Browns Sign Patten; Could Lose Stallworth, Edwards

It's a departure from Cleveland's free-agent strategy so far this offseason -- sign as many former Jets' castoffs as can fit under the salary cap -- but wide receiver David Patten, most recently of the Saints, is now under contract.

The 35-year-old, 13-year veteran played for the Browns in 2000, but emerged as one of Tom Brady's go-to guys during a three-Super Bowls-in-four-years stretch in New England. From 2001-04, Patten hauled in 165 passes (including 16 TDs) in 54 games with the Patriots. He had 54 more receptions with New Orleans in 2007 before injuries sidelined him last season.

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Despite his age, Patten could play a critical role in the Browns' passing game; they've released Joe Jurevicius and might lose Donte' Stallworth to legal troubles. And general manager George Kokonis also confirmed that the team talked to the Giants during last month's NFL combine about the possibility of moving Braylon Edwards.

"We exchanged ideas about everything, but nothing really culminated into specifics," he said. "I'm excited to have Braylon on this team. He brings a dimension that not a lot of receivers can bring in relation to going up and attacking the football. He had extremely good production a couple years ago and we're anticipating he has that this year."

Kokonis added, "Unless we trade him, which is what we're ultimately hoping for."*

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto believes Brady Quinn will get first crack at throwing to Patten next fall (and maybe Edwards should he survive the trade rumors). You know, the same guy who isn't accurate enough to be an NFL quarterback, yet serviceably solves the Broncos' current QB woes.

While some fans gnash their teeth and wish evil things for coach Eric Mangini every time a Brady Quinn rumor is floated, the Browns have a much bigger problem than trying to figure out who should be their quarterback. That's because I believe it will be Quinn, and everything else is posturing to increase the possible trade value of Derek Anderson.

Pluto thinks the "much bigger problem" is Shaun Rogers, the disgruntled defensive tackle who has been a no-show for voluntary workouts. While I agree that keeping Rogers happy is important, I'm not convinced he's more vital to the Browns' success than a legit NFL quarterback.

But maybe the organization is quite comfortable with either Quinn or Anderson in that role -- even if others aren't. In which case, shoring up the defense is a priority. Just like it's been since the Browns returned to Cleveland a decade ago.

* He didn't really say that, but he was probably thinking it.