Browns Trade Rumors

"Recent reports of Cleveland Browns return specialist/wide receiver Joshua Cribbs' request for a new contract have been a hot topic in Browns training camp lately. In 2007 Cribbs signed a six-year deal worth just under $6 million, including a $2 million signing bonus. According to Cribbs' agent, JR Rickert, there have been conflicting reports in the media. He insisted that many of these reports are not clear and are inaccurate. During a phone conversation with the agent on Wednesday, Rickert wanted to set the record straight on talks of a new contract for his client and provided a clear timeline of what occurred. "I met with Joshua in Cleveland in August of 2007 after he fired Andre Cologna ..."

"Brady Quinn hopes he got his one dog day of camp out of the way early. In the span of about 10 snaps during team drills Friday, Quinn fell on a fumbled snap and threw three interceptions. The first pick was a spry move by nose tackle Shaun Rogers in which he tipped the ball to himself at the line of scrimmage and hauled it in. The second was on a deep floater over the middle intended for Kevin Kasper that Brodney Pool swiped, and the third was on a screen pass to Jamal Lewis that rookie Alex Hall read and picked off in a flash. "You just put it behind you," said Quinn. "Obviously when you're playing football, you have your good days and bad days - hopefully more good than bad. In that ..."

"Safety Sean Jones, in the final year of his contract, is seeking a multiyear extension that would enable him to finish his career in Cleveland. But Jones has played so well the past two seasons, he might be too expensive to retain. What's the going rate for a top-notch safety these days? More than $6 million a year. That's what former Giants safety Gibril Wilson received from the Raiders on the first day of free agency when he inked a blockbuster six-year deal worth $39 million, including about $16 million guaranteed. What's more, Jones, who's set to make $2.145 million this season, has better numbers than Wilson over the past two seasons. Jones has five interceptions and more than 100 ..."

"Cleveland Browns veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius likely will start the 2008 season on the physically unable to perform list. In an interview Thursday morning with Cleveland radio station WTAM, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Jurevicius' most recent knee surgery performed on June 30 will cause him to miss extended time. If he is placed on the PUP list, Jurevicius will have to sit out the first six weeks of the regular season. Although the Browns are only confirming two surgeries, the procedure was at least the third performed on Jurevicius' knee in the past seven months after he contracted a staph infection following his initial surgery."

"Kevin Jones went through a workout Saturday while four NFL teams watched the running back sprint and cut just five months after he had major knee surgery. Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his right knee, said Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit sent representatives to the workout in Saline, Mich. The Lions cut their former first-round pick in March with one year left on his contract after he hurt the knee late last season, adding to the injury woes that have stunted his success in the league. The Cleveland Browns also called, Ping said, and asked for a video of the workout."

"The signing of Mark Jones yesterday, in itself, is not a big deal. Jones, a receiver and punt returner, faces a major challenge making the Chargers' opening day roster. But the presence of the four-year veteran gives the Chargers yet another option at receiver, where they will by training camp be without one of their most prolific and dependable pass catchers over the past five years. Sources said yesterday the Chargers have fielded calls from several teams about trading Eric Parker and that Parker will be traded or released by the start of training camp next month."

"Browns receiver Joe Jurevicius might not be ready for the start of the regular season, a source close to the situation said Tuesday. Jurevicius, an 11th-year pro and native of nearby Timberlake, has had multiple procedures on his knee in the off-season and is still rehabbing in Berea. He's not participating in minicamp, and it's not yet known what he'll be able to do in training camp. The source said it's much too early to predict whether he'll be ready for the season."

"With Winslow apparently back in the fold, the biggest question today will be the future of center LeCharles Bentley. Bentley was scheduled to undergo a physical exam at Cleveland Clinic on Monday in hopes of resuming his comeback. Bentley has not practiced with the Browns since tearing a patella knee tendon on the first team drill of the 2006 training camp and then suffering complications from a staph infection. The Cleveland native has dedicated the past two years to returning to his hometown team. He has spent the majority of his rehabilitation time outside the medical auspices of the club under a unique agreement with the team. He has passed at least one physical exam given by ..."

"Butch Davis made 28 draft picks in four years as Browns coach. Arguably the best one - considering value - was Anthony Henry, a fourth-round pick in 2001. A big cornerback with good hands who could also pop a ball carrier with a tackle, Henry had 10 interceptions as a rookie, before he learned how to play the game. Off the field, Henry was shy, receptive to coaching and squeaky clean. How good would Henry look now in a Browns uniform He simply would be the perfect player to fill the Browns' void at cornerback."

"The Browns have expressed interest in trading for Bills cornerback and former Ohio State star Ashton Youboty, but a source close to the Bills said Wednesday that Buffalo does not intend to trade Youboty at this time. A third-year pro, Youboty is expected to be given a chance to compete in camp with the three cornerbacks the Bills drafted this year. If they decide to part with Youboty, they'd probably do so for a future pick. A third-round pick of the Bills in 2006, Youboty was coached by Browns offensive coordinator Mel Tucker at Ohio State."

