The Browns got two potential free agents to sign contract extensions before the season ended, but now it looks as if they might lose one of their most important players.

Middle linebacker Andra Davis signed a five-year extension in December. On the Friday before the regular season ended, cornerback Leigh Bodden signed a four-year extension to keep him with the Browns through 2009. Terms were not disclosed. Bodden would have been a restricted free agent.

The problem for the Browns is defensive end Orpheus Roye. They are so far apart in negotiations they expect Roye to at least test the market. He is seeking $2 million a year more than the Browns are offering. He is 32 and needs arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Romeo Crennel received high marks for lifting the Browns from 4-12 to 6-10. Players believe in his concept of playing well enough to get to the fourth quarter with a chance to win. Ten players ended up on injured reserve, but the Browns were healthier than they have been in the past. Crennel gets credit for not running a hard-hitting training camp.

Not being hired until Feb. 8 last year meant Crennel couldn't put his staff together until late. Now, with seven head coaches out of work, he might try to weed out some assistants. Wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie, a holdover from the Butch Davis era, could be replaced. Crennel might want a more experienced quarterback coach than Rip Scherer to work with Charlie Frye. One possibility is Chris Palmer, the former Browns head coach who was fired as the Texans' offensive coordinator early in the season.

Crennel said he has contingency plans in case another team snatches offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon or defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Offensive line coach Jeff Davidson could replace Carthon. Crennel and Davidson were together with the Patriots.

FREE AGENT UPDATE

Unrestricted free agents:

TE Aaron Shea (Kellen Winslow Jr.'s return endangers Shea's chances of doing the same)

LT L.J. Shelton (Unless they use their first pick in the draft on a tackle, Shelton will be re-signed).

WR Antonio Bryant (The Browns are non-committal, but Braylon Edwards' torn ACL means they might be forced to re-sign him.)

DB Antwan Harris (Won't be back next season.)

LB Ben Taylor (Too many of his tackles are 8 yards downfield. He won't get a big offer from the Browns.)

P Kyle Richardson (Good punters are hard to find, but the Browns have to do better than Richardson.)

OL Mike Pucillo (Showed he is a capable backup at all three interior positions.)

LB Orlando Ruff (Like Ben Taylor, Ruff isn't the answer to the Browns' problems on run defense.)

DE Orpheus Roye (Extending Roye's contract is the top priority, but the sides are far apart.)

DB Ray Mickens (played well as a nickel back, but his return for next season is unlikely.)

Restricted free agent:

NT Ethan Kelly (Good plugger, probably will return to the Browns. Unlikely to be highly sought.)

FEELING A DRAFT: The Browns will draft 12th. Adding a nose tackle for run defense and a pass-rushing linebacker, either in free agency or the draft, are priorities.

MEDICAL WATCH: Surgery on WR Braylon Edwards' torn right ACL was performed Monday. Rehab is expected to last nine months. ... G Cosey Coleman needs arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. ... DE Orpheus Roye and FB Corey McIntyre also need arthroscopic knee surgery. ... C Jeff Faine is recovering from a torn right biceps and will begin rehab Tuesday.

Special thanks to NFL Draft Scout

The rumor mill in Cleveland is mentioning Bernie Kosar as a possible candidate to succeed John Collins as team president.