Joe Thomas completely rips Peyton Hillis

by Paul Jackiewicz

“I think it was better for both sides (that he left),” said Thomas. “At that point the situation with him here was toxic, and he didn’t want to be here and players didn’t want him here. It was better for a fresh start at that point.”

Thomas attributed it all to Hillis’ botched attempt at trying get a new deal.

“It was just the fact, he decided his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win, and it left us without a running back and then we had a few injuries that hurt us further, with Montario (Hardesty) being down and Brandon Jackson, losing him in training camp.

“(Hillis) went about trying to get a contract a certain way, and it ended up hurting the other 52 guys in the locker room. That was his decision.”

Thomas told reporters in training camp that if the team chose up sides, no one would choose Hillis.

“He wasn’t real popular around here the way he went about his business,” said Thomas. “Not that they didn’t like him as a person, but just the way he hurt the team from not coming to play.”

Was that out of character?

“Yeah, no question, he was everything people knew about him: hard-working, blue-collar tough,” said Thomas. “The next year all he cared about what trying to get his new contract. I think he was getting poor guidance on how to go about his business. The way he chose it really hurt the team.”

Thomas said: “I don’t know, you guys tell me. I don’t know if strep throat and whatever other injuries he had should keep you out of an NFL game or several. All I know is Alex Mack’s appendix blew up and he played. A lot of guys tried to help him and give him guidance, and he wasn’t listening.”

Thomas added: “It was a strange year. Everyone here is glad we’re beyond it, and I’m sure Peyton’s glad he’s past it too because it was a strange season.”

What’s really sad is that Hillis ruined a opportunity to get the one big contract every NFL running back desires and now he’s on a short-term deal with the Chiefs and making noting compared to what he would have receive if he had just behaved in Cleveland.

Is this the beginning of a Browns running committee?

December 3, 2012 By Craig Lyndall

The NFL really doesn’t seem to care a lot about the lives of fantasy football “owners.”  How else can you explain the multiple teams that seem to run the ball almost exclusively without exclusivity? Running by committee is a clichéd statement around the NFL, but the committee has pretty much completely avoided Cleveland since 1999. Even when it seemed like the Browns had accidentally found their way into two running backs with breakout performances by Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis, it seemed that the Browns could never find a way to mix and match the opportunities for both backs. Yesterday with Montario Hardesty and Trent Richardson, it seemed like the beginnings of something that might just take hold if the Browns’ coaching staff trusts in it.

I made a Twitter joke after Montario Hardesty sat with one carry for 19 yards for an extended period of time. Hardesty came in on the first drive of the game for the Browns and followed up Trent Richardson’s nine yard gain with a much speedier 19 yard run around the left side. The joke, of course, was what the Vegas odds were that Montario Hardesty would complete the game with one carry for 19 yards. My joke was almost completely based in truth. After Hardesty’s 19-yard run in the first quarter, he didn’t receive another carry until giving Trent Richardson a break in the fourth quarter. What a break it was.

Hardesty ran on first down from the Browns’ 22 for 4 yards. He followed that up with a 13-yard run, and then a 3-yard run. Yes, Weeden was sacked for an 11-yard loss on 2nd down and the Browns failed to convert on 3rd and 18, but Hardesty is the point here. All said and done, Hardesty gave the Raiders a different look and the contrast was successful. In the end, Hardesty finished with five carries for 39 yards and a 7.8 yard-per-carry average. Even more than the numbers, the contrast looked obvious on TV like when Pedro Martinez could dial up mid-90′s fastballs before hitting you with the 78 MPH changeup. Well, maybe not that good, but you get my point.

Trent Richardson is still far and away your number one running back. He had a workmanlike day with 20 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown and three receptions for 23 yards. His 3.6 yard-per-carry average isn’t gaudy and neither is his 9-yard long.  And if we’re being quite honest, eight of those yards came when Shawn Lauvau practically willed Richardson eight yards with the game on the line in the fourth quarter.

But Richardson is still a guy that teams have to worry about and account for at all times. Even when they’re successful doing so, this is where the committee comes in. If the Browns can turn to Montario Hardesty, a speedier option, it gives the Browns a contrast in their attack that will only serve to make everyone more effective.

They say when you have a quarterback controversy between two quarterbacks, it really means you don’t have any good quarterbacks. As a follower of the Browns, I couldn’t possibly agree with that more. That isn’t the case with running backs though. When it comes to running backs more is better provided the coaching staff believes in it and can effectively dole out the workload. With Sunday’s successes, here’s hoping Shurmur will continue to pepper Hardesty in. Done well, it could make the Browns entire offense – including Trent Richardson – more effective.

And to think, some fans wanted to see Hardesty cut at various points since he was drafted…

Cleveland Browns' family evening at the stadium overshadowed by Trent Richardson, Joe Haden developments

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On a night that was supposed to be all about fun, family and fireworks for the Cleveland Browns, the team was rocked by two bombshells regarding key players Trent Richardson and Joe Haden.

Richardson, the Browns' top pick in the April draft, will likely undergo surgery Thursday in Pensacola, Fla., by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to remove a small piece of cartilage from his sore left knee.

