CLEVELAND, Ohio — Beginning 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Browns will finally have a chance to improve their roster through trades and free agency, but they’ve been cautioning fans for months not to expect an overhaul in what promises to be a frenzied week.

“We won’t go gung-ho in free agency,” General Manager Tom Heckert said recently. “Our philosophy is to build this team through the draft and that’s what we intend to do.”

On Tuesday, teams can make trades, sign drafted and undrafted rookies, and begin negotiating with free agents. They can start signing free agents — their own and others’ — Friday at 6 p.m.

As of Monday afternoon, the Browns weren’t expecting to make any trades, and were hoping to land two or three key free agents.

“We’ve been talking about our plan, the players [we want to pursue], for a long, long time,” Browns President Mike Holmgren said on the team’s radio show on WKNR. He said the team hopes to add “certain free agents that can come in and make an impact with us right away.”

He identified receiver, defensive line and cornerback as positions the Browns have identified, “but we will not go wholesale in free agency.”

Of the Browns’ 15 unrestricted free agents, there are several they’d like to re-sign and others they’ll let walk. Heckert traded for defensive end Jayme Mitchell last season and has already made it clear he wants him back. Mitchell, who was overlooked last season by coach Eric Mangini, is penciled in as the starting left end and is a better fit in the new 4-3.

The Browns will also try to re-sign cornerback Eric Wright, who was tendered in off-season, but is now an unrestricted free agent under the new collective bargaining agreement because of his four accrued seasons.

Wright, who’s coming off a tumultuous 2010 season in which he received death threats, has said he’d like to return. It’s not known if the Browns intend to pursue starting safety Abe Elam. If not, there are a number of good safeties available, including the Eagles’ Quintin Mikell, who was signed by Heckert as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2003. Mikell, a great special teams player, went on to start for the Eagles at strong safety the past four seasons. In 2009, he made the Pro Bowl.

Some Browns not expected back include linebacker Matt Roth and fullback Lawrence Vickers. Roth has said he wants to play in a 3-4 and Vickers became expendable when the Browns drafted fullback Owen Marecic out of Stanford.

Defensive end Robaire Smith, another unrestricted free agent, said earlier this month that he’d like to re-sign with the Browns and is recovered from the spine bruise that landed him on injured reserve last season. Smith said reports of the injury being career-threatening were overblown and he feels as good as ever. Whether or not the Browns re-sign the 12th-year pro depends on their medical evaluation.

The Browns restricted third-year tight end Evan Moore in the off-season and would like to keep him. They would receive a second-round pick in 2012 if he signs elsewhere. They have yet to hear from kicker Phil Dawson, whom they franchised in March. If Dawson leaves, the Browns would receive two first-round picks in return.

Some big-name free agents who might fit their needs in addition to Mikell include Vikings receiver Sidney Rice, Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson, Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph, Chargers safety Eric Weddle, Ravens safety Dawan Landry and Colts safety Melvin Bullitt.

Rice underwent hip surgery last season and didn’t play until November, but had a sensational 2009, with 83 catches for 1,12 yards and eight TDs en route to the Pro Bowl. Edwards had eight sacks for the Vikings and Johnson had 11.5 for the Panthers.

Weddle, Landry and Bullitt are all starting-caliber safeties in their prime.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Now that the NFL lockout is over, here are some of the Cleveland Browns stories you may have missed — or would like to re-visit – from The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com over the past several weeks.

Take a look at what PD Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot reported, what columnists Terry Pluto, Bill Livingston and Bud Shaw had to say, and more.

Meanwhile, keep updated on Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage here.

Browns and more Browns

Today, Monday, July 25, Grossi analyzes who the winners and losers are in the new contract between the NFL and its players.

The Browns are considering their options as free agency is about to begin, Cabot writes today.

Common sense prevailed in the settlement, Shaw writes today.

The contract agreement is good news for the Browns, who have no excuse to not build toward playoff contention, Pluto writes today.

Grossi today analyzes the Browns’ roster and needs now that the lockout is over.

Livingston comments today that the lockout leaves the Browns further behind other teams in their season preparation.

Today’s Starting Blocks poll asks “Which top free agent should the Browns pursue?”

“Terry Pluto’s Talkin’ ” about the Browns’ offense on Sunday (yesterday).

