Dein erstes Forum » to the new football year for Cleveland

MASON, Ohio -- Defending champion Serena Williams got one of seven wilds cards announced Friday for the Western & Southern Open.The tournament opens Sunday with the mens draw, which will be missing two of its biggest stars. Seven-time champion Roger Federer will miss the rest of the season to rehabilitate a surgically repaired knee. Novak Djokovic withdrew because of a sore left wrist. Federer beat Djokovic in the finals last season, leaving it the only Masters event that the top-ranked player has never won.Williams decided to play in Cincinnati after being upset at the Olympics on Tuesday. She has reached the finals in Cincinnati each of the last three years, winning the last two times. Luther Head Jersey . Pettersen, winner of last years Evian Championships, had nine birdies and three bogeys, holding off a series of challengers led by Marion Ricordeau of France. The second-ranked Norwegian made her season debut after missing the LPGA Tours opening event last month in the Bahamas because of a shoulder injury. Isaiah Hartenstein Jersey . -- Aaron Murray threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another score, and led No. https://www.cheaprocketsonline.com/277z-dikembe-mutombo-jersey-rockets.html . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Chandler Parsons Jersey . With their top three point guards and Kobe Bryant all sidelined by injury, the Lakers signed Marshall out of the D-League on Friday before their home game against Minnesota. Rudy Tomjanovich Jersey . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball.Day one of free agency was as chaotic as ever, with a vast number of the best-available players being snapped-up as soon as the signing window opened. Regardless of what happens during the season, the effects of this free agency window will be felt in the coming months and years, with some enormous contracts being dished out, instantly raising the market value of a number of NFL players.A number of teams have already made a big statement of intent. Risks have been taken, and massive sums of money have been spent. Meanwhile, others still look like they have a huge amount of work to do on the personnel front. Although as history shows, it is not always the teams who spend big at this stage that go on to achieve success. Granted there are really no winners or losers at this stage - that will be determined when the teams return to the field in September. But, we take a look at who might just have given themselves a proper shot at success when the season returns.WINNERSOakland Raiders Sean Smith is the latest big-name arrival in Oakland Key arrivals: Bruce Irvin (linebacker), Kelechi Osemele (offensive tackle/guard), Sean Smith (cornerback)Verdict: The Raiders long held a reputation for dreadful drafting, and struggled on the field. But, they appear to have got the draft side of things right having developed 2014 pick Khalil Mack into one of the best defenders in football, and have Derek Carr, one of the best young quarterbacks in the league.And it looks like they might just have got free agency right too. Bruce Irvin never quite developed into the dominant force in Seattle that the Seahawks anticipated, but alongside Mack, he will provide one of the most fearsome-looking pass rushes in football.Kelechi Osemele was widely regarded as the premier offensive lineman available, and the Raiders paid big to get their man, handing the former Ravens star a massive five-year, $60m contract. It is the largest deal for a guard by some distance. But, it should be an excellent signing. With excellent physicality and blocking ability, Osemeles acquisition will allow Carr to continue to flourish, while running back Latavius Murray could also be in for a solid season.The club have also agreed a four-year, $40m deal with cornerback Sean Smith, who has been one of the NFLs most consistent at the position for a number of years, and upgrades a needy secondary, following the retirement of Charles Woodson. Review the opening night of free agency as Brock Osweiler and Olivier Vernon made high-profile moves. Jacksonville JaguarsKey arrivals: Malik Jackson (defensive end), Tashaun Gipson (safety), Chris Ivory (running back), Brad Nortman (punter), Marcedes Lewis (tight end, re-signed)Verdict: With a starting cap room of $79m, the Jaguars had the largest pool of money available to them in the NFL. So it should come as no surprise that they have spent big. Like Oakland, the Jaguars have a young squad, and one that only looks like getting better. The one disappointment for them was that they were not available to sign defensive end Olivier Vernon, despite a big push. Malik Jackson joins Jacksonville with a Super Bowl win to his name They added to the offence built around young quarterback Blake Bortles by bringing in Jets running back Chris Ivory on the back of a career-year, and as a physical, bruising back he will complement TJ Yeldon.But it was on the other side of the ball they they needed to make their mark, and they have done. In