2007 Cleveland Browns

The 2007 Cleveland Browns season will begin with the Browns attempting to improve upon their 4–12 record from the 2006 season, in which the team finished in fourth place in the AFC North. The Browns will also attempt to overcome the many injuries that plagued the team throughout the 2006 season. The Browns will remain under the supervision of head coach Romeo Crennel and they will play all of their home games in Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

During the 2007 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall selection. The Browns were also able to draft Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd overall selection, after completing a trade with the Dallas Cowboys which saw the Browns send their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, along with their first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, to the Cowboys for their first-round selection at number 22. The Browns completed their first-day draft by selecting UNLV cornerback Eric Wright, following another trade with the Dallas which saw the Browns giving up their third- and fourth-round picks in the 2007 draft and swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.

During the off-season, the Browns signed key free agents Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati, offensive guard), Jamal Lewis (Baltimore, running back), and Robaire Smith (Tennessee, defensive end).

Coaching staff changes
The Cleveland Browns' offense was marred by bad play-calling throughout the early stages of the 2006 season, forcing the resignation of the team's offensive coordinator, Maurice Carthon, on October 24, 2006. Following Carthon's resignation, head coach Romeo Crennel hired assistant head coach and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson as the team's offensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2006 season. However, the Browns have since lost Davidson to the Carolina Panthers, where he was hired to serve as the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Because of Davidson's hiring in Carolina, the Browns have hired Rob Chudzinski as the team's new offensive coordinator. The team has also hired Ted Daisher as the team's new special teams coordinator.

Other coaching staff changes made by the Browns in the 2007 off-season include the hiring of Steve Marshall as the offensive line coach; Tom Myslinski as the strength-and-conditioning coach; Alan DeGennaro as the assistant strength-and-conditioning coach; Dave Atkins as the senior offensive assistant coach; Anthony Lynn as the running backs coach; Rip Scherer as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach; and Alfredo Roberts as the tight ends coach.

On June 14, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's contract was extended by two years, allowing him to remain with the Browns through the 2009 season.

Roster changes
The Cleveland Browns have had one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of movement in the NFL. Beginning on March 3, 2007, the Browns signed former Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Eric Steinbach to a seven-year contract and former Houston Texans outside linebacker Antwan Peek to a three-year contract; the team also resigned center Hank Fraley to a four-year contract, fearing that center LeCharles Bentley's 2006 season-ending knee injury may also be a career-ending injury.

The following day, March 4, the Browns signed former Washington Redskins cornerback Kenny Wright to a three-year contract. One day later, on March 5, the Browns lost wide receiver and punt returner Dennis Northcutt to the Jacksonville Jaguars under the terms of a five-year contract.

On March 8, the team signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract, bolstering the team's lackluster running game. Because of Lewis's signing, running back Reuben Droughns had been made expendable, and was subsequently traded to the New York Giants for wide receiver Tim Carter on March 9.

Also on March 9, the Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, citing that he failed a physical, and lost safety Brian Russell to the Seattle Seahawks, though the terms of Russell's deal were not disclosed.

Nearly a week later, on March 14, the Browns terminated the contract of fullback Terrelle Smith, prior to having to pay Smith a due roster bonus; the team also signed former Miami Dolphins offensive guard Seth McKinney to a one-year contract and former Tennessee Titans defensive end Robaire Smith to a four-year contract. On March 16, the Browns signed former Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith to a four-year contract. Four days later, on March 20, the team re-signed offensive guard Lennie Friedman to a one-year contract; the team also lost defensive end Alvin McKinley to the Denver Broncos.

On March 29, it was revealed that Browns general manager Phil Savage entered in to talks with the Kansas City Chiefs' general manager Carl Peterson regarding their veteran quarterback, Trent Green. However, Green has since been traded to the Miami Dolphins.

On April 2, the team signed former San Francisco 49ers safety Mike Adams to a two-year contract. On April 14, the Browns re-signed veteran tight end Steve Heiden to a four-year contract extension, though terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 16, the Browns signed former Ravens fullback Alan Ricard to a one-year contract, though terms of his deal were not disclosed; the team also formally announced the signing of former San Diego Chargers tight end Ryan Krause, though the date he was signed and the terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 19, the Browns re-signed defensive tackle Ethan Kelley to the terms of a one-year contract.

