Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

  Phil Dawson has been a Brown for as long as many fans can remember. Not only has Phil been an asset on and off the field with his skill and veteran leadership, but he’ also been a big hit in the community. With all the focus on the Browns three game win streak which is incredible to say the least, many fans have become even more vested in Phil’s contract negotiations with the team. 

A vast majority of Cleveland fans want to see him retire wearing Orange and Brown, but he’s expressed interest to go elsewhere and in order to franchise tag him once again, the Browns would have to pay Phil an exorbitant salary; among the top 5% of all NFL players.Now before everyone gets started on the importance of a kicker, Lets hear some facts: Phil Dawson recently joined the 300 club, as one of the only 25 players to ever register 300 field goals made. This year Phil Dawson has attempted 27 field goals and has made 26, his longest being a 52 yarder. The definition of reliability. 

I for one believe that the Browns should pay him good money for his efforts. While we are on the subject of kickers, lets face it, they  don’t get paid much (comparatively speaking of course). Kickers are undervalued as it stands and with all of the recent media attention surrounding the possible elimination of kickoffs, kickers stock might plummet even further. Many NFL kickers are known for their loyalty to their respective franchises Guys like Sebastian Janikowski, Jason Hanson, and of course Phil Dawson. Thats where a hard working, blue collar, roll up the sleeves and get to work guy like Phil Dawson hits home. He’s the first on the field and the last to leave. Browns fans love him for a reason, we all want to see him back in Ohio but first things first we have got to get a contract figured out. 

Dawson is the most senior member of the Cleveland Browns at 37 and is a role model for many of the younger players in the locker room, his value far surpasses that of the points he puts on the scoreboard. Phil is sure to be inducted into the hall of fame at some point and he should forever be enshrined wearing the same jersey he’s worn his entire career.  After All he is a true member of the Browns nation and the Browns franchise. While new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has stated he won't be doing any negotiating until after the season has wrapped up, you can bet he’ll be under heavy pressure to keep Dawson a Brown for life.       

                                                                                                  By:Raymond Lucas Jr