While teammates D’Qwell Jackson, Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, Abe Elam, Matt Roth and Jason Trusnik received second-round tenders yesterday evening, free safety Brodney Pool did not.  Pool joins the company of Greg Estandia (a tight end, in case you needed a reminder) and special-teamer Ray Ventrone.

Not being tendered does not make a player unrestricted, as this issue has been confusing to some in the past.  All players are still restricted free agents, and the Browns have the option to match any offers that other teams may present.  Not being tendered, however, the Browns would not receive any compensation from the opposing team in the event that the player were to leave.

Fans will now be able to debate the value of the tenders given to the six men listed above.  There has been a lot of discussion around linebacker D’Qwell Jackson as to if the team would give him a first-round tender after the contract extension talks dried up.  There is also a lot of speculation as to if the Browns actually prefer second-round draft selections due to the cost-talent paradigm. 

Specifically regarding Pool, it will be a tough call for the Browns. On the one hand, he has had a serious bout with concussions (thanks to tackles like those above) and was thought to may be done playing football for good.  On the other, the team’s current starting free safety is actually a wide receiver in Mike Furrey.  The defensive backfield is very thin and the Browns would need to be sure of other options.

NFL fans have already seen the first wave of free agent signings as well as trade scenarios.  There will undoubtedly be plenty more to come as the Browns continue to find themselves among the list of top movers and shakers.

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(AP Photo/Paul Connors)