Super Bowl touchdown-scoring defensive end Malik Jackson, the Jags have a player in his prime, and he will be the finishing touch to an already imposing looking offensive line. Jacksonvilles best deal, perhaps, is the signing of safety Tashaun Gipson on a five-year, $35.5m contract. Despite coming off of a poor 2015 in Cleveland, Gipson is one of the top playmaking safeties around and could prove a steal.WINNERS... FOR NOWNew York GiantsKey arrivals: Jason-Pierre Paul (defensive end, re-signed), Olivier Vernon (defensive end), Janoris Jenkins (cornerback), Damon Harrison (defensive tackle)Verdict: The Giants went on what can only be described as a spending spree, and are perhaps the most difficult team to assess. They dished-out around $200m worth of contracts on Wednesday, aimed at addressing the glaring needs on their defence. Olivier Vernon is now the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL There is no question they have done that, but the pressure will be on right away to prove the players were worth the money. Former Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon has been signed to a mammoth five-year, $85m contract and will now be the highest-paid defensive player in the entire NFL.Plus, Janoris Jenkins has been signed to a huge five-year, $62m deal making him the second-highest paid cornerback in the game. Inconsistency has been an issue for Jenkins, so there will be much interest on how this one plays out.The pressure will be on new head coach Ben McAdoo immediately. While the value will be questioned, come September, the Giants will have put themselves in a position to make a charge in the unpredictable NFC East.Houston TexansKey arrivals: Brock Osweiler (quarterback), Lamar Miller (running back), Jeff Allen (guard) Highlights of new Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler’s Week 11 performance for Denver Broncos against Chicago Bears. Verdict: The Texans have taken a chance on Brock Osweiler, there is no doubt about that. The former Denver quarterback has agreed a four-year, $72m contract - despite only making seven starts in the NFL. But, this is a player who has learned under Peyton Manning for four years and been on a Super Bowl-winning team, and certainly has a lot of upside.The Texans will hope Osweiler is the long-term solution they have craved since 2013. After using seven different quarterbacks in the last two seasons, head coach Bill OBrien will finally believe he has the player he needs.If Osweiler pans out as Houston hope, they could be on the road to success.They also signed running back Lamar Miller from Miami, on a four-year, $26m contract. With all-time rusher Arian Foster now gone after an injury-hit 2015, the Texans have secured the man they can take theiir running game forward - and Miller can also catch a pass.dddddddddddd Losing guard Brandon Brooks was a blow, but softened by the arrival of Jeff Allen from Kansas City.Philadelphia EaglesKey arrivals: Nigel Bradham (linebacker), Brandon Brooks (guard), Ron Brooks (cornerback), Chase Daniel (quarterback), Leodis McKelvin (cornerback, return man), Rodney McLeod (safety), Sam Bradford (quarterback re-signed)Key departures: Nolan Carroll (cornerback), Walter Thurmond (safety), Kiko Alonso (linebacker - traded), Byron Maxwell (cornerback - traded), DeMarco Murray (running back - traded) DeMarco Murray has joked that his year in Philadelphia felt like a Verdict: Philadelphia sneak into the winners section perhaps more down to the departures from the club than who they have brought in. New general manager Howie Roseman has shipped-out former coach Chip Kellys expensive flops, and has began to rebuild accordingly.Philly have sent linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerback Byron Maxwell to Miami. Alonso has missed 21 games over the past two seasons with injury, while Maxwell, amid shoulder problems, never showed why Kelly gave him a six-year, $63m contract. This move gets two ineffective and expensive players off of the team, and has also seen the Eagles swap draft picks with Miami, meaning they will now pick eighth in 2016.Roseman has also offloaded the disappointing DeMarco Murray to Tennessee, after a year with an average of a mere 3.6 yards per carry.Quarterback Sam Bradford has been retained, and at $18m a year, looks not too bad a price compared to Brock Osweiler and Kirk Cousins. Chase Daniel will provide competition there, while safety Rodney McLeod is a good value signing from the Rams.TO BE DETERMINED.....Miami DolphinsKey arrivals: Mario Williams (defensive end), Kiko Alonso (linebacker - traded), Byron Maxwell (cornerback - traded), Isa Abdul-Quddus (safety) Byron Maxwell arrives in Miami with a number of question marks surrounding him Key departures: Rishard Matthews (wide receiver), Lamar Miller (running back), Olivier Vernon (defensive end), Brent Grimes (cornerback), Greg Jennings (wide receiver)Verdict: All of the reasons why that trade works out better for Philadelphia are above. They have taken over two big contracts on players who have badly