Northcutt Not Free

I have to admit I am pretty shocked by Northcutt/his agent's failure to submit the proper paperwork to void the final years of his contract. It's rather amazing in this day and age, and I can't help but think which scenes from Jerry Mcguire have been playing out, somewhere, this past week.

So what does this mean? Well it's obviously good for the Browns, but it remains to be scene if they can keep Northcutt without things getting ugly. Obviously, the Browns thought Northcutt to be worth much less than Northcutt expected to command on the open market. This story may still end with Northcutt playing for someone else...

Nevertheless, that likely means the Browns get something in return for him. They are certainly in a good position to deal him since the team will not be penalized much if at all and his present contract is below market value. Heck, might there be a possibility they could get a 2nd round pick? I think a 3rd or 4th is more likely since whoever pursues him will still have to pay him like a free agent.

This whole thing opens up some interesting scenario. Maybe Northcutt stays at a reasonable price. Maybe the Browns get a nice extra draft pick. Maybe Northcutt is moved in a draft-related deal in a bid to get one of the big names on the board (the teams with the top 4 picks all could use a guy like that, IMO). Or, and I think this would have to be the most likely scenario I can dream up, we trade Northcutt to the Chiefs in exchange for rigths to restricted free agent John Tait. That would almost make too much sense...