Sunday’s edition of “Hey, Tony,!” the weekly feature in which Grossi answers readers’ questions.

Grossi wrote on Saturday that Browns president Mike Holmgren was optimistic the players would agree to a new labor deal in “the next couple days,” as proved to be right.  

Grossi wrote on Saturday, too, that first-year Browns coach Pat Shurmur’s plans were being delayed by the lockout.

The lockout forced the NFL to cancel the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Grossi reported on July 21.

The Browns need to be aggressive in adding talent when the lockout ends, Pluto wrote on July 19.

On July 18, Grossi wrote about the new book authored by Browns quarterback Colt McCoy and his dad, Brad. A highlight is McCoy telling his teammates before his first NFL start, against the Steelers in Pittsburgh: “If you want to be scared, be scared. I’m not…”

Issues addressed in Grossi’s July 17 “Hey, Tony!” include the readiness of the Browns’ front office once the lockout ends.

Grossi talks about the Browns on the July 15 edition of Starting Blocks TV.

Returner-receiver Josh Cribbs talks about the rapport among the Browns offensive players at “Camp Colt IV.” A July 13 report among those filed by Cabot from the informal Browns workouts hosted by McCoy in Austin, Texas.

Linebacker Scott Fujita talks about the Browns defense going to the 4-3. A July 12 story by Cabot from the workouts in Texas.

Colt McCoy compliments his teammates on the players-only workouts, Cabot wrote from Austin on July 11.

The Browns’ first draft pick, defensive lineman Phil Taylor, enjoys “Camp Colt IV,” writes Cabot from Texas on July 11.

Defensive end Robaire Smith wants to re-sign with the Browns, reported Cabot on July 10.

The Browns will have a combination of problems once the lockout ends, Grossi wrote on July 7.

Running back Peyton Hillis is making sure he’s prepared for the 2011 season — not letting his appearance on the cover of Madden 12, or the lockout, deter him. A June 25 feature story by Cabot.

Colt McCoy credits his teammates for the success of the first three player-organized workout camps, Cabot wrote on June 24.

Coach Pat Shurmur says the Browns have the foundation to be a good team, Cabot reported on June 20.

The Browns once explored the possibility of former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel as their coach, wrote Grossi on June 11.

The Browns won’t pursue free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress, according to a source, Cabot reported on June 7.

It seems that linebacker Matt Roth feels he won’t remain with the Browns, Grossi wrote on June 5.

The Browns have big tight ends who can catch the football. From the June 5 “Terry Pluto’s Talkin.’ “

Fullback Lawrence Vickers is baffled by the Browns taking another fullback, Owen Marecic, in the fourth round of the draft. A report by Grossi on June 4.

Grossi’s May 29 edition of “Hey, Tony!” includes several questions that remain relevant weeks later.

Locked out from trying to catch on with a team, undrafted rookie free agents try to remain hopeful. A May 22 story by Bill Lubinger.

A May 20 story by Cabot about rookie wide receiver Greg Little, a second-round Browns draft pick.

The May 14 “Terry Pluto’s Talkin’ ” includes notes on the Browns new West Coast offense. 

A May 12 report by Cabot on the Browns’ second players-only camp.

The Browns conducted the draft with a long-term approach, Pluto writes.

Grossi’s May 7th analysis of how the Browns’ AFC North rivals did in the draft.

In the aftermath of the Browns’ draft-day trade, on May 4 Grossi looks at how previous Browns’ draft-day deals have worked out.

Colt McCoy says that his shoulder feels as good as ever, reports Cabot on May 2.

General manager Tom Heckert stuck to his principles in how he conducted the draft, Pluto wrote on May 2.

Video on May 2 of Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur summarizing the draft. By David I. Andersen.

Comments on the Browns’ draft by Shaw on April 30.

Grossi’s April 30 report on the Browns’ busy final day of the draft.

An April 30 story by Cabot on fourth-round draft pick Jordan Cameron, a tight end.

Cabot’s April 29 story on a Browns’ second-round pick, defensive end Jabaal Sheard. 

The Browns pick Jabaal Sheard and Greg Little in the second round. Details in Grossi’s April 29 story.

Defensive tackle Phil Taylor was drafted by the Browns when he should have been – in the first round – writes Pluto on April 29.

