Cleveland Browns (3 Viewers)

[Fensalk]

You must realise things are not going well under Holmgren. The club went 5-11 and 4-12 in his first two years. They arent favored to win a single game this year. There is little faith in the head coach. There is pressure here. They probably need 7 wins minimum to show progress, and that is not going to happen.

Things are going remarkably well under Holmgren. They took a talent-less, OLD team and turned nearly the entire roster over, filling it with young, good players in three drafts. Or, did you think what we had was going to win championships?

The NFL is brutal. Front offices dont often get 4 years to prove they can win. Thats just the way it is. If they dont start winning this year, Lerner will probably make some changes. Maybe clean house. Maybe fire the head coach. maybe holmgren gets forced into retirement.

So, you don't agree with rebuilding the team. How would you have won with the team you had?

I think Holmgren took a huge risk sticking with Mangini an extra season. Typically, a president brings in his own people because they know they aren't given much time to get competitive. Then Holmgren fired him after the first year, brought in the WCO and had to rebuild the team in year TWO to match new systems. That's a critical year lost. When Mangini didn't work out, the odds of the Holmgren era being a success dropped a lot.I also think everyone would have been more patient with the Holmgren era if they had traded up for RG3. I think that move would have been met with widespread approval and even if RG3 played poorly as a rookie, everyone would get some slack. But Weeden is a more controversial pick. Many Browns fans dislike the pick. They won't be as patient with him.

 

[Fensalk]

Fans will say for certain (and Lerner will concur) that:

1. Sticking with Mangini that first year was a mistake.

2. Drafting McCoy was a mistake.

3. Drafting RB Montario Hardesty was a mistake.

Jury is also still out but trending negative on Shurmur as head coach. Fans dislike his play-calling.

 

[daveR]

You must realise things are not going well under Holmgren. The club went 5-11 and 4-12 in his first two years. They arent favored to win a single game this year. There is little faith in the head coach. There is pressure here. They probably need 7 wins minimum to show progress, and that is not going to happen.

Things are going remarkably well under Holmgren. They took a talent-less, OLD team and turned nearly the entire roster over, filling it with young, good players in three drafts. Or, did you think what we had was going to win championships?

The NFL is brutal. Front offices dont often get 4 years to prove they can win. Thats just the way it is. If they dont start winning this year, Lerner will probably make some changes. Maybe clean house. Maybe fire the head coach. maybe holmgren gets forced into retirement.

So, you don't agree with rebuilding the team. How would you have won with the team you had?

I think Holmgren took a huge risk sticking with Mangini an extra season. Typically, a president brings in his own people because they know they aren't given much time to get competitive. Then Holmgren fired him after the first year, brought in the WCO and had to rebuild the team in year TWO to match new systems. That's a critical year lost. When Mangini didn't work out, the odds of the Holmgren era being a success dropped a lot.I also think everyone would have been more patient with the Holmgren era if they had traded up for RG3. I think that move would have been met with widespread approval and even if RG3 played poorly as a rookie, everyone would get some slack. But Weeden is a more controversial pick. Many Browns fans dislike the pick. They won't be as patient with him.

"Many" Browns fans would have disliked RG3, too. Where would you get your running game then? How about WRs?Why is the "lost year" critical? You gonna die soon? Guess what. The NFL is going to be around in another ten years!

You cynics are cerifiable!

 

[Bobcat10]

I get the feeling that there is way too much optimism in the Browns thread this year. Usually the way it plays out is, once posters here realize the season is lost, they will take their frustrations out on me and attack me personally. Prove me wrong.

Are you reading this thread?People like the direction the team is headed, generally speaking. People are not forcasting AFC Championship this year...hell even .500 (maybe a couple put the ceiling there)The optimism is about a young team with room for growth and big strides within the next few years.

 

[Ultimate Browns Fan]

I still have concerns about our head coach Shurmur. Adding Brad Childress as our OC makes me feel a lot more optimistic about the play calling. I beliveve thought that its valid to be optimistic about

our team in 2012. We've added a lot of talent on offense. We'll be playing a lot of rookies at key positions. Doesn't matter. They'll still be improved over 2011. The schedule is a lot tougher in 2012.

Thinking back on the 2011 season, they went 5 and 11. They lost 7 games by 7 points or less with the most horrible offense I've ever seen. NO WAY should the team be ranked number 32 in preseason power rankings.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Is there a more miserable person on the board than Fensalk? Seriously. Dude is angry and/or whiny 24/7. What a sad way to go through life.