But the team is optimistic that Richardson, who had a torn meniscus repaired by Andrews in February, will be back in time for the opener Sept. 9 against the Eagles -- exactly a month away. Early word is that he'll be out two to three weeks.

"We're hopeful that he can be [back for the opener], but we'll see," coach Pat Shurmur said after the Family Fun Night practice at the stadium, which was attended by new owner Jimmy Haslam. "We'll all know more tomorrow."

Shortly after news broke of Richardson's procedure, espncleveland.com reported that Haden faces a possible four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. One source told the site that Haden was found with Adderall in his system, a stimulant used to treat attention deficit disorder and similar conditions.

Teams are not permitted to comment on the players who violate the policy, and are subject to a $500,000 fine if they do.

"If I knew something, I couldn't talk about it -- and I don't know anything," said Shurmur. "I'm assuming that if that's the case we'll receive notice from the league, but as I mentioned that hasn't been the case."

After practice, Haden also declined comment. "It's really a league matter," said Haden. "I can't comment on that right now."

Haden did say, however, that he's still Mr. Cleveland -- the clean-cut, happy-go-lucky guy that fans have come to know and love.

"Everybody knows who I am," he said. "Honestly, my friends and my family, they know exactly who I am. All the Haden Nation supporters. They know who I am and you can't put up a front. So I'm just going to just keep balling, keep looking forward to the next game and keep doing my thing."

Cornerback Dimitri Patterson talked like a man who knows he'll probably be starting the first four games.

"This is a natural transition for me," he said. "I'll never be pressed [into service]. I've always been ready to start. The door opened and that's all it really is -- one person don't make a secondary."

Safety T.J. Ward, Haden's best friend on the team, said "I was surprised as anyone" to hear the news. He said the report shouldn't change people's perceptions of Haden.

"People should love him for who he is," Ward said. "He's a great person."

Asked how Haden is handling it, Ward said, "I don't know. Joe's always in high spirits. He'll bounce back from this.

"We all have to step it up a notch," he continued, also giving support to Patterson. "We have a great secondary. ... [Patterson's] as good as any corner in the game right now."

Haden's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who attended practice on Tuesday, declined to comment. His business manager, Sean Cabble said, "This is the first I've heard of it."

Shurmur, speaking in generic terms, said players know the rules.

"Our players are well aware of what they can and can't put in their bodies," he said. "That's one of the indoctrinations to this league and the players all know that they're responsible for what goes in their bodies and I'm not speaking about any specific situation and I'm not alluding to anything that I don't know about. I'm just saying they're all aware of what they can't put in their bodies."

In the week since Haslam had his introductory press conference, he's watched linebacker Chris Gocong's season end with a torn Achilles and now the Richardson surgery and possible Haden suspension. It didn't stop him from shaking hands and posing for pictures with fans last night.

"Football's a tough game and injuries are part of the game," said Haslam. "And it probably hurts a team like us that's a little younger, maybe a little less depth. But like I said, we're building a good team, we're doing it as we said on Friday for the long run, we're going to do it the right way. We're not going to panic and not do the right things to bring a winner to Cleveland over the long period of time."

As for Haden's possible suspension, he said, "You know, I don't know enough to comment on that. Obviously Joe's a great player and we certainly hope he's available, but I don't know anything more than that."

He also said he'd been in business meetings here all day and didn't know much more about Richardson other than that he had "a little knee issue."

Espncleveland reported that Haden has been notified that he tested positive for a banned substance. If the original sample tests positive again, he'd suspended for the first four games. Haden could appeal, and most likely would. The suspension would cost him four game checks, more than $1.35 million.

According to the policy, Haden would also be ineligible for the Pro Bowl or other league or NFLPA honors.

As for Richardson, he experienced swelling in the knee, had an MRI Tuesday and flew to Pensacola, Fla. where Andrews has a clinic. Andrews has been Richardson's surgeon since high school, when he repaired ligaments in both ankles.

The procedure is a precautionary measure, a source said.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/08/cleveland_browns_trent_richard_4.html

Cleveland Browns' Pat Shurmur says there's no rush to thin QB ranks

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Pat Shurmur likes the way Colt McCoy has handled himself on and off the field during this summer of competition with Brandon Weeden and thinks there's a realistic chance McCoy could be around come opening day.

"I don't think there's any hurry to get rid of anybody right now," the Browns head coach told The Plain Dealer Thursday during an appearance on PD SportsInsider on cleveland.com. "I guess the conversation becomes how he's going to handle it if he's not the starter. Colt's a professional and he's actually done everything that I've asked him to do. He's handled his work well, and in my opinion, he's handled his comments with the media well.

"He can't always control what gets said around him -- I think I've learned that as well. All you can worry about is what you say and do and I think Colt's functioned in a very professional way."

Shurmur was apparently referring to a recent tweet by McCoy's younger brother Case, who exclaimed that "Cleveland is only going downhill!" in response to a fake tweet that his brother had been traded to the Eagles.