Grossi’s April 28 story sums up the Browns’ first day of the draft, as they make a major trade that leads to their pick of Phil Taylor in the first round.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — As we were saying before being rudely interrupted by the NFL labor dispute, yes, the Browns have a lot of work to do on their roster.

General Manager Tom Heckert has to: 1. re-sign the team’s free agents he wants to keep, 2. sign at least a dozen undrafted free agents, 3. execute some trades, 4. sign the team’s eight rookie draft picks, and 5. sign some starting-caliber veteran free agents.

At various times during the four-month-old lockout, the Browns have said they won’t be “crazy” in free agency, but they swear they will act aggressively.

On Saturday, Browns President Mike Holmgren said, “The one thing we’ve been able to do prior to the lockout and during the lockout . . . Tom Heckert and personnel people . . . we’ve been in endless meetings, so that when they actually lift the curtain, we’ll hit the ground running.”

The NFL released the official lists of unrestricted and restricted free agents on Monday. The Browns have 15 unrestricted free agents on their roster. They also declined to make qualifying offers to third-year players Blake Costanzo and Titus Adams.

The first three tasks take on more immediate priority. To sort things out, here’s a recap of where the Browns’ roster stands and what needs to be done.

Quarterbacks

Projected starter: Colt McCoy.

Others under contract: Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme, Jarrett Brown.

To do: Delhomme’s scheduled $5.4 million 2011 salary might make it hard to trade him unless he agrees to rework his contract. Ideally, a young, developmental quarterback would be found to fill the No. 3 role.

Running backs

Projected starters: Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty.

Others under contract: Tyler Clutts, Quinn Porter.

Unsigned: Owen Marecic (r), Mike Bell, Lawrence Vickers.

To do: Any back has to be an accomplished pass catcher. They could seek a third-down back who specializes in the passing game.

Wide receivers

Projected starters: Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie.

Others under contract: Johnathan Haggerty, Carlton Mitchell, Jordan Norwood, Demetrius Williams, Rod Windsor.

Unsigned: Greg Little (r), Chansi Stuckey.

To do: If they add one in free agency, he should be a true No. 1 and not a player just to join the mix. Examine whether Cribbs should play in the slot or in the backfield.

Tight ends

Projected starter: Ben Watson.

Others under contract: Tyson DeVree.

Unsigned: Jordan Cameron (r), Evan Moore, Alex Smith, Greg Estandia.

To do: Moore is a restricted free agent and must be re-signed.

Offensive line

Projected starters: Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Alex Mack, Shawn Lauvao, Tony Pashos.

Others under contract: Branndon Braxton, Pat Murray, Phil Trautwein, Steve Vallos.

Unsigned: Jason Pinkston (r), Floyd Womack, Billy Yates.

To do: If Pashos reports to camp fully recovered from his season-ending ankle injury, don’t expect a starting-caliber new player to be added. Re-signing Womack and/or Yates seems prudent, since both can swing to two positions.

Defensive line

Projected starter: Ahtyba Rubin.

Others under contract: Travis Ivey, Scott Paxson, Ko Quaye, Brian Sanford, Brian Schaefering.

Unsigned: Titus Adams, Jayme Mitchell, Derreck Robinson, Jabaal Sheard (r), Robaire Smith, Phil Taylor (r).

To do: Much. They want to re-sign Mitchell to man the left end spot. When signed, Taylor (left tackle) and Sheard (right end) have to be force-fed immediately. There are more bodies under contract at the tackle position, so at least two ends have to be signed.

Linebackers

Projected starters: Scott Fujita, D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong.

Others under contract: Eric Alexander, Marcus Benard, Titus Brown, Auston English, Kaluka Maiava, Steve Octavien.

Unsigned: Blake Costanzo, Matt Roth, Jason Trusnik.

To do: Jackson’s torn pectoral muscles are said to be back to normal, but team has to protect itself with a middle linebacker to compete as a starter. Benard’s role has to be defined early. Is he a full-time linebacker, a full-time end or just a situational rusher?

Cornerbacks

Projected starters: Sheldon Brown, Joe Haden.

Others under contract: Coye Francies, Ramzee Robinson.

Unsigned: Buster Skrine (r), Eric Wright.

To do: Wright must be re-signed and another veteran acquired. If Wright leaves in free agency, they have to sign two cornerbacks.

Safeties

Projected starter: T.J. Ward.

