Cleveland Browns and NFL A.M. Links: Joe Flacco rumors persist; Pat Shurmur will not call plays for Eagles

CLEVELAND, Ohio -? Rumors persist about the possibility of the Cleveland Browns going after Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

Peter King brought up that possibility in a recent SI.com article but it isn't likely. Reporter Mary Kay Cabot writes on Cleveland.com how the Browns could go after Flacco if the Ravens choose not to apply the exclusive franchise tag by March 4:

The exclusive designation prohibits other teams from making offers, but the Ravens would have to pay him about $20 million for 2013 -- unless they sign him to a long-term deal after tagging him.

If the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Flacco, other teams could make offers but would have to surrender two first-round picks to sign him. The Ravens, who are currently about $12.9 million under the cap, could match any offer. If no one made an offer, the Ravens would owe him about $15 million.

And if the Browns did go after Flacco, they would have to give up two first-round picks. Flacco had a great run in the playoffs, but was that just a hot streak, or is he really that good?

Other takes on Flacco include Terry Pluto saying a move to Cleveland just seems like a February fantasy; and ESPNCleveland writing about why the Browns might look at "double-dipping."

More Browns and NFL links

The Baltimore Ravens hope to meet with Flacco next week (Baltimore Sun).

It's cheaper for the Steelers to keep James Harrison (TribLive.com).

The NFL Network takes a close look at the Bengals (NFL.com).

Next year's Super Bowl won't catch the NFL out in the cold (SBJ.com).

It's time for the Patriots to find Tom Brady some young receivers (Yahoo.com).

The Buffalo Bills release two vets (CBSSports.com).

The signing of Michael Vick could mean trouble for the new coach (Fox Sports).

Sam Rutigliano warns owner Jimmy Haslam not to lose touch with team (CantonRep.com).

Pat Shurmur expects Chip Kelly to call plays in Philadelphia (Philly.com).

It didn't take long, but owner Jimmy Haslam returns to his truck stop company (Cleveland.com).

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/02/cleveland_browns_and_nfl_am_li_85.html

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