Is it being miserable, angry, or whiny to concur with just about every experts' views on the 2012 Browns? Vegas doesn't favor the Browns to win a game all year. I'm being a realist, nothing more. This season will, in all likelihood, be brutal. I'm sorry this upsets you so much. Don't blame me. I'm just a poster. Blame the people running the team.

How many games were the 49ers favored in as of last June? How about the Bengals? Talk about meaningless. Do you really think the Browns, who were actually competitive last year, will be worse than the Colts, who tanked last year and then dumped a bunch of vets in the offseason? Do you really think they would be better off this year with RG3 rather than Richardson, Weeden, and Schwartz? Everyone has a powerchub for the Bengals because they rode a couple breaks and a weak schedule to the playoffs. Meanwhile they were about two plays away from getting swept by the Browns.

 

[Sabertooth]

You know, lots of people thought the Chargers should have taken Vick in the #1 spot back in 2001. They didn't and landed both Tomlinson and Brees instead. I think they made the right move here too. Getting Richardson and Weeden is probably better than getting Griffin and say Pead.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

I still have concerns about our head coach Shurmur. Adding Brad Childress as our OC makes me feel a lot more optimistic about the play calling. I beliveve thought that its valid to be optimistic aboutour team in 2012. We've added a lot of talent on offense. We'll be playing a lot of rookies at key positions. Doesn't matter. They'll still be improved over 2011. The schedule is a lot tougher in 2012.Thinking back on the 2011 season, they went 5 and 11. They lost 7 games by 7 points or less with the most horrible offense I've ever seen. NO WAY should the team be ranked number 32 in preseason power rankings.

Shurmer is a legit concern, but I agree the coaching additions should help. It was encouraging to see the how well OTAs and mini camps were run, but obviously the proof will be in the real game management pudding. For as bad as the offense and some of his decisions were last year, at least they didn't quit on him.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Fans who are always looking to be negative and live in the past will say for certain (and Lerner will concur) that:1. Sticking with Mangini that first year was a mistake.2. Drafting McCoy was a mistake.3. Drafting RB Montario Hardesty was a mistake.Jury is also still out but trending negative on Shurmur as head coach. Fans dislike his play-calling.

Fixed. Mangini is long gone, nobody cares any more. McCoy was worth a shot where they took him, it didn't work out. That happens with 3rd rounders sometimes. Trading up for Hardesty was a mistake and they will get hammered for it if he can't beat out Oby as RB3.What about Haden, Taylor, Sheard, Pinkston, Ward, Little, Hagg, Skrine? Make sure you focus 100% on the negative there, Nancy.

 

[daveR]

I still have concerns about our head coach Shurmur. Adding Brad Childress as our OC makes me feel a lot more optimistic about the play calling. I beliveve thought that its valid to be optimistic aboutour team in 2012. We've added a lot of talent on offense. We'll be playing a lot of rookies at key positions. Doesn't matter. They'll still be improved over 2011. The schedule is a lot tougher in 2012.Thinking back on the 2011 season, they went 5 and 11. They lost 7 games by 7 points or less with the most horrible offense I've ever seen. NO WAY should the team be ranked number 32 in preseason power rankings.

Shurmer is a legit concern, but I agree the coaching additions should help. It was encouraging to see the how well OTAs and mini camps were run, but obviously the proof will be in the real game management pudding. For as bad as the offense and some of his decisions were last year, at least they didn't quit on him.

Right now my biggest concerns are the team's youth and the assumption that our OGs will suddenly be good since they now have some experience. I really hope it's true, but going from "awful" to "good" in a single off-season seems like a huge jump to me.

 

[MAC_32]

You must realise things are not going well under Holmgren. The club went 5-11 and 4-12 in his first two years. They arent favored to win a single game this year. There is little faith in the head coach. There is pressure here. They probably need 7 wins minimum to show progress, and that is not going to happen.

Things are going remarkably well under Holmgren. They took a talent-less, OLD team and turned nearly the entire roster over, filling it with young, good players in three drafts. Or, did you think what we had was going to win championships?

The NFL is brutal. Front offices dont often get 4 years to prove they can win. Thats just the way it is. If they dont start winning this year, Lerner will probably make some changes. Maybe clean house. Maybe fire the head coach. maybe holmgren gets forced into retirement.

