. Opponents have hit .224.

- Lawrence Taylor often had no trouble finding the quarterback during a 13-year NFL career that enshrined him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. But off the gridiron, he has found trouble of various sorts.That pattern repeated itself Friday afternoon when Taylor was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, and charged with driving under the influence, according to an arrest report from the Florida Highway Patrol. The former New York Giants star was driving a 2010 Bentley on the Florida Turnpike south of Palm Beach Gardens when he allegedly struck the right side of a mobile home and also sideswiped a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle, troopers said. Police say the former professional athlete was arrested after he performed poorly on three field sobriety exercises at the crash site. The damage to the trooper cruiser was minimal,said Sgt. Mark Wysocky. Taylor was brought to Wellington Regional Medical Center after complaining he was going to throw up, the highway patrol said. He was then taken to Palm Beach County jail, according to highway patrol.

The two-time Super Bowl champion's checkered past includes:
-In 2011, he pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a teenaged girl and was sentenced to six years probation.
-He was suspended twice during his NFL career for substance abuse.
-He was arrested multiple times after retiring from football in 1993.

- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr will not return to competition during the remainder of the 2016 season as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms. Hendrick Motorsports officials made the announcement Friday morning, saying that Alex Bowman and four-time series champ Jeff Gordon would split time in the No. 88 Chevrolet for the remaining 12 races of the season. Gordon is drove the No. 88 as Earnhardt's replacement this past weekend at Darlington. 

Leadoff with Lee 3.2.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Major League Baseball suspended newly acquired New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman for 30 games. The unpaid suspension is the first under the league's new domestic violence policy and the second disciplinary action taken against an accused player.  Chapman wasn't charged, but Manfred did say that the use of a gun contributed to the severity of the punishment. Aroldis Chapman won't appeal his suspension, because a deal was reached between the league and Chapman's agent and also including the MLB Players Association. "The MLBPA supports Mr. Chapman's decision to forgo his right to an appeal."

- The Rockets reached a buyout settlement with the point guard Ty Lawson Tuesday pending approval from the NBA. The Rockets acquired Lawson from the Nuggets in an offseason trade last year.He finished third in the NBA in assists with 9.6 per game last season. Early suitors for Lawson include the Cavs and Heat.

- I don't know who this was meant for but it's obvious "King James" is upset with someone...

It's ok to know you've made a mistake. Cause we all do at times. Just be ready to live with whatever that comes with it and be with.....

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016

those who will protect you at all cost!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016

- Sam Bradford and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a two-year contract worth $36M including $26M guaranteed. Bradford was drafted by the St.Louis Rams with the number 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. For his career he has thrown for 14,790 yards, 78 touchdowns and 80 interceptions.

- The Washington Redskins place non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins, giving him 2,923 percent raise. After not being able to finalize a long term deal the Skins slapped the tag on him and he is due to make $19.9M for the 2016 season. Since the non-exclusive tag was placed on him Cousins is free to negotiate with any other team and maybe signed. The Redskins can match the offer or decline, if the offer is declined Washington will receive two first round picks in return.

- After battling back from Hodgkin's lymphoma to the Pro-Bowl the Kansas City Chiefs applied the non-exclusive franchise tag safety Eric Berry. The non-exclusive franchise tag for safeties sits at $10.8M. The sides have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term deal.

Other Notables to receive franchise tag:

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens Kicker
Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills Offensive Tackle
Von Miller, Denver Broncos Outside Linebacker
Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers Cornerback
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears Wide Receiver
Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver
Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins Defensive End (Transition Tag)
Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets Defensive End

- The Buffalo Bills have released defensive end Mario Williams who was unhappy with the defensive scheme he was playing in with Rex Ryan. Williams suggested that he’d take a pay cut in order to stay in Buffalo, but the Bills have decided to just move on without him. The move will save the Bills $12.9M under the cap while leaving $7 million in dead money.



