Report: Browns aren't close to signing Richardson or Weeden
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According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, there’s been no movement between the Browns and running back Trent Richardson. The only hang up in the contract negotiations seems to be the debate over offset language at this point.
“There’s been no movement yet on a deal for No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson even though the two players drafted ahead of him, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, have signed their four-year deals, a league source said,” reported Cabot.
“Offset language is believed to be the only real issue with Richardson’s contract, because the total amount of the deal and signing bonus are pretty well set under the new rookie slotting system. The contract will also be fully guaranteed,” wrote Cabot.
Richardson is expected to sign a four-year, $20.4 million with $13.4 million guaranteed.
Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden is looking to have all four years of his rookie contract guaranteed even though he was a late first round pick.
“The holdup in Weeden’s case is that he’s seeking to have all four years of his rookie deal guaranteed” wrote Cabot. “Most players drafted at the lower end of the first round have three years guaranteed and a partial guarantee for the fourth season. Weeden will receive a four-year deal worth about $8.1 million a year. With the Browns counting on him to be their starting quarterback, he can ill-afford to miss much camp time.”
The good news is that Browns general manager Tom Heckert said that he expects both player to be signed in time for camp next week.
