Shaffer sees future, wants new address
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tony Grossi
Cleveland Plain Dealer
With top draft pick Joe Thomas penciled in at left tackle for the Browns, the agent for Kevin Shaffer said he will ask the team for permission to seek a trade.
"I think Kevin, in our dialogue, would welcome an opportunity to go somewhere else," agent Alan Herman said on Monday.
A trade that would have sent Shaffer to the New York Giants has fallen through, for now. Giants General Manager Jerry Reese confirmed to New York reporters that he spoke to the Browns about Shaffer on Sunday. But the teams apparently couldn't agree on a deal.
"At this time, we are going to maintain our depth at the position," Browns General Manager Phil Savage said in an e-mail response.
Other teams possibly searching for an experienced left tackle include Houston and Miami.
Herman believes Shaffer is an attractive player because of his experience and contract. Shaffer was one of Savage's high-profile signings in the 2006 free-agent season. Shaffer received a $36 million deal over seven years, with $12 million in signing and option bonuses.
Because the bonuses already have been paid by the Browns, Shaffer would take up less space on a traded team's salary cap than he does with the Browns. Trading Shaffer would result in a "significant" hit on the Browns' salary cap - upwards of $8 million - but Herman believes the Browns have the room to absorb it.
Shaffer, 27, started all 16 games at left tackle in his first year with the Browns, but the re views were not good. He became expendable after the Browns used their first draft pick Saturday on Thomas.
During the draft, Savage and coach Romeo Crennel both said Thomas would be given the opportunity to win the starting job at left tackle. Crennel hinted Shaffer could compete with Thomas, but also could be tried at right guard, where a starting position is open.
"I'm sure Kevin would prefer to remain at left tackle and if not there, then right tackle," Herman said. "And if it wasn't meant to be there, no hard feelings, and he'd prefer to move on and play somewhere else. But it takes two to tango."
The Browns said they expect Ryan Tucker to return as their right tackle. Other tackles on the roster include Kelly Butler, who started five games at right tackle when Tucker left for an emotional problem, and Nat Dorsey.
It's possible talks with the Giants could reopen. Other teams could gain interest, too, after evaluating their draft picks and veterans after upcoming minicamps.
The Browns might also want to wait for the full team minicamp in June before reassessing their asking price for Shaffer.