That said, Shurmur acknowledged he can't predict how the backup QB battle plays out, where McCoy, Seneca Wallace and Thad Lewis are vying for the job. Despite speculation that McCoy will be traded, he said it's realistic that both veterans could return.

"I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say exactly what's going to happen, but I do think they've made improvements, which is important," said Shurmur. "We've added some young talent around them that has helped make things look smoother."

He said he's noticed a difference in McCoy from last season, when he had no off-season to work with the new staff and learn the West Coast system.

"Colt made a couple of throws [Wednesday] where he threw to the fourth guy in the progression," said Shurmur. "Now, it's not obvious to anybody, but he would've gone 1-2-3 and ran last year. He went 1-2-3 and threw it to four pretty smoothly. That only happens because you go through the process and I think he's improved.

"At this point, I can see any of the scenarios that you're mentioning -- and again I can't wait to name the starter so we can stop talking about this."

He said McCoy and all of the quarterbacks on the roster fit his criteria for a backup: mobility and the ability to function without many reps during the week.

"I think [McCoy's] very smart," he said. "You're talking about all the guys we have on our roster. They're smart and they can move around and they can go out and execute without getting a bunch of reps."

He said all four are working well together.

"I watch that room closely," he said. "You need to have a good quarterback room, and I see a bunch of guys acting in a very professional way."

Shurmur addressed a number of other topics:

• On if the Browns knew about Josh Gordon's third failed drug test: "We were pretty aware of probably all of the things that have been talked about in his background. Josh has put himself -- through his own behavior -- through some adversity. We feel as though that's behind him.

"We've talked to numerous people. We have relationships with people around the college ranks at both schools that he attended. We visited with him at length. We did a lot of work behind the scenes to assure us that this type of behavior won't happen again. He understands the importance of what he's going to go through now as a pro athlete, and we're going to help him in every way possible to make sure it doesn't. We feel like this is behind him."

• On acquiring a veteran receiver/mentor: "I like the group we have. At this point we don't have our sights set on bringing in anybody specific. At the receiver position, even though you don't have great age or experience there, it doesn't mean that somebody doesn't know his job well and can't help a young person. Within the group that we have at receiver and other positions, we'll make sure those guys act like pros."

• On Josh Cribbs as a receiver: "I'm not going to try to minimize his role or say exactly what it's going to be, but we do know that he's an outstanding special teams player and we feel like that's where he's made his mark that's where we expect him to not only play well but show leadership. We'll continue to try to find ways to get him the ball on offense."

• On his camp message: "We're going to talk about doing what we can to win football games and win the division because that assures you a spot in the playoffs. And once you're in the playoffs, then you have a chance to play in and win the biggest game of them all.

"I can't control what gets outside this building or how what's happening inside this building is perceived. What I can control is helping these guys develop thought processes that keep this team together and keep us moving forward. It does me absolutely no good to worry about the rest of it."

• On finding reps for running backs Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson: "Every team uses more than one running back throughout the course of a game and the season. They have to have some of the same characteristics as the backup quarterback because throughout the week, they definitely don't get as many reps."

Practice update: The veterans reported Thursday and will practice Friday in a closed session. The first open practice is Saturday from 8:45-11:15 a.m. in helmets and shorts. The first full-pad practice is Sunday from 8:45-11:15 a.m.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_pat_shurmur_s.html

Trent Richardson signs 4-year contract with Cleveland Browns, 4 years, $20.5 million, $13.3 million signing bonus

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Trent Richardson won't miss a beat in his bid to become "the most dominant player" of all time.
The No. 3 overall pick in the draft out of Alabama, Richardson signed his four-year deal today, a source told The Plain Dealer. With Browns rookies due to report to Berea on Tuesday, Richardson avoided missing any time and will take the field for the first workout on Wednesday.

Richardson's fully-guaranteed deal is worth $20.5 million over the four years, with a $13.3 signing bonus, a source told the PD. He also has no offset language, which means he'll receive the whole $20.5 million even if he signs with another team before the four years are up.

Now that the Browns have Richardson's deal done, they'll turn their attention to quarterback Brandon Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick. The only issue there is the fourth-year guarantee which Weeden's agent, Sean Howard of Octagon, hopes to secure, according to a source.

The only holdup in Richardson's deal was the offset language, which the Browns wanted and Richardson's agent, Jimmy Sexton did not. Richardson won that final battle, which enabled the deal to get done Monday after a full day of negotiating.  The highest current 2012 pick with offset provisions is No. 10 Stephon Gilmore of the Bills.
During organized team activities in May, coach Pat Shurmur praised the Browns' top pick.
"Wow, he's a very powerful man and he's powerfully built,'' said Shurmur. "Don't let the 5-9 1/2 fool you. He's almost 230 pounds and that's a lot of muscle packed into that body. I think he's got a very powerful build, much like we thought when we drafted him and it shows up on the field.''
Shurmur said Richardson's thick, compact frame will dictate his running style.
"Trent can get his foot down and slash it up in the line of scrimmage and by the nature of his build, he is sometimes hard to get your arms around and tackle. That natural leverage that he has also gives him great balance and body control.''
Richardson told The Plain Dealer during OTAs that after overcoming so many obstacles in his life, "It's a miracle that I've gotten to this point. Now that I'm here, I want to be remembered as the most dominant player to ever play the game."
Shurmur said during minicamp that Richardson will be the starting running back, and that Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson will also get reps.
Weeden, who's expected to win the Browns' starting job, will receive a four-year deal worth about $8.1 million. Many players in the latter part of the round receive  three-year guarantees with a partial guarantee for the fourth year.

