CLEVELAND BROWNS
Trouble looms in signing Thomas
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter
While the Browns are poised for tough negotiations with Brady Quinn, they're also prepared for a possible holdout by No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas, the projected starting left tackle.
"The No. 3 spot has its travails as well [in terms of negotiations]," Browns General Manager Phil Savage said in a phone interview. "The three previous No. 3 picks were Larry Fitzgerald [Cardinals receiver], Braylon Edwards [Browns receiver] and Vince Young [Titans quarterback], so it's no great shake in the top five."
The contracts for those three players are as follows:
Fitzgerald: Six years, $60 million, $20.4 million guaranteed.
Edwards: Five years, $40 million, $20 million guaranteed.
Young: Six years, $58 million, $25.9 million guaranteed.
"It's not a pretty picture in terms of trying to negotiate an offensive lineman versus a quarterback and two top-echelon receivers who were thought by many to be the top players in their draft," said Savage. "As much of a great advantage it was to win the coin toss, we were also well aware of the contract situation at that spot."
Thomas' agent, Peter Schaffer of All Pro Sports and Entertainment, said it's his goal and Thomas' to be signed by the time rookies are scheduled to report on July 23.
"We have a history of getting clients in on time and we have one that wants to be," said Schaffer. "But it takes two to tango and it's only going to happen if a fair contract can be agreed to by then. The numbers are pretty clear."
The Browns met with Schaffer, who also represents second-round pick Eric Wright, and Quinn's agent Tom Condon within the past three weeks and have had ongoing contact.
"We have a lot of players on the team and I have a solid relationship with Phil and [Browns director of football administration] Trip MacCracken," Schaffer said.
"We're focused on getting it done and we still have a month left. I don't think anyone's thinking of a holdout right now."
Schaffer will also take into account the Browns' high-salaried group of offensive linemen, including guard Eric Steinbach, who signed a seven-year free agent deal worth $49.5 million, with $17 million guaranteed.
"Those are all factors that go into it," said Schaffer.
Savage said he's even more concerned about Thomas' ability to get ready for the season than Quinn's.
"Joe hasn't been in pads since Jan. 1," said Savage. "Personally, there's more of a concern from a football standpoint because Joe needs actual contact to be ready."
Perhaps that's one reason the Browns have been adamant about referring to Kevin Shaffer as their starting left tackle. If Thomas misses a couple of weeks, Shaffer might retain the job and Thomas could start at right tackle or guard. If Thomas does get in on time, Shaffer will take reps at both left and right tackle.
And in the event that Thomas can win the left tackle job, Shaffer could still be traded, perhaps to the Giants, who inquired about him after the draft.
"My agent knows how I feel about getting in on time and that's our plan," said Thomas.
Asked about Wright, his other top Browns client, Schaffer said: "He's going to be fantastic. I think he's going to be a starter."
QB race:
Savage said the quarterback competition should be a two-man race by the end of the first preseason game, Aug. 11.
"It should be whittled down by then through holdout, injury or performance," said Savage. "We have enough reps to get two quarterbacks ready, but not three or four."
Savage said Charlie Frye's experience would've put him ahead at this point if not for the new offense. "It's leveled the playing field and Charlie's not the prettiest practice player," said Savage. "But when the games get under way, he seems to rise to the occasion."
He said Derek Anderson looked better in minicamp be- cause of his height and strong arm. There is some sentiment in the organization that if the season began today, Anderson would be the starter. But Frye can win the job with stellar preseason games.
"The wild card is Brady Quinn," said Savage. "If he's there at the beginning, he'll be right in the mix."
Savage said Quinn can win the job if he gets in on time.
"He's a quick learner and he showed improvement from his first day out there," said Savage. "People keep harping on his three interceptions in the first practice, but he's come a long way."
Bentley update:
Savage said coach Romeo Crennel spoke recently with LeCharles Bentley "and he feels pretty good with where he is right now," said Savage. "After July 1, we'll know a little more about where that stands."
Baxter outlook:
Savage said he's been amazed by Gary Baxter's progress and wouldn't be surprised if he plays this season.
"Maybe he'll start the season on [the physically unable to perform list] and then be able to play six weeks into the season," said Savage.
Savage said it's possible Baxter could play nickel back or safety. "Gary does have the versatility to do any of those things," said Savage. "If he can make it back, I think he can help us in some way, shape or form."
Training camp dates:
The Browns open camp to the public for 22 days and 29 practices beginning Friday, July 27, and ending Thursday, Aug. 23. Exact times and dates will be announced next month.
Camp will feature seven evening practices. Family Night at the Stadium will be Friday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m.
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