On April 25, the Browns resigned free agents Simon Fraser and Mason Unck each to one-year contracts. On April 27, the Browns resigned free agent offensive lineman Nat Dorsey to a one-year contract. On May 2, the team waived offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi. Following his release, Andruzzi was hospitalized with lymphoma. The Browns release a statement wishing Andruzzi well, though it is not known whether his ailment is the reason the Browns released Andruzzi.

On May 3, the Browns announced the signings of nine undrafted free agents. Those players are: Jesse Ainsworth, a placekicker from Arizona State; Charles Ali, a fullback from Arkansas (Pine Bluff); Mike Alston, a linebacker from Toledo; Rick Drushal, an offensive lineman from Wooster; Hunter Funtaine, a linebacker from Vanderbilt; Mike Mason, a wide receiver from Tennessee State; Tyrone Moss, a halfback from Miami (Florida); Brent Pousson, an offensive lineman from McNeese State; and Scott Stephenson, an offensive lineman from Iowa State. The team also signed three try-out rookies on May 8, signing linebacker Kevin Sears, offensive lineman Cliff Louis and running back Jerome Jackson.

On June 17, the Browns waived cornerback Antonio Perkins, fullback Alan Ricard, and offensive linemen Brent Pousson and Scott Stephenson. On June 26, the team waived safety Ben Emanuel and claimed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Efrem Hill from waivers.

2007 NFL Draft
Prior to the 2007 NFL Draft, the Browns were set to utilize either the third pick or fourth pick of the first round. This discrepancy was due to the fact that the Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had similar records and strength-of-schedule averages. After the coin toss, it was determined that the Browns will use the third pick of the draft. The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and 29, 2007 in New York City, New York.

The Cleveland Browns had one of the best first-day drafts of any team. The Browns selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall pick of the draft, after many had predicted that the Browns would select Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft, following a trade with the Dallas Cowboys which saw the Browns send their second-round pick of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of the 2008 NFL Draft to the Cowboys for their first-round pick at number 22. During the second round of the draft, the Browns made another trade with the Cowboys, this time using the selection to pick UNLV cornerback Eric Wright. The Browns gave up their third- and fourth-round picks of the draft, and swapped their sixth-round pick with the Cowboys.

On the second day of the draft, the Browns looked to fill holes which were left by departing players through free agency. In the fifth round, the Browns drafted Memphis cornerback Brandon McDonald; in the sixth round, the Browns drafted Hawaii defensive end Melila Purcell; and in the seventh round, the Browns drafted LSU defensive end Chase Pittman and Arizona wide receiver Syndric Steptoe.

On July 18, the Browns signed the first of their seven draft picks, signing Pittman to a four-year contract. On July 22, the Browns signed three more draft picks, this time singing McDonald, Purcell and Steptoe each to four-year contracts. Steptoe is likely to compete to be the team's starting punt-returner heading into the 2007 season. On July 26, the Browns signed Thomas to a six-year contract (voidable after five years) and Wright to a four-year contract. Thomas and Wright will look to battle to become the starters at left tackle and cornerback respectively.

Until August 7, the Browns and Quinn could not agree on a contract, and the quarterback missed nearly two weeks of training camp. The parties then agreed, in principle, to a contract. Hours later, the team and Quinn finalized the contract, and Quinn signed with the team under the terms of a five-year contract. The contract is worth $20 million.

Pre-season schedule
The Cleveland Browns' pre-season schedule was announced on April 11, 2007.

Regular season schedule
The Cleveland Browns' regular season schedule was announced on April 11, 2007.

Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 3: @ Oakland Raiders
at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California
 * Game time: 4:05 PM EDT/3:05 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 4: Baltimore Ravens
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 5: @ New England Patriots
at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 6: Miami Dolphins
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 7 bye
The Cleveland Browns will not play a game during the week of October 21.

Week 8: @ St. Louis Rams
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM CDT
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 9: Seattle Seahawks
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 4:05 PM EST/3:05 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 11: @ Baltimore Ravens
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 12: Houston Texans
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 13: @ Arizona Cardinals
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
 * Game time: 4:05 PM EST/3:05 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 14: @ New York Jets
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
 * Game time: 4:15 PM EST/3:15 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 15: Buffalo Bills
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 16: @ Cincinnati Bengals
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined

Week 17: San Francisco 49ers
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
 * Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
 * Game weather: To be determined
 * Game attendance: To be determined
 * Referee: To be determined
 * TV announcers: To be determined

Scoring drives
''To be determined

Game summary
To be determined