Browns veteran players report Thursday and begin practicing Friday, but the first practice open to the public is Saturday at 8:45 a.m.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/trent_richardson_signs_1.html

Cleveland Browns sign supplemental pick Josh Gordon to four-year deal

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns receiver Josh Gordon, eager to catch up with his fellow rookies, signed a four-year contract just four days after the Browns picked him in the second round of Thursday's supplemental draft.

The deal is worth $5.3 million, $3.8 million guaranteed.

The signing leaves No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson and No. 22 overall pick Brandon Weeden as the Browns' only unsigned draft picks, but General Manager Tom Heckert said last week that he expects both to be in training camp on time.

Rookies report July 24 and take the field the next day. Veterans report July 26 and also practice the next morning, but the first session open to the public in Berea is July 28 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Gordon played one full season at Baylor in 2010, catching 42 passes for 714 yards and tying Kendall Wright with a team-high seven touchdown. He was suspended indefinitely in July 2011 after failing his second marijuana test at the school, and transferred to Utah, where he had to sit out last season because of NCAA transfer rules.

Heckert said last week that Gordon (6-3, 224 pounds) has the makings of a No. 1 receiver and that he qualifies as an elite wideout. Art Briles, his coach at Baylor, told The Plain Dealer that Gordon definitely would have been a first-round pick this year had he played in 2011.

Gordon, who will challenge for a starting job opposite Greg Little, said he feels he will be ready to start this season if the Browns want him to.

In other Browns' contract news, Monday's 4 p.m. deadline passed without the Browns signing franchised kicker Phil Dawson to a multiyear deal. It means Dawson, heading into his 14th season with the Browns, will play out the year under the franchise tender for the second straight season, this time at $3.81 million. The two sides can revisit a long-term deal after the season.

Heckert said in March that he wanted to wrap up Dawson for the long haul, and Dawson said at minicamp last month that he wanted to finish his career here.

"I'd like to, I really would," Dawson said then. "I'm not thinking about my career being over at this point, but it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to go play somewhere else.

"We'll see what happens. Like I've told you guys before, I'm not very good at predicting the future, but I'm just gonna go to work like I always do and hope that things get worked out."

Dawson still has his sights on Lou Groza's 45-year-old team record of 1,349 points. He currently has 1,155.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_sign_suppleme.html

Their futures ahead of them, Cleveland Browns rookies take moment to reflect on the game's past with HOF visit

By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer

CANTON, Ohio — Quarterback Brandon Weeden spotted his brown No. 3 jersey hanging in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

OK, so it had a $99.99 price tag affixed to it and was for sale in the gift shop. As a rookie, you've got to start somewhere and NFL executives can't think of a better place than here.

The league's weeklong rookie symposium in Northeast Ohio concluded with a visit to the 85,000-square-foot time machine in which Walter Payton still jukes would-be tacklers and Otto Graham keeps cranking out world titles for Cleveland.

AFC first-year players -- who spent the previous three days attending seminars focused on their futures – immersed themselves in pro football's gladiatorial past.

Browns running back Trent Richardson snapped pictures of Jim Brown's bust with his camera phone. Browns defensive tackle John Hughes marveled at an exhibit of old helmets. Weeden and No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts chatted in front of the likeness of Dan Marino.

"It's a surreal moment," Weeden said of standing in the hall's gallery of bronze busts. "It kind of hits home that we are in this league and obviously every guy's dream is to be here sooner or later."

While the league-mandated rookie orientation stresses player responsibility and code of conduct, it also yokes past to present.

The NFL has required teams to send their rookies to Canton since former receiver Michael Irvin, in his 2007 acceptance speech, lamented not touring the hall as a young player and learning more about the game's history.

The league doesn't expect players to memorize John Madden's .759 career winning percentage, but it would like them to know he contributed more to football than a popular video game.

Hughes, who grew up in Columbus, admitted he didn't know the HOF was in Canton until he reached the University of Cincinnati. The bushy-haired tackle took his time in front of exhibits, making use of the many interactive displays. But Hughes, like so many of the players, said their favorite part was the circular bust gallery.

"The likeness is amazing," Hughes said. "It's like you are face to face with these guys."

A guide informed players that 15 of the 241 hall-of-famers were undrafted free agents. Being selected No. 1 overall, as Tim Couch discovered, doesn't guarantee success. Just 13 top picks have been inducted.

In the bust gallery, Weeden and Luck met up, providing a fortuitous photo-op for members of the public who were permitted to interact with the athletes. Weeden posed for countless pictures and signed autographs.