So, you don't agree with rebuilding the team. How would you have won with the team you had?

I think you're taking this out of context. The team has been bad since they came in. They were given a 2-7 and told to win with it and I think their method is the correct one. However, the lack of urgency from the front office and complete avoidance of free agents has led to the worst football I have seen since 1999 last year. Yea, the deck was stacked against them last year, but there's no excuse for it being as unwatchable as it was. Never have I been so disinterested in this team come December as I was last year.To say that things 'are going remarkably' is way over stating reality.

 

[daveR]

You must realise things are not going well under Holmgren. The club went 5-11 and 4-12 in his first two years. They arent favored to win a single game this year. There is little faith in the head coach. There is pressure here. They probably need 7 wins minimum to show progress, and that is not going to happen.

Things are going remarkably well under Holmgren. They took a talent-less, OLD team and turned nearly the entire roster over, filling it with young, good players in three drafts. Or, did you think what we had was going to win championships?

The NFL is brutal. Front offices dont often get 4 years to prove they can win. Thats just the way it is. If they dont start winning this year, Lerner will probably make some changes. Maybe clean house. Maybe fire the head coach. maybe holmgren gets forced into retirement.

So, you don't agree with rebuilding the team. How would you have won with the team you had?

I think you're taking this out of context. The team has been bad since they came in. They were given a 2-7 and told to win with it and I think their method is the correct one. However, the lack of urgency from the front office and complete avoidance of free agents has led to the worst football I have seen since 1999 last year. Yea, the deck was stacked against them last year, but there's no excuse for it being as unwatchable as it was. Never have I been so disinterested in this team come December as I was last year.To say that things 'are going remarkably' is way over stating reality.

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

 

[MAC_32]

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

There was nothing high quality about last season, that's my point. It was not watchable.

 

[daveR]

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

There was nothing high quality about last season, that's my point. It was not watchable.

And, aside from rebuilding, I guess you have to hire Mr. Wizard to fix it by doing something magical. Poof!

 

[MAC_32]

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

There was nothing high quality about last season, that's my point. It was not watchable.

And, aside from rebuilding, I guess you have to hire Mr. Wizard to fix it by doing something magical. Poof!

There's nothing magical about a defense giving up a TD while still in the huddle and a 3rd string TE getting a running play called to him with the game on the line. Last season was a comedy of errors. It had nothing to do with the rebuilding process. It had everything to do with a football team that was never prepared to play. That's inexcusable, not 'remarkably well.'

 

[daveR]

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

There was nothing high quality about last season, that's my point. It was not watchable.

And, aside from rebuilding, I guess you have to hire Mr. Wizard to fix it by doing something magical. Poof!

There's nothing magical about a defense giving up a TD while still in the huddle and a 3rd string TE getting a running play called to him with the game on the line. Last season was a comedy of errors. It had nothing to do with the rebuilding process. It had everything to do with a football team that was never prepared to play. That's inexcusable, not 'remarkably well.'

Okay. It's clear you & I will nearly always disagree. I'm okay with that. However, I don't think the plays you stated typify the entire season. Rather, I think it's the sort of thing someone does to justify his opinion. Step back & look at the big picture and what it takes for long term success. They have made tremendous strides toward that goal.

 

[MAC_32]

IMO, "reality" means putting high quality players on the field, ie. rebuilding. "Fantasy" is expecting results prior to that job being completed. With some luck, that job is near to completion.

There was nothing high quality about last season, that's my point. It was not watchable.

And, aside from rebuilding, I guess you have to hire Mr. Wizard to fix it by doing something magical. Poof!

There's nothing magical about a defense giving up a TD while still in the huddle and a 3rd string TE getting a running play called to him with the game on the line. Last season was a comedy of errors. It had nothing to do with the rebuilding process. It had everything to do with a football team that was never prepared to play. That's inexcusable, not 'remarkably well.'

Okay. It's clear you & I will nearly always disagree. I'm okay with that. However, I don't think the plays you stated typify the entire season. Rather, I think it's the sort of thing someone does to justify his opinion. Step back & look at the big picture and what it takes for long term success. They have made tremendous strides toward that goal.

