More on Cameron and the Browns tight end situation. They can still franchise him.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/ind...sy.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitterIt wasn't long ago the Browns appeared set at tight end after Cameron enjoyed his breakout Pro Bowl season in 2013. Remember when fans were concerned about giving center Alex Mack too much money because the team would need it to re-sign Josh Gordon and Cameron?
The tight end possesses good size, high character and acrobatic pass-catching abilities. The only thing scarier than his athletic ability is his medical file. That's what makes re-signing him or placing a franchise tag on Cameron so problematic. He's sustained a concussion in each of the past three years and also missed time last season with a shoulder injury.
Despite having the league's third-most salary cap space, it's understandable why the Browns might balk at committing to Cameron. They have until Monday to decide whether to franchise him for one season at $8.8 million. It's a tough call and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Browns allow him to walk.
At his best, the USC product represents the new breed of tight ends who stress defenses in the seams with the matchup problems they create. Picture Cameron's 80-yard touchdown against the Panthers in Week 15.
But he's not the only tight end of value who could hit the market March 10. The biggest name is the Broncos' Julius Thomas. The 6-foot-4, 251-pounder grabbed 24 TD receptions over the past two seasons, making him one of the league's top red-zone threats. But Thomas comes with injury concerns, as well.
There's also the matter of who's throwing him passes. Teams must ask themselves whether the tight end would thrive without Peyton Manning as his quarterback and Demaryius Thomas creating space for him at wide receiver?
Regardless, he should attract ample suitors and the Browns probably would need to seriously overpay for Thomas' services. Other free-agent possibilities include Dolphins' Charles Clay and Ravens' Owen Daniels. Clay is an intriguing figure, but he could command $6 million per season on the open market. He's also coming off an injury-plagued season. There's a strong chance Clay remains with the Dolphins.