Mostly, he soaked in the history.

"I'm a huge fan of quarterbacks and I loved seeing the busts of all the great ones like Dan Marino, John Elway and Otto Graham," Weeden said.

Jim Brown might think Richardson is an "ordinary" running back, but the feeling is not mutual. Approaching the legend's bronze likeness, Richardson reached for his phone. He took a picture.

Then another.

And another.

He also delighted in capturing images of Emmitt Smith, who attended the same Pensacola, Fla., high school (Escambia) as Richardson.

Each rookie class had its photo taken alongside the encased Vince Lombardi Trophy. With the Browns examining a display of Super Bowl rings, a guide took an inopportune moment to remind them the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the most (six).

Several players designed virtual rings using an interactive display. As offensive lineman Ryan Smith added karats to his creation, Weeden barked: "You'll never work for Jostens."

The hall not only enshrines great players, but memorable moments. One display case features the white No. 16 jersey of teammate Josh Cribbs, who broke the NFL career record for touchdown kickoff returns in 2009.

After walking the corridors, the rookies watched an NFL Films presentation and were addressed by Hall-of-Famer Carl Eller.

"Remember the guys who paved the way and lit the path for you," Eller told the room.

Weeden said he went to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., as a kid but was too young to appreciate the occasion. The former minor-league pitcher conceded Saturday's trip to Canton was more meaningful.

His pro football career unfurling before his eyes, Weeden had another confession:

"I got a chill just seeing my jersey in the gift shop."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/06/trent_richardson_snaps_photos.html

Rookie WR Josh Cooper looking to make a home with Cleveland: Browns Insider

By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- When Josh Cooper returns for Browns training camp next month, the rookie receiver will be staying with quarterback Brandon Weeden and his wife, Melanie.

The arrangement between old Oklahoma State teammates is temporary, but Cooper admits to feeling a bit like the Owen Wilson character in "You, Me and Dupree."

"I'm definitely the Dupree in the equation," Cooper said in reference to lodging with a married couple. The undrafted free agent isn't worried about crashing on somebody's basement futon. He's just trying to find a home on the Browns' roster.

The slot receiver from Mustang, Okla., lacks the size and NFL experience other competitors enjoy. Cooper does, however, hold one advantage: a familiarity with the Browns' presumptive starting quarterback. He was Weeden's second-favorite target at Oklahoma State behind Justin Blackmon, making 161 catches for 1,696 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The duo's chemistry, as well as Cooper's ability to catch the ball, have been evident during the minicamp and organized team activities. The coaching staff will get a more accurate evaluation of the 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver when the Browns don pads and the defense can begin applying punishing hits.

Cooper is used to having to prove his durability and nerve while running routes in high-traffic areas infested with linebackers.

"You have to be tough in the slot," Cooper said. "I've always prided myself on being a hard-nosed player and that's what I will try to do here."

Every NFL organization trolls the late rounds and free agency looking for the next Wes Welker, the undersized, undrafted possession receiver who has flourished in New England. Cooper, who grew up near Welker's hometown of Oklahoma City, doesn't pattern his game after any specific player, he said.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur seems to appreciate Cooper's football acumen, route running and ability to maximize his talents. The 23-year-old has seldom dropped a pass in drills.

"I'm very impressed with what I've seen from him," Shurmur said. "I think he generally gets it. He understands how to uncover in the slot area. There is something to that because you are surrounded by lots of guys, and to understand leverage and how to get open is a skill."

During the draft's final round, the Browns asked Cooper's future landlord to help recruit him should the receiver not get selected. Cooper said he didn't need much convincing.

The Browns aren't the only team outfitting their rookie quarterback with a pass-catching security blanket from college. The Indianapolis Colts, who selected Andrew Luck with the first pick, drafted Stanford tight end Coby Fleener and signed receiver Griff Whalen.

Even in drills, observers can see Weeden knows where to find Cooper and where to place passes. But the receiver knows his friendship and association with Weeden means little as the club whittles its roster.

"It's a business," Cooper said. "I am not here because of him. I have to come out here and prove myself every day."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/06/rookie_wr_josh_cooper_looking.html

Phil Dawson wants to finish his career in Cleveland

June 5, 2012 By Craig Lyndall

The Browns were back working today and Phil Dawson has joined the team after receiving his second straight franchise tag designation from the Browns. Dawson is a great guy and a fan favorite, so what he had to say to the media today was especially nice to hear.

(On the chances he will finish his career as a Cleveland Brown) – “You know what, I’d like to. I really would. I’m not thinking about my career being over at this point, but it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to go play somewhere else. So, we’ll see what happens. I’ve told you guys before I’m not very good at predicting the future, but I’m just going to go to work like I always do and hope that things get worked out.”

(On approaching Lou Groza’s record) – “That was a goal I set in 1999 when Danny Kight and Chris Boniol were out here competing against me in training camp. If I would had admitted back then that, that was one of my goals you guys would have laughed me out of town and I wouldn’t have blamed you. So a lot of work, a lot of years and a lot of effort has taken place since then. To even be remotely on the horizon close to that is a pretty neat thing.”