I think Heckert's doing some good things personnel wise, Weeden withstanding, but leadership is still a concern. Good leadership doesn't allow those gaffe's last season to happen, and those weren't the only ones they were just the worst ones. I know I had rants early in the off season that went into more detail, during the season too. And I don't feel like typing them out again. I don't think free agency is the answer to most of our problems, but given what happened last year some changes in leadership must happen. It's clear based on the front office's moves that they believe those answers are internal. Hope they're right

 

[Faust]

Josh Gordon signs Cleveland Browns rookie contract

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

The Cleveland Browns and their 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft pick, Josh Gordon, have agreed to terms on a four-year contract, Adam Caplan of The Sideline View reported Monday.

The Browns later confirmed that they had signed Gordon, via an official team release.

According to Caplan, the contract is worth just over $5.3 million and includes $3.8 million in guarantees, which is consistent with Gordon's draft slot. The Browns selected Gordon with the second pick in the second round of Thursday's supplemental draft, making the value of his rookie contract equivalent to the 34th overall pick of this year's regular draft.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick, the first player selected in the second round of April's draft, signed a four-year, $5.386 million rookie contract that included $3.822 million in guaranteed money. Indianapolis Colts tight end Colby Fleener, the second pick of the second round, has yet to sign his deal, which has the same expected total value as Gordon's contract.

Given all the time Gordon missed during OTAs and minicamp, how much he will be able to contribute this season remains to be seen. While he adapts to the NFL, though, Gordon will earn the league minimum base salary ($390,000) and is expected to receive a signing bonus of around $2.325 million for a first-year cap hit of $971,209.

 

[daveR]

Holmgren's mistake. Does everyone realize that Holmgren's "mistake" in not going forward with "his guys" has to do with the lockout? If he had done it all a year earlier, coaches & systems would have been in place instead of having to do it all with a shortened off-season.

 

[wadegarrett]

10 days!

 

[Faust]

Browns' Josh Gordon has 'Randy Moss-like talents'

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Cleveland Browns can't predict what they have in rookie receiver Josh Gordon, but the team burnt a 2013 second-round draft pick in hopes of something special.

How does a young Randy Moss sound?

Hold your laughter. One NFL executive told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Gordon, taken by Cleveland in last week's supplemental draft, possesses "Randy Moss-like talents."

Gordon hasn't played in a game since 2010 (kind of like Moss), but showed promise in teaming at Baylor with Robert Griffin III, now the Washington Redskins starter. Gordon has favorable size. At 6-foot-3, 224-pounds, he's the same height and two pounds lighter than Andre Johnson. He's an inch shorter than Moss, but with a thicker build. Gordon gives the Browns a big, strong wideout -- in theory.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has said from the start he wants to build this team through the draft. He's stuck to the playbook, acquiring running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden in April. The team believes Gordon -- alongside Greg Little -- can awaken this passing game, which has slept soundly for years.

Comparing anyone to Moss is a stretch. Besides, we have a more pressing question for this NFL executive: Assuming you aren't paid by the Browns, how are you explaining to your boss that you've just passed on the next Randy Moss? Sounds like a fun chat.

 

[NJDawgPound]

Browns' Josh Gordon has 'Randy Moss-like talents'

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Cleveland Browns can't predict what they have in rookie receiver Josh Gordon, but the team burnt a 2013 second-round draft pick in hopes of something special.

How does a young Randy Moss sound?

Hold your laughter. One NFL executive told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Gordon, taken by Cleveland in last week's supplemental draft, possesses "Randy Moss-like talents."

Gordon hasn't played in a game since 2010 (kind of like Moss), but showed promise in teaming at Baylor with Robert Griffin III, now the Washington Redskins starter. Gordon has favorable size. At 6-foot-3, 224-pounds, he's the same height and two pounds lighter than Andre Johnson. He's an inch shorter than Moss, but with a thicker build. Gordon gives the Browns a big, strong wideout -- in theory.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has said from the start he wants to build this team through the draft. He's stuck to the playbook, acquiring running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden in April. The team believes Gordon -- alongside Greg Little -- can awaken this passing game, which has slept soundly for years.

Comparing anyone to Moss is a stretch. Besides, we have a more pressing question for this NFL executive: Assuming you aren't paid by the Browns, how are you explaining to your boss that you've just passed on the next Randy Moss? Sounds like a fun chat.