"Former Bears and Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin did an interview earlier today on Sirus NFL Radio, and stated that despite his release from the Pats this offseason, he’s already gotten some calls from teams in regards to his services. Two teams that Colvin pointed out as being in contact with are the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, two teams that could use some help at the LB spot."

"The Browns' biggest weakness became a gaping hole Tuesday when cornerback Daven Holly blew out his left knee, landing awkwardly after leaping to break up a pass. Coach Romeo Crennel said Holly suffered cartilage and ligament damage. General Manager Phil Savage said Holly could undergo surgery Friday. A reconstruction will likely sideline the three-year veteran for at least this season...The loss of Holly sent Savage into full search mode...Savage said the Browns have salary cap space but not enough available cash to sign 14-year veteran Ty Law, 34, who played for the New England Patriots under then-defensive coordinator Crennel. Savage said the same financial considerations would also ..."

"Two weeks into voluntary off-season practices, the Browns have lost two players they were counting on heavily. Last week it was right guard Ryan Tucker who went down with a hip fracture. He had surgery and will be out at least until August. This week the news is grimmer. Daven Holly, who was at worst the team's third cornerback and more likely a starter, probably was lost for the season after blowing out his left knee during practice Tuesday. Already shorthanded at the position, the Browns now must scramble to bring in one or two cor nerbacks with experience. General Manager Phil Savage all but ruled out unsigned, 14-year veteran Ty Law and Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard, who ..."

"Kellen Winslow wouldn't be practicing anyway, but his absence from the Cleveland Browns' organized team activities this week is notable. Unlike minicamps, the three weeks of organized team activities (OTAs) are not mandatory. However, players usually report so they can take part in conditioning drills and team meetings or rehab injuries. Star tight end Winslow underwent offseason knee surgery. He also has made it clear he wants the Browns to rework his contract. Winslow, who missed most of his first two seasons in the league with injuries, has three years left on a contract the Browns restructured after he missed an entire year following a motorcycle accident."

"Looking at the faces around the table at a bowling alley nestled inside of a local GameWorks, Willie McGinest's decision seems natural, if not easy. Sitting with his father, Willie McGinest Sr.; mother, Joyce; sisters, Lisa and Tanisha; fiancé, Gloriana; and daughters, Rylie, 3, and Halie, 1, celebrating the third annual Willie McGinest Day in his hometown of Long Beach, the veteran linebacker concedes this will likely be the last time he'll enjoy this day as an active player."

"Longevity issues with Kellen Winslow and a potential contract dispute factored into the Browns making a surprise trade in the fourth round of the draft Sunday. They gave up their 2009 third-round pick to select pass-catching tight end Martin Rucker of Missouri."

"They added an All-American tight end in Rucker, who set the career record for receptions at the same university that produced Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr. And they found valuable insurance in case offseason surgeries delay the return of tight ends Kellen Winslow Jr. and Steve Heiden or if Winslow stages a training-camp holdout while seeking a renegotiated contract."

"The Browns are hesitant to part with any of their 2009 picks, but they know that's the only way they could trade into the third round. The likeliest potential partner for a trade could be one of nine teams with multiple picks in the third round. Four teams have three picks in the round - Atlanta, New England, Baltimore and Kansas City. Teams with two picks in the round are Detroit, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati and Houston."

"If you're a Cleveland Browns fan, do you have a feeling — or maybe fear — creeping in the back of your mind that the front office will suddenly decide to be clever on draft day and trade one of its young quarterbacks, Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn, to move up in the draft?"

"The Browns have a few options in dealing with defensive back Kenny Wright, jailed Thursday on charges of unlawful restraint, evading arrest and possession of marijuana in Pearland, Texas. But cutting him must be near the top of the list."

"A new contract for tight end Kellen Winslow is on the team's radar. General Manager Phil Savage said he will meet with Drew Rosenhaus, Winslow's agent, this week at league meetings."

"Linebacker Clark Haggans, a mainstay pass rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers the past four seasons, is the latest free agent to visit the Browns."

"Oakland restricted free agent cornerback and kick returner Chris Carr has visited Tennessee and Cleveland in addition to Carolina. He has yet to be signed to an offer sheet."

"Browns General Manager Phil Savage, whose aggressive moves helped the Browns finish 10-6 last season, is close to receiving a multiyear contract extension, team owner Randy Lerner said Tuesday."

"Continuing their quest to improve their defensive core, the Cleveland Browns visited Tuesday with former Broncos middle linebacker Al Wilson. Cleared to play last month, Wilson also has met with the Detroit Lions."

"Linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a three-year veteran of the Arizona Cardinals who was not tendered by the team, will visit the Browns today and work out Wednesday, a source said."

"Miami Dolphins free-agent guard/center Rex Hadnot told the Houston Chronicle on Saturday he was visiting the Browns over the weekend."

"The Cleveland Browns have quarterback Derek Anderson signed to start but have no picks in the first three rounds of April's NFL draft. That has to make Browns backup QB Brady Quinn, above, an intriguing possibility for the Vikings, who might be able to get Quinn by trading their first-round pick (No. 17 overall)."