Despite the poor teams that Dawson has been a part of, there is little doubt that he will go down in Browns history along with guys like Josh Cribbs as one of the very few bright spots during decidedly dark days in the history of the franchise. If he can somehow bridge the gap between the dark days and a brighter future it would be that much better. Now, the hard part…

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/06/phil-dawson-wants-to-finish-his-career-in-cleveland/

Josh Cribbs on his way out with the Cleveland Browns?

By Eric Schmidt

Will the fans of the Cleveland Browns be seeing WR/KR Josh Cribbs on the field for the last time in 2012? Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald seems to think it’s a very distinct possibility. Because of the changes to the kickoff rules last season, there is less value in paying a large salary to a player which excels only at that specialty. In fact, there have even been some discussion this offseason that perhaps the NFL might do away with kickoffs entirely in the future.

Cribbs is under contract this season and will earn slightly less than $1.5 million. In addition to returning kicks, Cribbs also plays on special teams and was the Browns second leading receiver last season posting a career high 41 receptions. Cleveland sorely needs pass catchers and was mysteriously quiet during free agency regarding that position despite a surplus of receivers on the market this offseason.

Cribbs is a fan favorite and a player which is actively involved in the local community. Allowing Cribbs to walk next season would likely be another terrible publicity move for a franchise which simply cannot afford too many more. The fan base is restless and desperately wants to embrace a winning team. Since 1990, the Browns have posted a winning record just three times and since 1989, have only reached the playoffs twice.

http://www.thepigskinreport.com/2012/05/josh-cribbs-on-his-way-out-with-the-cleveland-browns/

Brandon Weeden believes he’s ready to start right away

Written by Paul Jackiewicz

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden knows that the in order for his team to have the best chance to win now, he’s going to need to start right away.  The good news is that he believes he’s ready.

“I feel like I’m ready,” Weeden said. “I have a long way to go, but I feel like I’ve taken the right steps to get to where I can play at that level.

“If I’m asked to be the guy Day One, I’m going to do everything on my part to put our team in position to win games and score points. I’m really anxious to get going and the season will be here before you know it.”

Weeden says that he’s been inspired by the rookie quarterbacks who started last season.

“You see guys like Andy Dalton and Cam Newton and Christian Ponder that came in, these guys played relatively soon. That’s what I mentioned to teams the entire time, that my maturity in baseball will help,” he said. “There’s going to be a learning curve. It’s going to be a challenge, but I have a lot of faith in my ability to play football.”

In order for the Browns to have any type of success moving forward, Weeden will need to start right away and I don’t believe he’ll have any problems proving himself to his coaches and teammates from here on out.

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_weeden_believes_hes_ready_to_start_right_away/10724867

Josh Cribbs ticketed for going 103 mph

Josh Cribbs created a lane for himself in the NFL by being a speedster on the field, returning an NFL record eight kickoffs for touchdowns. However being a speedster on the road doesn't cut it in the eyes of the law.

Cribbs was ticketed in Cleveland for going 103 mph in a 60 mph zone.
Cribbs was issued a speeding citation on Friday night at 8:45 p.m. for driving 103 miles-per-hour in a 60-mph zone.

According to a copy of the speeding ticket issued to Cribbs obtained by Fox 8 News, the former Pro-Bowler was driving on I-71 near Fulton Avenue in a 2010 Bentley when he was clocked going 43-mph over the limit.


Instead of complaining about the ticket Cribbs took to Twitter a praised the police for doing their job and admitted that he was at fault for speeding.
Yes I was pulled over for speeding, going too fast, luckily the police were on the job. Wasn't going that fast the entire time obviously but wrong is wrong, gotta face the music just like anyone else.

Much Respect to the police officers who pulled me over! I will lead better on the road now as well as on & off the field!!!


Slow it down Josh.

Source: Browns cut punter Richmond McGee

by Aaron Wilson of Scout.com, March 13, 2012 at 12:55 am ET
Richmond McGee Profile
The Cleveland Browns have cut punter Richmond McGee, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
McGee signed with the Browns on Aug. 3, 2011 and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 13, 2011 following an injury and Brad Maynard being signed.
McGee, 28, was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles four years ago after playing collegiately at the University of Texas.
He has also played for the Chicago Bears.
He punted eight times for a 36.0 average last season.
For more coverage of the NFL, go to profootball.scout.com.

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 203

Position:
P

Date of Birth:
04/25/1983

Birthplace:
Garland,  TX

Experience:
1

High School:
Garland HS
(Garland, TX)

College:
Texas

Browns To Offer RB Peyton Hillis An Incentive-Rich Contract

As reported by Kevin Zoul of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are expected to offer RB Peyton Hillis an “incentive-rich contract” while he tests the open market. The Browns have made it known that they’ll allow Hillis to field offers from other teams in order to establish a more reasonable price tag However, Zoul adds that the Browns have offered Hillis a contract that would have paid him “$16 million over the first three years” This report does not surprise most, as Hillis is coming off a season that was plagued by injuries which hampered his overall production. Allowing Hillis to receive offers from other teams will make it easier for the Browns to offer him a deal closer to fair-market-value which is essentially what he’s looking for.

http://gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/184021-browns-offer-rb-peyton-hillis-incentive-rich.html

Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert says the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert said today the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning, who was released Wednesday by the Colts.