I've compared Little to a Boldin type. I'll take a young Moss/Boldin

 

[GreatLakesMike]

Holmgren's mistake. Does everyone realize that Holmgren's "mistake" in not going forward with "his guys" has to do with the lockout? If he had done it all a year earlier, coaches & systems would have been in place instead of having to do it all with a shortened off-season.

Yeah, and it's time for people to move on.

 

[GreatLakesMike]

I bet my old man a case a Yuengling that the Browns win at least 7 games this year.

 

[amnesiac]

I bet my old man a case a Yuengling that the Browns win at least 7 games this year.

so even if he wins, he loses.

 

[daveR]

Browns' Josh Gordon has 'Randy Moss-like talents'

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Cleveland Browns can't predict what they have in rookie receiver Josh Gordon, but the team burnt a 2013 second-round draft pick in hopes of something special.

How does a young Randy Moss sound?

Hold your laughter. One NFL executive told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Gordon, taken by Cleveland in last week's supplemental draft, possesses "Randy Moss-like talents."

Gordon hasn't played in a game since 2010 (kind of like Moss), but showed promise in teaming at Baylor with Robert Griffin III, now the Washington Redskins starter. Gordon has favorable size. At 6-foot-3, 224-pounds, he's the same height and two pounds lighter than Andre Johnson. He's an inch shorter than Moss, but with a thicker build. Gordon gives the Browns a big, strong wideout -- in theory.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has said from the start he wants to build this team through the draft. He's stuck to the playbook, acquiring running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden in April. The team believes Gordon -- alongside Greg Little -- can awaken this passing game, which has slept soundly for years.

Comparing anyone to Moss is a stretch. Besides, we have a more pressing question for this NFL executive: Assuming you aren't paid by the Browns, how are you explaining to your boss that you've just passed on the next Randy Moss? Sounds like a fun chat.

Even this optimist is

 

[Biabreakable]

Browns' Josh Gordon has 'Randy Moss-like talents'

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Cleveland Browns can't predict what they have in rookie receiver Josh Gordon, but the team burnt a 2013 second-round draft pick in hopes of something special.

How does a young Randy Moss sound?

Hold your laughter. One NFL executive told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Gordon, taken by Cleveland in last week's supplemental draft, possesses "Randy Moss-like talents."

Gordon hasn't played in a game since 2010 (kind of like Moss), but showed promise in teaming at Baylor with Robert Griffin III, now the Washington Redskins starter. Gordon has favorable size. At 6-foot-3, 224-pounds, he's the same height and two pounds lighter than Andre Johnson. He's an inch shorter than Moss, but with a thicker build. Gordon gives the Browns a big, strong wideout -- in theory.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has said from the start he wants to build this team through the draft. He's stuck to the playbook, acquiring running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden in April. The team believes Gordon -- alongside Greg Little -- can awaken this passing game, which has slept soundly for years.

Comparing anyone to Moss is a stretch. Besides, we have a more pressing question for this NFL executive: Assuming you aren't paid by the Browns, how are you explaining to your boss that you've just passed on the next Randy Moss? Sounds like a fun chat.

Even this optimist is

Could be fun to call him flash gordon if he lives up to it. That being said if I had an extra day added to my life for every time some writer compares a new receiver to Randy Moss I would live forever.

 

[daveR]

I bet my old man a case a Yuengling that the Browns win at least 7 games this year.

so even if he wins, he loses.

Seriously! Just flush it & be done!

 

[GreatLakesMike]

I bet my old man a case a Yuengling that the Browns win at least 7 games this year.

so even if he wins, he loses.

Seriously! Just flush it & be done!

It's not bad; better than anything Bud or Miller puts out. If we bet Micros, we'd go broke. There are at least 1 to 2 bets made every time we drink and we're Irish.

 

[daveR]

I bet my old man a case a Yuengling that the Browns win at least 7 games this year.

so even if he wins, he loses.

Seriously! Just flush it & be done!

It's not bad; better than anything Bud or Miller puts out. If we bet Micros, we'd go broke. There are at least 1 to 2 bets made every time we drink and we're Irish.

I'll be at the Irish Fest both Friday & Saturday this weekend -- best party of the summer!!!

 

[Faust]

Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden deals at standstill

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Contract talks are at a standstill between the Cleveland Browns and the No. 3 overall pick, running back Trent Richardson, a league source told The Plain Dealer on Friday.

The snag is offset language, which wasn't included in the contracts signed by Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.