"The second day of the free agency signing period passed Saturday without a big-splash signing by the Carolina Panthers, but the team was steadily active as promised. The Panthers neared agreement on a two-year, $4 million deal with Cleveland cornerback/kick returner Ricardo Colclough, a former second-round pick."

"According to league sources, cornerback/kick returner Ricardo Colclough is close to signing a two-year deal with the Panthers that could pay him around $4 million. There are still a few items that need to be worked out in the contract before the deal becomes official. Barring any snags, look for an official announcement sometime next week."

"Shaun Rogers' career as a Lion headed to a bizarre ending, with roller-coaster trade proposals Friday that spanned from one corner of Ohio to the other. A deal that would have sent Rogers to the Bengals fell through, prompting the Lions to turn to the Browns as a trade partner for the 370-pound nose tackle. The Lions and Browns centered their talks on a deal late Friday that would give the Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick in the April draft."

"Savage also confirmed the team hosted visits Friday by New England receiver Donte Stallworth and Tennessee defensive end/linebacker Travis LaBoy. More players are expected to visit over the weekend, including Baltimore linebacker Nick Greisen. The Browns also are trying to line up a visit with Pittsburgh outside linebacker Clark Haggans."

"Browns quarterback Derek Anderson hit the market as a restricted free agent at 12:01 this morning after declining to accept the Browns' three-year offer. Anderson, who received the high one-year tender of $2.562 million, can now field offers from other teams and the Browns have the right to match."

"Browns General Manager Phil Savage didn't wave goodbye to quarterback Derek Anderson on Thursday, but he sounded as if he had. When Anderson failed to agree to terms on the Browns' reported offer of a three-year, $20 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, Savage seemed ready to move on to the Brady Quinn era."

"Other linemen of interest could include Tennessee's Randy Starks and Chicago's Antonio Garay (a former Browns draft choice). Also, former Raven Marques Douglas, who defected to San Francisco three years ago, has played inside though he is 20 pounds lighter than preferred."

"Randy Starks, Tennessee... This backup to Albert Haynesworth has had some off-the-field issues and underwent anger management counseling in 2006."

"Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf sent his personal jet to California to retrieve Berrian, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The sides will meet today at the club's facility and potentially work on a huge contract... A source linked Briggs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, to Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Cleveland, with Denver called a ''dark horse.''"

"It's unknown how much room the Bears have to improve that offer for Berrian, who is expected to be courted by the Minnesota Vikings. It's also unclear whether Berrian and agent Drew Rosenhaus will be able to get another team -- the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers also are thought to be interested -- to meet his asking price, which probably would require a signing bonus of more than $12 million."

"It's coming down to the wire in the off-again, on-again contract negotiations between the Browns and Derek Anderson. The Browns are trying to lock up the quarterback to a three-year contract before the start of free agency on Friday."

"The Browns met again briefly in Indianapolis with representatives of quarterback Derek Anderson. But nothing much changed from where things stood at the end of their Thursday night meeting."

"The Cleveland Browns lured Cincinnati Bengals prized OL Eric Steinbach away from the club last year during free agency with a lucrative contact and could be at it again this year when Bengals DE Justin Smith hits the free agent market."

"Kellen Winslow's agent Drew Rosenhaus said Saturday at the Scouting Combine he met with Browns General Manager Phil Savage here about re-negotiating Winslow's contract and that talks are underway."

"Drew Rosenhaus, agent for Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, said he met with Browns General Manager Phil Savage and director of football administration Trip MacCracken to discuss renegotiating Winslow's contract. Rosenhaus called the talks ''positive and ongoing.''"

"Bears deep-threat receiver Bernard Berrian will be on the Browns radar screen if he becomes a free agent next week, a source at the NFL Scouting Combine said Saturday."

"Following a meeting with Derek Anderson's agents here Thursday night, Browns General Manager Phil Savage sounded a little less certain Friday that he can get Anderson signed before he becomes a restricted free agent next week."

"In a perfect world, the Browns will sign quarterback Derek Anderson to a multiyear contract before Thursday. But General Manager Phil Savage knows nirvana is as rare in Cleveland as a sports championship."

"Defensive end Orpheus Roye might not be back next season, Savage said. Roye, who has battled knee injuries the past two seasons, is set to make $3 million next season, the last year of his contract."

"Defensive end Orpheus Roye, defensive lineman Ethan Kelley and linebacker Chaun Thompson could be among those whose days are numbered in Cleveland. Kelley and Thompson will become unrestricted free agents Friday, while Roye, 35, is signed through this season at $3 million."

"Teams believed to have expressed interest in Williamson include Cleveland, Jacksonville, Miami, Oakland, San Francisco, Seattle and Tennessee. Mike Tice, the Vikings' head coach when Williamson was drafted, is a member of the Jaguars' coaching staff."

"Browns General Manager Phil Savage met Thursday evening with the agents for quarterback Derek Anderson, but didn't reach an agreement. With running back Jamal Lewis under contract, the Browns can now turn their attention to their other priority this off-season - getting Anderson signed before he becomes a restricted free agent next Thursday."