"Not really,'' said Heckert in an informal meeting with the media today. "That's probably not a direction we're going to go.''

Heckert also re-iterated what he said at the end of last season: that the Browns are unlikely to sign a big-name free agent quarterback. That would seem to rule out a strong pitch for Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, one of the biggest names set to hit the market on Tuesday.

He said the Browns like four quarterbacks in this draft, including the obvious top three of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill. The fourth appears to be Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, who's 28, because Heckert gushed about him.

"I really like him a lot,'' said Heckert. "We're going to see him (throw) tomorrow. "He's mature and he's telling you it's a positive. He's a really interesting guy. He's super smart.''

But he emphasized that the Browns are still high on Colt McCoy and haven't made the decision to replace him.

"We still think Colt can play in this league and it's our job to help him out,'' said Heckert. "If we catch more balls, if we protect him more'' he can be much-improved.

Heckert addressed a number of other topics during his 30-minute interview, his first since undergoing heart surgery last month and his first with the media since the end of the season. He said:

* Even though the Browns are up for anything with their No. 4 pick, all the talk about the Browns moving up to No. 2 to draft Griffin III "is crazy. We feel comfortable staying at No. 4 and getting a really good player. We feel comfortable moving back and getting extra picks too.''

* Right tackle Tony Pashos underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and he's not sure how that position will shake out out.

* The Browns will try to re-sign Peyton Hillis, but probably not until after he hit the market on Tuesday.

* The Browns will stick to their philosophy on free agency. "We're not going to sign a ton a free agents. We're not going to go crazy.''

* The Browns haven't ruled out trading their No. 22 pick. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Browns currently don't want to surrender that pick to move up to No. 2. "Never say never,'' Heckert said.

* His ultimate goal with franchised kicker Phil Dawson is to sign him to a long-term deal. He said he hasn't talked to him since applying the tag last week,

* He's still discussing what to do with left guard Eric Steinbach, who's coming off back surgery and set to make $6 million this year.

* He wants to re-sign free agents Mike Adams, Dimitri Patterson and the other players set to be free on Tuesday.

* Linebacker Marcus Benard is under contract and doesn't need to be tendered.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/cleveland_browns_gm_tom_hecker_11.html

NFL Free Agency Rumor: Hillis back to original agent, Sexton

By Craig Lyndall

The Hillis game of musical chairs appears to be coming to an end once again and Jimmy Sexton seems to have found a chair again. According to a source who talked to ProFootballTalk, Hillis will welcome back his old agent.Now, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Hillis plans to re-hire Jimmy Sexton, who has since joined CAA. Per the source, Ben Dogra of CAA also will be involved in the representation.

Again, nobody knows exactly what any of this means for Peyton Hillis and his future with the Cleveland Browns. All we know is that the Browns will have an “exclusive” window to negotiate before next Tuesday March 13th. Of course exclusive goes into quotes because there is all sorts of alleged tampering that takes place in supposedly exclusive negotiating windows, so we’ll see.

The curious case of Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis

by Eric Schmidt

his has been a strange year for Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. In 2010, Hillis became a fan favorite with a cult-like following in Cleveland but in 2011, Hillis fell out of favor with the same fans and his coaching staff. The season started with the power back suffering a case of strep throat which led to him sitting out for a game, that led to rumors that he was advised to sit by his agent in order to gain leverage to gain a new long-term deal. The season went downhill from there. The offseason has been no easy go for Hillis either with ESPN reporting last week that he was contemplating retirement and joining the CIA.

The ESPN report was immediately dismissed by Hillis and he fired yet another agent, his third this season. Speaking to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Hillis said regarding the rumor, “That’s ridiculous. I never one time mentioned anything to any coach about retirement or joining the CIA or anything like that. It’s 100 percent false. I don’t know who came up with a story like that, but they should’ve come up with a better one to make it sound legit.”

Hillis has spent the season lobbying for a new long-term contract with the Browns but the franchise has stated that they are willing to allow him to test the free agent market. Free agency begins on March 13th.

Hillis said that he would like to remain with the Browns and that he’d be willing to take a discount in order to remain with Cleveland. “I’ve always loved this city, and I still love it, and I still want to play for the Cleveland Browns. ” In regards to taking a hometown discount, “Yeah, of course I would. It depends on what they want to do. When free agency gets here, I’d love to hear them out,” Hillis told reporters.

The use of the franchise tag on Peyton Hillis is out of the question now for the Browns. The club placed the franchise tag on veteran PK Phil Dawson.

Hillis is coming off a very disappointing season. He recorded his lowest yard per carry average of his career (3.6) and only recorded one 100-yard performance, 112 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. If the Browns do not make an attempt to re-sign Hillis, they could pursue a new back in free agency or perhaps draft one in the upcoming draft.