- Key upcoming NFL dates:

Leadoff with Lee 3.11.15 #NFLFreeAgency #Cavs #LeBron

By @cleeverizon

Move over Cedar Point, the NFL was America's roller coast yesterday. This was the most active first day of free agency that I have ever seen. We had trades,players retiring and unexpected signings. All I have to say in the morning is "Ya betta have my donuts." Here we go:

-The blockbuster of the day came when the Eagles traded Nick Foles, a 4th round pick in 2015 and a 2nd round pick in 2016 for St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford and 5th round draft pick in 2015. Here's the kicker, The Eagles will surrender a 2016 2nd-round pick to Rams in the trade no matter what. But will get back a conditional 2016 pick from the Rams. It will be a 3rd if Bradford does not play at all and a 4th if he starts less than 50 percent of plays.

- Here is the other blockbuster trade of the day: the Ravens traded their multiple time pro bowl, star lineman Haloti Ngata and 7th-round pick to Detroit for a 4th and 5th round pick in 2016. Nice steal for Detroit.

- Blockbuster trade number 3. Seattle Seahawks trade C Max Unger and a 2015 1st-round draft pick to Saints for pro bowl star tight end Jimmy Graham and a 2015 4th-rd draft pick.

- The Kansas City Chiefs signed SS Tyvon Branch to a one-year, $2 million contract. The Chiefs will release WR Dwayne Bowe today.

- The New York Jets signed Buster Skrine to a four-year,$25 million contract, including $13 million in guaranteed. But it didn't stop there. Cornerback Darrelle Revis signed a 5 year year deal worth $70M, $39M fully guaranteed. He gets $33M in first two years, and $48M in first three. WoW! They also released receiver Percy Harvin.

-The Colts signed running back Frank Gore to a 3 year deal with $7.5 million over the first two years. They also brought in former Houston Texans wide out Andre Johnson and re-signed S Mike Adams to a 2-year deal. Along with those moves, Trent Cole signed a two-year deal with the Colts for $14M, $8M guaranteed  $2M signing bonus, $3.75M 2015 roster bonus, $2M 2016 roster bonus; salaries $2M (guaranteed), $4.25M; $1M incentive.

- The Carolina Panthers released RB DeAngelo Williams.

- Linebacker AJ Hawk signed with his favorite childhood team, the Cincinnati Bengals.

- The Denver Broncos signed tight end Owen Daniels to replace Julius Thomas, who agreed to a deal with Jacksonville earlier in the week.

- The San Francisco 49ers signed former Ravens receiver Torrey Smith to a five-year, $40 million contract.

- The Raiders signed ex-Seahawks linebacker and Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Malcolm Smith. Oakland also signed running back Roy Helu, formerly of Washington.

- The Tennessee Titans signed former Falcons receiver Harry Douglas.

- The Cardinals signed linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

- Tennessee Titans free agent QB Jake Locker shockingly retired after only 4 years in the league. Locker, 26, was the eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft, but suffered from injuries and inconsistencies in his time with the Titans. Locker was expected to be one of the top free agent quarterbacks available this offseason.

- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis retired after 9 years due to health concerns with feet, along wanting to leave the game on his own terms.

- Steelers free agent linebacker Jason Worilds has also decided to step away from playing football, announcing his decision via a series of tweets on Twitter. Worilds, 27, had 15 sacks the past two seasons in Pittsburgh and was expected to get offers up to $15 million in guaranteed money.

- Lastly, the Cavaliers went down to Dallas and hung the biggest home loss of the season on the Mavericks, smashing them 127-94. LeBron James led the Cavs with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. This was the third time this season that all five Cavaliers starters scored at least 17 points, with James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and JR Smith all above 20 points. Timofey Mozgov had 17. On the Mavs side, Monta Ellis had 17 points while Dirk Nowitzki struggled with 13 points on 3/10 shooting. In the game, LeBron James also became the team's all time assist leader, passing Mark Price. The Cavs have off tonight while they prepare for their TNT nationally televised game versus the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. Tip off will be at 9:30 pm.