struggled in the past year, and Miami now move out of the top ten picks of the draft.The Dolphins spent big last summer on Ndamukong Suh, and the former Detroit defensive tackle did not perform as a player on a six-year, $114m contract should. But, Miami have dished out the big money again.One player they didnt go all out for was their own defensive end Olivier Vernon, widely regarded as the best free agent available. The New York Giants stumped up, and made him the highest-paid defensive player in football. In his place, 31-year old Mario Williams has arrived from Buffalo on a two-year, $17m deal. Like Alonso and Maxwell, Williams is coming off of one his least productive seasons, and the jury will be out on the 2006 No 1 draft pick.Houston also nabbed Miamis starting running back Lamar Miller, paying him just under $7m a year. It is a little surprising that the club couldnt offer similar, and instead, the Dolphins now have another need at another position. Free Agency LIVE! Keep a track of the very latest moves MUCH TO DODenver BroncosKey arrivals: Von Miller (linebacker, re-signed), Derek Wolfe (defensive end - re-signed)Key departures: Brock Osweiler (quarterback), Malik Jackson (defensive end), Danny Trevathan (linebacker), Evan Mathis (guard), Peyton Manning (quarterback - retired) Peyton Mannings retirement was expected to see Brock Osweiler take over as Denver quarterback Verdict: The curse of the Super Bowl win has certainly struck for Denver. Just a month on from their finest hour in Santa Clara, they now find themselves without a quarterback and with a couple of big holes on defence.Peyton Mannings retirement was no secret. So, all signs pointed towards Brock Osweiler, the 25-year old groomed to replace Manning since 2012, being the man to replace him - especially after performing well after filling in for the former Colt for half of the regular season. But general manager John Elway reportedly wouldnt go above $16m a year, and the Texans swooped in with an offer of $18m a year to steal Osweiler away.In a league devoid of top-quality quarterbacks, options for the Broncos will be slim. Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III are probably the best options available, considering there appears to be no interest in Ryan Fitzpatrick.Elsewhere, Malik Jackson headed to Jacksonville, while linebacker Danny Trevathan left to join old head coach John Fox in Chicago. But, perhaps the next big stumbling block for the Broncos will be Von Miller. Beyond the franchise tag, the effect of Olivier Vernons gigantic deal on the NFL will no doubt affect Millers value - the Super Bowl MVP may think he deserves to be the highest-paid defensive player, and that is something Elway will have to address. Could the Broncos call upon Robert Griffin III? Cleveland BrownsKey arrivals: NoneKey departures: Travis Benjamin (wide receiver), Tashaun Gipson (safety), Alex Mack (center), Mitchell Schwartz (offensive tackle)Verdict: The Browns have lost a number of big-name players - and Johnny Manziel still is not one of them. With Hue Jackson in charge, and a new front office, a fresh start for the ever-struggling club is understandable, but letting go of the talent they have allowed to leave without much of a fight is questionable.Center Alex Mack voided his contract, and looked like he had his heart set on leaving. Atlanta swooped, and signed arguably the top player in the position in the NFL. However, Mitchell Schwartz - again, one of the best tackles in the NFL - was negotiating with Cleveland, when the club suddenly pulled their offer. That is despite Schwartz not missing a single game since being drafted in 2012. Mack took things into his own hands, but letting Schwartz go has left many questions. Travis Benjamin will be catching passes for the Chargers next season Tashaun Gipson, as discussed earlier, is one of the top playmaking safeties in the league, while wide receiver Travis Benjamin was allowed to join San Diego without much of a whimper. That is despite Benjamin having his best year in 2015, catching 68 passes for 966 yards and five touchdowns.It is a strange start to the new football year for Cleveland, and leaves them with even more pressing needs than they already had.HONOURABLE MENTIONSThe Cincinnati Bengals kept hold of safety George Iloka and cornerback Adam Jones, which is very good business indeed. But, they also lost their No 2 and No 3 wide receivers in Marvin Jones to Detroit and Mohamed Sanu, who has gone to Atlanta. They have simply paid the price for having two of the best available in a free agency class very thin on wide receivers.Chip Kellys arrival at the San Francisco 49ers had many expecting a big free agency splash, similar to Philadelphias chaotic 2015 showing. But, in the end, a team already with a number of glaring needs lost long-time starting guard Boone, adding only a backup quarterback in Thad Lewis, although they did manage to re-sign tackle Ian Williams. Also See: Free Agency LIVE! Broncos say goodbye to Osweiler Free Agency Recap Vernon signs big-money contract ' ' '