Beyond that, the terms of the deal are predictable -- thanks to the rookie slotting system -- and should fall somewhere close to a fully guaranteed $20.4 million over four years, with a $13.4 million signing bonus, according to the newspaper.

We don't expect a significant delay. Richardson's agent, Jimmy Sexton, was busy Friday finalizing a contract between No. 7 pick Mark Barron and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cleveland's efforts to sign Brandon Weeden have been slowed by the quarterback's pursuit of four fully guaranteed years, unusual terms for a player drafted at No. 22. Browns general manager Tom Heckert told The Plain Dealer he expects both rookies to be signed on time, but didn't clarify if that meant for training camp -- which opens July 28 -- or rookie camp, which begins Tuesday.

Again, no reason to panic. It's only the future of the Browns' offense we're talking about here.

 

[wadegarrett]

Cleveland Browns meeting today with Trent Richardson's agent, deal is close, source says

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I don't know what leverage Weeden thinks he's got. Nobody is taking a hold-out threat seriously from a 54-year old rookie.

 

[Bobcat10]

TRich signed! 20.5 w/ 13.3 signing bonus. Weeds next....

 

[Faust]

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns agree to contract terms

Trent Richardson and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a four-year, $20.4 million contract (fully guaranteed) with a $13.6 million signing bonus, NFL.com and NFL Network's Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport reported Monday, each citing a source with knowledge of the situation.

Richardson, a running back from Alabama, is expected to make an immediate impact in the Browns' backfield as a rookie.

Richardson joins Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III as top-three picks from the 2012 NFL Draft who have agreed to contracts within the last few days.

The Browns have yet to strike a deal with their other first-round draft pick, quarterback Brandon Weeden, who was taken No. 22 overall.

 

[Faust]

Richardson deal leaves Weeden on the clock

By Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com

In news that should surprise no one, Browns running back Trent Richardson agreed to a four-year, $20.4 million fully guaranteed contract that includes a $13.6 million signing bonus, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

It was only a matter of time before Richardson signed after the draft's top two picks (Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III) and the sixth and seventh overall picks (Morris Claiborne and Mark Barron) all avoided offset language in their contracts. Offset language allows the team to save some money if the drafted player is released and signs with another team.

This allows the Browns to put all of their energy in getting quarterback Brandon Weeden into training camp on time. Rookies are scheduled to report Tuesday, but the real deadline is Friday, when the first full-team practice takes place.

The total money of the deal is set at $8.1 million over four years. The sticking point is Weeden wanting all four years of his rookie contract guaranteed. It's unlikely to happen considering the picks around Weeden, who was selected 22nd overall, received only part of their fourth year guaranteed. Weeden is one of six unsigned first-round picks in the NFL.

 

[eric rymer]

ESPN Cleveland ‏@ESPNCleveland

#Browns have signed QB Brandon Weeden. More to come.

Adam SchefterVerified ‏@AdamSchefter

Brandon Weeden's deal is fully guaranteed in 2012-14, and has over 900k guaranteed in '15.

 

[wadegarrett]

 

[GreatLakesMike]

Trying to temper my expectations, but I'm really excited to watch this team this year. I've got half wood and camp just started.

 

[amnesiac]

that's only guaranteed if he on the roster, right?

 

[wadegarrett]

Rizzo on WKNR saying there are rumors swirling Browns have been sold.

 

[pghrob]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/27/rumors-fly-again-of-browns-sale/

 

[beer 302]

Rizzo on WKNR saying there are rumors swirling Browns have been sold.

Listening now, not sure how I would feel about that. Gotta be good right?

 

[Bobcat10]

Jim Haslem

Not sure of spelling...

 

[wadegarrett]

Jimmy Haslam, minority owner of Steelers, appears to be buyer.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns have confirmed to Tony Grossi at ESPNCleveland that they are in negotiations to sell the team.

 

[Bobcat10]

Ironically....I'm sitting at Balt airport hearing this news break. ####### delayed flight too.

 

[gandalas]

Jimmy Haslam, minority owner of Steelers, appears to be buyer.

Is this the 81 year old Jimmy Haslam or his son, James (Jimmy) Haslam? The son is the one who has the minority stake in the Steelers.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Haslam knows it will be a lot harder to win without the league helping you out like in Pittsburgh, right?

 

[wadegarrett]

Full statement from Randy Lerner:

“In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.”