Cleveland currently has three backs on their roster. The oft-injured Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya.

Eric Schmidt is the owner/editor of thepigskinreport.com.

http://www.thepigskinreport.com/2012/03/the-curious-case-of-cleveland-browns-rb-peyton-hillis/

Cleveland Browns put franchise tag on longtime kicker Phil Dawson

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The one constant for the Browns since they returned in 1999 has been kicker Phil Dawson bracing fierce winds on the lakefront and nailing his kicks.

Fortunately for them, that won't change in 2012.

The Browns franchised Dawson for the second straight season, which will be his 14th in a Browns uniform. He will make about $3.8 million, which represents the requisite 20 percent raise for a second straight tag. Last season, he made $3.125 million.

The Browns can continue to work on a long-term deal with Dawson, 37.

But for now, they're happy to have wrapped up Mr. Automatic, who's coming off what he considered to be the best season of his career.

"I certainly gave my heart and soul to this team this year," Dawson said after the season. "I feel pretty good about how I kicked the ball. I really missed one kick all year. I feel pretty good about that. I'll let it all sink in and make that decision when the time comes."

Dawson played in all 16 games last year, converting 24-of-29 field-goal attempts and all 20 PATs for a team-high 92 points. He also made seven field goals of 50 yards or more, which tied for most in the NFL and fell one shy of the league record.

What made his season even more impressive is that he adjusted to three holders and two long-snappers after Ryan Pontbriand was released. Two of his kicks were blocked, and another was deflected after the snap went off a lineman's foot. He missed a 38-yarder but contends it was good because it sailed over the upright.

Dawson nearly tied the NFL record with eight kicks of 50 yards or more but was 1 yard shy on his final kick of the season, a 49-yarder in the season-ending loss to Pittsburgh.

"I wish I was thinking a little clearer," he said. "I might have moved it back an extra yard. One yard from history."

Dawson returned to the Browns last season despite the fact he sold his house in Westlake and moved back to Austin, Texas, where his wife, Shannon, and their three children lived during the season.

But it didn't stop Dawson from moving into second place on the Browns' career points list with 1,155, second only to Hall of Famer Lou Groza's 1,349. Dawson also stands first on the Browns' all-time field-goal list with 276, and is first in team history with an 83.1 percent conversion rate, 10th best in NFL history.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/breaking_cleveland_browns_fran.html

Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis parts ways with agent Kennard McGuire, his third agent in a year

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND -- On the eve of free agency, Browns running back Peyton Hillis has parted ways with his agent, Kennard McGuire, a league source confirmed for the Plain Dealer.

It's the third agent Hillis has dumped in a year. The first two were Jimmy Sexton and Kelli Masters.

The news was first reported by Josina Anderson of ESPN.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert told Anderson today, "If we can work something out with Peyton (Hillis) we will. Did he have some rough patches during the season? Yes. Were there stretches where things were blown out of proportion? Yes. Honestly, I feel like a lot of that was blown up in the media. Now, of course things will still come down to the money, but we'll just have to wait and see."

Hillis' new agent is not yet known. A player must wait five days after he sends a letter of termination to the NFL Player Association before he can sign with a new agent. 

The Browns would like to re-sign Hillis before he becomes an unrestricted free agent Mar. 13.  They are not expected to franchise him, which would pay him $7.7 million for 2012. Deadline for franchising players is Monday.

Hillis and McGuire had a tumultuous season together in 2011. McGuire said he was the one who advised Hillis not to play against the Dolphins on Sept. 25 because he was too sick with strep throat and the flu.

Some of Hillis' teammates took exception to him sitting out and ultimately had an intervention-style meeting with him to help him get his priorities straight.

Hillis climbed back into the Browns' good graces with a strong end to the season, both on and off the field, including a 112-yard game in Baltimore Dec. 24.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/02/cleveland_browns_rb_peyton_hil_18.html

Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis unlikely to be franchised, but team will try to re-sign him

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Peyton Hillis, who had a tumultuous 2011 season, is unlikely to be franchised by the Browns.

But they'll still try to re-sign him before he hits the open market March 13 at 4 p.m.

Now that the Browns have signed linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to a five-year, $42.5 million deal, they can use the franchise tag on someone else. It's doubtful the Browns will use it at all, but if they do, they'd be more likely to use it on kicker Phil Dawson than Hillis.

The franchise salary for Dawson in 2011 will be about $3.8 million, and for Hillis, it would be about $7.7 million to $8 million.

Teams must franchise players by March 5. If the Browns don't use their tag, they can continue to negotiate with all their free agents before they hit the market on March 13.

The Browns are interested in re-signing Hillis after he finished the 2011 strong.  But the two sides were far apart when talks broke off midseason. 

The Browns will also try to re-sign Dawson, as well as many of their other free agents, including Marcus Benard, Mike Adams and Dimitri Patterson.

Dawson said at the end of last season that he wasn't sure he'd be back in Cleveland for a 14th season, but that he intended to continue playing.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/02/cleveland_browns_running_back_22.html