Written by Dave Kolonich

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Is it just me, or did Sunday’s free agent signings of Tony Pashos and Scott Fujita remind you of this time last year, when Eric Mangini went on a similar Big Lots shopping spree, albeit one that didn’t move far from the Jets Bargain Bin?  The 2010 Pashos signing is indeed an upgrade over the 2009 version, one John St. Clair.  Also, isn’t Fujita a kind of Eric Barton 2.0? 

Not that I’m complaining, mind you.  I’ll take Pashos at right tackle over St. Clair anyday.  Actually, I would even consider Brady Quinn over St. Clair at this point in the veteran “tackle’s” career.

By the by, that was my obigatory QB reference of the day.  Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.

Fujita brings some great experience to the Browns, namely his role in helping turn the Saints into World Champions.  Fujita has a bigger body, at least compared to Barton, and in some ways could even rival David Bowens in terms of versatility.  It’s possible that Fujita could be penciled in as a starter inside, next to hopefully a healthy D’Qwell Jackson, or ideally a first or second day draft pick. 

As for both signings, the positives of adding veteran experience and another rotation body outweigh the actual talents of each player.  Under no circumstances should any Browns fan feel estatic over the plodding Pashos or aging Fujita.  However, when considering last year’s alternatives, it’s clear that the team has upgraded each position – at a fairly reasonable price, at least based on the overvalued nature of NFL free agency.

However, what’s interesting about these signings is the role that – it would appear – Mangini played in the process.  Although one local report solely credited Heckert and Holmgren for being able to “close a deal”, it’s somewhat obvious that both players fit the Mangini mold of a free agent. 

Fujita in particular has played all types of linebacker positions during his career.  At the beginning of his Saints career, he lined up as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 set, but has been featured more in the middle during the last few seasons.  In the Browns 3-4 scheme, it would appear that he could easily fit inside, but also play a pass rush role, similar to Bowens in 2009. 

As for Pashos, he has almost exclusively played right tackle throughout his career, but clearly has the build and average athleticism that would probably make him a better fit at guard. 

Or, in other words – each player brings some versatility to the Browns, who – don’t look now – are still coached by Mangini.  If we learned anything about Mangini last season, it is that he covets versatility in his players.  Just point to the roles that Bowens, Mike Adams and Mike Furrey played on defense in 2009, as well as Josh Cribbs, Floyd Womack….and Hank Fraley (?) on offense.

Having said all that, if you didn’t know that Holmgren and Heckert were now in charge, these signings could have easily taken place in 2009 and credited to Mangini.

While I’m clearly not doubting the authority of Holmgren and Heckert – and seriously, after the leadership void of the last decade, I’m giving them both a 2-3 year grace period  - what I am suggesting is that perhaps all of the President-speak of the past few months is more than mere talk.

Although the evidence is pretty scarce at this point, perhaps we should all be relieved that Holmgren and Heckert are taking the first steps in building the Browns back into contenders, rather than completely shred the existing product.  After all, if last December showed us anything, it is that Mangini can be an effective coach.

In the cases of Pashos and Fujita, their versatility is more a reflection of Holmgren and Heckert’s plan to support Mangini, rather than undermine him with players that do not necessarily fit the current schemes already in place. 

This should temporarily disuade those who like to dwell in conspiracies regarding the next head coach of the Browns.

Anyway, a good contrast could have been found had the Browns signed a smaller blocker, perhaps one with some West Coast experience, rather than the bullish Pashos.  In Fujita’s case, his size alone seems to reflect Mangini and Rob Ryan’s penchant for physical play.  Just imagine if a smaller, speedier linebacker, say a cheaper version of Gary Brackett were brought in. 

In other words, Mangini is still alive and well in Cleveland.

Which brings me to this…how about Thomas Jones?

If Mangini still had complete control over the franchise at the moment, would this signing have already occurred?

I like to think that it still could.

Imagine a Thomas Jones/Jerome Harrison pairing heading into 2010.  Despite his mileage and the league’s new emphasis on devaluing veteran running backs, Jones has been nothing but consistent over the past several seasons.  With the exception of the Jets’ playoff run, which featured rookie Shonn Greene, Jones has been ultra-productive and has not shown evidence of breaking down…unlike the fading bigger name backs available such as LaDainian Tomlinson or Brian Westbrook.

As for Harrison, despite his electrifying December, no one really knows if he can last an entire season as a feature back.  Although other players his size have done so in the past, it’s a huge gamble – one that Holmgren has addressed – to rely solely on Harrison in 2010.  The rest of the team’s RB depth consists of James Davis, whose potential is unknown and camp hero Chris Jennings.

Adding Jones would also give the team a veteran presence on an offensive unit that is incredibly young and features some terrific inconsistency at QB.  In many ways, Jones could serve in the same type of role that Jamal Lewis filled in past years…albeit without the pre-injury criticism regarding practice schedules and offensive schemes.

In the end, again it comes back to Mangini.

Mangini and Jones have a history together, based on their seasons together with the Jets.  It was Mangini – or, if you’re into revisionist history, Mike Tannenbaum…since the move was successful – who brought Jones from Chicago to New York a few years ago.  In terms of character and work ethic – two important Mangini player requirements – Jones could seemlessly fit into the Browns’ current system.

As for the offense, despite Holmgren’s West Coast background, it’s pretty clear that the Browns will succeed only if they emphasize the run in 2010.  Because of the raw talent at WR and the great unknowns at QB, the offense’s blueprint for success in 2010 will largely rely on a heavy dose of Harrison and Cribbs.  Throw in a veteran like Jones to split the carries and the Browns could feature one of the top ground games in the league.

Of course, an alternative to Jones could be found in the draft – more on this Tuesday – but as for now, let’s hope that the new process in Cleveland continues to work smoothly.