The Cleveland Browns fail to sign Phil Dawson to a multi-year deal.

On Monday the deadline to resign Cleveland Browns place kicker Phil Dawson to a multi-year deal came and went without a deal being struck. This means that for the 2nd straight season Dawson will be paid as a franchise tagged player earning him 3.81 million during the 2012 season. If the Browns cannot reach a deal with (old faithful) Dawson by the same time next year, the team will be forced to franchise tag him for a 3rd straight time which will cost the club 5.3 million in 2013. But worse than that, an NFL player may only be given the franchise tag a maximum of three times meaning eventually the two parties will have to come to an agreement.

Phil Dawson is the only remaining member of the original 1999 expansion Browns and for good reason. He has been nothing but consistent. He also appears to be getting stronger and more accurate making 7 out of 8 field goals last season of 50+ yards tying an NFL record. Dawson’s previous long distance “high-water mark” came in 2008 when he was just 3 of 6.

It is hard to believe that the Browns have not already tied up Dawson for multiple years. He has been more reliable and scored more points than any other Cleveland Brown since coming back in 1999 and he is quickly approaching the overall points total of Browns great Lou (The Toe) Groza.

Over Groza’s 21 year career which ended in 1967, Groza put up a total of 1602 points earning himself a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame in 1974. Dawson has already surpassed 1,000 total points in just 12 seasons with 1149 points and counting. Not only is he creeping up on Groza’s points total, but Dawson’s field goal percentage blows Groza’s away. Groza’s FG% over his illustrious career was only 54.9%. Dawson is currently sitting at 83.1%. Not only that but despite trailing Groza in total points, Dawson has already made 12 more successful field goals than Groza did in 9 fewer seasons.

Special Teams can save or kill an NFL team. How many times have we seen a returner or place kicker win a game over the years? For the record, Dawson has 14 game winning field goals. So I ask the question again. Why are the Browns not locking Dawson up long term? If he chose to, Dawson would grab top dollar as a free agent. With his numbers and reliability he would be snagged quickly (and with our luck probably Pittsburgh or Baltimore would be the ones to grab him).

Dawson has said he wants to spend the rest of his career as a Cleveland Brown. So although Cleveland currently has him locked up for the 2012 season, this organization NEEDS to make Dawson an offer he cannot refuse before the 2013 season. Otherwise, the Browns would be forced to tag Dawson for the 3rd and final time then all bets are off.

Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website