Alex Mack, Scott Fujita, Joe Thomas

Former Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, left, said he feels bad for veterans such as Alex Mack and Joe Thomas who have endured so much losing and change.

(Photo courtesy Scott Fujita)

BEREA, Ohio – Four years ago, Scott Fujita chose the Browns over two other suitors when weighing his free-agent options.

Given the current state of the organization, Fujita sounds like he would not make the same choice today.

The Fox Sports football analyst and retired linebacker said he believes “Cleveland is a tough sell” right now to some players and coaches around the NFL. The 34-year-old former Super Bowl champion remains close with some Browns’ players and departing coaches and he describes an organization in chaos.

“Right now, it seems like they are a rudderless ship,” Fujita told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

His comments are in contrast to ones he made less than two months ago when the Browns were sitting 4-7 and the vibes he received from players were positive regarding coach Rob Chudzinski and the direction of the team.

The Browns, however, fired their first-year coach on Dec. 29 following a seventh-straight loss and a 4-12 season. They remain the only team yet to fill their coaching vacancy. At least three candidates, with Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase being the latest, have withdrawn their names from consideration.

“I talked to some of the players right after they fired Chud and they sounded deflated, confused and frankly embarrassed by what happen,” the outspoken Fujita said. “I’ve been out of football for a year now and I’m a fan of the Cleveland Browns. It’s hard to watch what is going on there. I really feel bad for the fans and players like D’Qwell (Jackson) and Joe Thomas who have been there for so long.”

Fujita said there is reason for optimism with five All Pros and other emerging talent, but he also believes there’s some league-wide skepticism concerning Browns’ management.

“(CEO) Joe Banner does not have the best reputation with some players and coaches,” said Fujita, who added his few encounters with Banner were cordial. “It makes you wonder if there will be a trickle-down effect.”

Fujita said he’s willing to give Browns’ management the benefit of the doubt. He loved the trade that produced a first-round draft pick (No. 26 overall) from Indianapolis for running back Trent Richardson.

But if unrestricted free agents Alex Mack and T.J. Ward have concerns about the franchise’s direction, Fujita said, ‘Why wouldn’t they test the waters?”

Ultimately, most free agents sign with teams willing to pay the most money, said Fujita, who agreed to a three-year, $14 million deal with the Browns in 2010. The Browns are among the clubs with the most cap space this year.

But if contract offers are similar, the Browns’ legacy of losing and questions surrounding recent developments could hurt them come March.

“I think the players who follow the national headlines," Fujita said, "might have some concerns."