Others under contract: Mike Adams, Sabby Piscitelli, DeAngelo Smith.

Unsigned: Abram Elam, Eric Hagg (r), Nick Sorensen, Ray Ventrone.

To do: Sign a starting free safety, enabling Adams to swing to corner or safety in sub packages.

Specialists

Projected starters: Reggie Hodges, Ryan Pontbriand.

Unsigned: Phil Dawson.

To do: Mend differences with Dawson on a new contract. He never signed his franchise tender and had mentally and emotionally counted on leaving in free agency.

On Twitter: @tonygrossi

Nice poll question! Ha ha.

We really need to sign Robaire Smith and Floyd Womack. I know they are old, but we need them on the line. The offense was better last season with Womack in the game.

Definitely need to keep Evan Moore and Phil Dawson. I would also like to see them keep Vickers, but it looks like they might not.

As for Roth, if he doesn’t want to be here, then he doesn’t want to be here. I think he is a good player though and would like to have him.

They can let the rest of ‘em walk for all I care.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — If all goes well over the next 48 hours, a “global settlement” of the four-month-old NFL labor dispute will be resolved by the weekend, thrusting the league back into business on a frenzied pace never seen before.

New rules will be announced governing the signings of undrafted free agents, veteran free agents and rookie draft picks. Teams will sort through their rosters and resume unfinished business with their own players. Trades will be made.

Virtually at the same time, players under contract will be reporting back to their clubs and preparing for an unusually quick turnaround to a compressed training camp and preseason.

“It’s doable,” said Browns President Mike Holmgren of the volume of work ahead. “Is it challenging? Absolutely, it’s going to be challenging. But it is what it is.

“You can either stress over it or roll up your sleeves and do the best you can. We’ve got a hard-working group of guys who are pretty sharp. They’ve been working on it now, from what I understand, in this off-season. We’ll be as ready as anybody.

“Believe me, we’ve been in endless meetings about [forthcoming player transactions] so that when it actually does happen, we’ll be ready to go. But it’ll be wild, you know that.”

Based on national reports of the ongoing settlement negotiations, the immediate order of events could unfold this way:

• Wednesday: NFL Players Association executive committee members meet with team player reps and discuss the voting process to approve the settlement. The settlement would pass with a vote of 50 percent plus one.

• Thursday: NFL team owners meet in Atlanta to review the official settlement documents and vote on approval. It needs 75 percent approval — 24 votes among 32 teams — to clear the final hurdle to resuming football business.

• Thursday and Friday: Team executives attend NFL seminar in Atlanta to be schooled on the new rules on salary cap, rookie wage scale, player transactions and other key terms of the deal. Up to four personnel executives per club plus owners will attend.

• Weekend: Teams may resume contact with players and agents.

• Monday (tentative): A three-day window is opened for teams to negotiate exclusively with their own potential free agents.

The Browns’ free agents are: running back Mike Bell, linebacker Blake Costanzo, kicker Phil Dawson (franchised under old rules), safety Abram Elam, defensive end Jayme Mitchell, tight end Evan Moore (tendered as restricted under old rules), defensive end Derrick Robinson, linebacker Matt Roth, tight end Alex Smith, defensive end Robaire Smith, safety Nick Sorensen, receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, fullback Lawrence Vickers, offensive lineman Floyd Womack, cornerback Eric Wright (tendered as restricted under old rules), and offensive lineman Billy Yates.

• Monday: Teams can begin negotiating with and signing undrafted free agents and rookie draft picks. Trades may begin.

According to NFLdraftscout.com, the highest-ranked players by position not drafted are: Pierre Allen, Nebraska (defensive end); Ian Williams, Notre Dame (defensive tackle); Deunta Williams, North Carolina (free safety); DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson (strong safety); Terrence Toliver, Louisiana State (receiver); Kris O’Dowd, Southern Cal (center), Zach Hurd, Connecticut (guard); Pat Devlin, Delaware (quarterback); Adrian Moten, Maryland (outside linebacker); Mario Harvey, Marshall (inside linebacker); Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State (cornerback); Derrick Locke, Kentucky (running back); Willie Smith, East Carolina (offensive tackle).

• July 28: Unrestricted free agency begins. The exact number of players available won’t be known until owners and players agree on terms of free agency.

• July 30: Browns training camp scheduled to open.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi