Cleveland Browns Trade Rumors

Deep pool of free-agent receivers should be tempting to Cleveland Browns
February 12
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns picked a great year to be in the market for big-play wide receivers. Depending on which players re-sign with their teams between now and the start of free agency on March 13, there could be dozens of quality wideouts flooding the market. The list includes big-name receivers such as San Diego's Vincent Jackson and Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson, and some lesser-known ones such as Dallas' Laurent Robinson and New Orleans' Robert Meacham. Of course, some of the best will either be franchised by their teams -- which could earn them an estimated $9.5 million in 2012 -- or sign contracts before hitting the open market. But for a Browns team that finished 30th in the NFL in points per"
Cleveland Browns have renewed interest in keeping Peyton Hillis?
January 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns would like to re-sign running back Peyton Hillis, who worked his way back into the team's good graces over the final six weeks of the season, a league source said. Hillis, who becomes an unrestricted free agent March 13, showed the Browns enough over the final six games -- both on and off the field -- that they'd like to have him back at the right price. The Browns can re-sign their own free agents at any time. General Manager Tom Heckert said at the end of the season that the Browns would talk to the agents for all of their free agents and hoped to re-sign some. He cited D'Qwell Jackson and kicker Phil Dawson as two the Browns would pursue."
Browns seemingly in line to hire Brad Childress as offensive coordinator
January 27
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Browns' search for an offensive coordinator has been relatively quiet, but that changed tonight. With the NFL's head-coaching vacancies filled and former Green Bay Packers and Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman expected to be named the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins, the Browns appear to be in line to hire former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress as their offensive coordinator. Although nothing is official, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported today that either Sherman or Childress would "land in Cleveland almost certainly" as an offensive coordinator. Sherman is reportedly on the verge of replacing former Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in Miami, so Childress"
Former NFL scout suggests Matt Flynn might be the Cleveland Browns' best QB option
January 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Dan Shonka has a theory about the Browns, and it starts with Matt Flynn. The former scout for three NFL teams now runs Ourlads.com, which handicaps the draft each year. Shonka has quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III rated as the top two players in the draft -- and he believes they are likely to be the first two picks, with someone trading up with St. Louis to grab Griffin. So where does that leave the Browns? "Let's start with the fact that I think RG III has played almost all of his career in the [shot]gun," said Shonka. "But he's a rare individual. He can learn to take snaps under center. He has the intelligence and ability to learn any system. He's an excellent athlete, he"
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes Browns buying into RG3 mania, will 'probably kick Colt McCoy to the curb'
January 20
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes a duo from Baylor could help revive the Browns' inept offense. In his first mock draft of the year, Kiper has the Browns selecting the Baylor tandem of quarterback Robert Griffin III and wide receiver Kendall Wright with the fourth and 22nd overall picks, respectively, on April 26. The Browns have two first-round picks in 2012 because of their draft-day trade last year with the Atlanta Falcons. Of course, Kiper's projections will change after the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins Feb. 22, and free agency, which starts March 13. Still, Kiper is convinced the Browns must acquire a quarterback and a wide receiver they can plug into the starting"
Cleveland Browns adding Nolan Cromwell to coaching staff -- source
January 18
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns have added former St. Louis Rams receivers coach Nolan Cromwell to Pat Shurmur's coaching staff, according to a league source. Cromwell joined the Rams in 2010, Shurmur's last season in St. Louis as Rams offensive coordinator. Cromwell also has extensive experience working under Mike Holmgren in Seattle and Green Bay."
Browns facing five important free-agent decisions
January 15
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Before the Browns can plot their strategy in NFL free agency, which begins on March 13, they have to finalize decisions on their own potential free agents. They have five key players who will be unrestricted free agents if they don't re-sign. Here's a look at each and the circumstances that may influence the Browns' decisions. Running back Peyton Hillis: Each of the Browns' top decision-makers has repeatedly declined to say he wants Hillis back. At his season-ending press conference, coach Pat Shurmur said, "That's one of those questions I really can't answer at this point." President Mike Holmgren said at his season-ender, "That's one of our players that is a free agent and we're not"
Cleveland Browns on verge of losing defensive backs coach -- report
January 11
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns may soon be in the market for more than an offensive coordinator. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Browns defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson will rejoin former Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and take a similar position with the Cowboys. Henderson joined the Browns in 2009 when Eric Mangini was named head coach. He was one of five Mangini assistants retained when Pat Shurmur succeeded Mangini in 2011."
Browns could trade down
January 8
Akron Beacon Journal
 columnist Marla Ridenour
"Twice in the past three years, the Browns traded down in the first round of the draft. That trend has frustrated at least one season-ticket holder, who emailed a beat reporter recently and said if it happened again in 2012, he was through with the team he loves. When that message was relayed to General Manager Tom Heckert on Thursday, Heckert's reaction might not bode well for the disgruntled fan's renewal. "Geez. Now that's pressure there," Heckert said. Heckert has traded down in the first round once in his two drafts, the other coming during the regime of former coach Eric Mangini. In 2009, Mangini slid from No. 5 to No. 21 in deals with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and"
Browns should target Packers backup quarterback Flynn
January 6
Akron Beacon Journal
 columnist Marla Ridenour
"There's no need to force RGIII into a system he doesn't fit. Instead, Browns fans should be obsessing over Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn. It's going to be costly to sign the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent, especially after Flynn set the Packers' franchise records by throwing for 480 yards and six touchdowns Sunday in a 45-41 victory over the Detroit Lions. But if the rebuilding Browns are searching for the fastest track to the playoffs, it would be with Flynn, not with a rookie like Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor. As Flynn's touchdowns piled up against the Lions, so did the millions he should reap. He became the fourth quarterback in league history"
Browns may take a shot at Packers QB Matt Flynn
January 3
CantonRep.com
 
"There is no question Mike Holmgren would rush soon-to-be-free agent Matt Flynn hard. The only question is how much the Browns president likes the quarterback who was throwing the high stinkin' cheddar for the Packers while the big cheese rested up for the playoffs. What wasn't to like in Sunday's 45-41 win over Detroit? Flynn, 26, a seventh-round draft pick out of LSU in 2008, came in cold, having thrown just five 2011 passes in relief of Aaron Rodgers through 15 games. Yet, he went 31-for-44 for 480 yards and six touchdowns in the win over Detroit. The game was in cold-weather Lambeau Field on New Year's Day in a West Coast offense right in Holmgren's wheelhouse."
Sources: Browns eyeing O-coordinator
January 1
ESPN.com
 
"The Cleveland Browns are contemplating hiring an offensive coordinator to take over the play calling from coach Pat Shurmur, according to league sources. The sources said former Vikings coach Brad Childress is the leading candidate. Childress, who sat out this season after being fired by Minnesota in 2010, was the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator when Shurmur was Philadelphia's quarterbacks coach."
FS Mike Adams, CB Dimitri Patterson express desire to stay in Cleveland
December 31
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"In one of the most memorable moments of training camp, Browns veteran Mike Adams boldly told a large group of reporters he had been overlooked and underrated throughout his career and vowed not to relinquish the starting job at free safety without a fight. Adams, 30, kept his word by holding off free-agent acquisition and fellow safety Usama Young, 26. Adams will go wire-to-wire as a starter, completing his mission Sunday when the Browns (4-11) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) in the regular-season finale for both teams. "I'm happy the way it played out," said Adams, who's in his eighth NFL season. "I still left some plays on the field that I would like to have back, any player would"
Montario Hardesty hoping to carry the ball in final two games
December 21
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns running back Montario Hardesty still hopes to salvage what's left of his lost season. "I definitely want to finish out these two games strong," said Hardesty, who's carried the ball in one of the past seven games because of his torn calf muscle. "I've been really frustrated with this calf injury. It really hindered me a lot this year, but I have two more chances to go out and play." Hardesty made the trip to Arizona and was active for the game, but stood on the sidelines and didn't play. Meanwhile, Peyton Hillis rushed for 99 yards. "The calf was sore last week," said Hardesty. "I was ready if they needed me, but they didn't.""
Browns' Shurmur declines to commit to QB Colt McCoy when he's recovered from concussion
December 20
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Pat Shurmur declined to commit to quarterback Colt McCoy as the starter when he's recovered from his concussion. "I'm going to cross that bridge when they're both healthy," said Shurmur. "Right now, until Colt's healthy, we're going to go with Seneca." Asked specifically if McCoy will start Saturday against the Ravens if healthy, Shurmur said, "If Colt is OK — when Colt is OK — we'll talk about that," said Shurmur. "How's that? Good answer?" He said McCoy is improving, is day to day and hasn't yet been cleared to practice. He also said he'll know more today about his availability."
Browns QB Colt McCoy's concussion improving, but status for Baltimore uncertain
December 19
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns quarterback Colt McCoy's concussion symptoms are improving, but his status for Saturday's game in Baltimore is still uncertain. Coach Pat Shurmur said he'll decide whether to start McCoy or Seneca Wallace when McCoy is healthy. "When Colt's okay, we'll talk about that,'' he said. With the game on Saturday, the Browns have a compressed practice week. They'll practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday instead of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Shurmur did not say if McCoy will be able to practice and that he'll know more tomorrow. He said McCoy is day-to-day."
Cleveland Browns expecting Seneca Wallace to start at QB Sunday
December 15
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"All systems are go for Seneca Wallace to make his first start of the season at quarterback for the Browns Sunday in Arizona. For the third day in a row, Colt McCoy was sent home with concussion symptoms after reporting to work. McCoy still is experiencing headaches, coach Pat Shurmur said. The other players who suffered concussions in the Pittsburgh game eight days ago -- tight end Benjamin Watson and fullback Owen Marecic -- again did not practice but were not sent home."
Colt McCoy can't recall James Harrison's hit, injures his left hand
December 9
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"James Harrison did it again. Another helmet to helmet hit, another Browns player down writhing in pain. Last year it was wide receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs. Both were smashed in the head by Harrison's helmet and both were knocked out cold. Both suffered concussions. Harrison was fined $75,000 for the hit on Massaquoi. Thursday night, he drilled Colt McCoy helmet-to-helmet and McCoy remained down on the field for a minute. Harrison was flagged 15 yards for unnecessary roughness and can expect his fine from the league office next week. "Honestly, I don't remember (the hit)," McCoy told the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram after the game."
Browns' Hillis questionable with hip injury but expected to play
December 8
NFL.com
 
"Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis is expected to play in Thursday night's AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite being listed as questionable with a hip injury, according to a league source. Hillis missed one series in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and was limited in practice this week. As Browns coach Pat Shurmur alluded to Tuesday, quarterback Colt McCoy also will play Thursday after suffering a sprained right knee against the Ravens. McCoy missed only one play Sunday and has done everything he normally would during practice this week."
QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis appear to be OK during team drills
December 7
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Browns (4-8) practiced today in preparation for their road game Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3). Reporters were allowed to watch about 30 minutes of practice. Here's what you need to know about the open session: * Quarterback Colt McCoy wore a black sleeve on his sprained right knee. McCoy, who's pictured above and to the left, looked fine dropping back and moving during team drills. * Running back Peyton Hillis (hip) also looked all right as he participated in team drills. Hillis, who's pictured above and to the right, was limited in practice Monday."
Peyton Hillis, Josh Cribbs say they want to stay in Cleveland
December 2
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns running back Peyton Hillis erased all doubt as to where he believes his future lies. "I love Cleveland. I know there's always been some questions there," he said Thursday after practice. "I've always been a Clevelander in my heart. I love this place. I enjoy this team and I hope to be here." Seemingly at ease and adorned with campaign gear from presidential candidate Ron Paul — at the request of teammate Tony Pashos — Hillis appeared ready to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. After missing five consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, the workhorse from last season gained 65 yards on 19 carries in last Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He confessed to some"
Browns expected to seek a long-term deal for D'Qwell Jackson
November 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"There are no talks currently going on for a new contract for Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who can be a free agent after this season. But a league source said the inactivity is no reason to believe the Browns won't make a concerted pitch to tie up Jackson long-term before free agency rolls around in March. "I'm sure they're going to wait to see how they finish the season," the source said. Jackson may be the Browns' most valuable player this season. By the end of the year, he will be a strong candidate for NFL comeback player of the year. After missing 22 games because of torn pectoral muscle injuries in 2009 and '10, Jackson has been an anchor in the middle of coordinator Dick"
Browns' Montario Hardesty returns to practice, should start; Jayme Mitchell upset over demotion
November 24
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The rotating door in the Browns' backfield is spinning again. Owen Marecic is out, Montario Hardesty is in and Peyton Hillis might not be far behind. Hardesty returned to practice without restrictions Wednesday and is expected to start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Who will be blocking for him remains to be seen. Marecic remains sidelined following a concussion in Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. If he is unable to go, Alex Smith is the likely starter at fullback. Hardesty went through a full workout Wednesday for the first time since tearing a calf muscle in his right leg Oct. 30. He returned to practice Friday in a limited capacity, but took part in everything on"
Browns coach Pat Shurmur: RB Montario Hardesty has shot to face Jaguars
November 17
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Running back Montario Hardesty, who tore a calf muscle in his right leg Oct. 30 against the San Francisco 49ers, has a chance to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Shurmur said. Hardesty will run today like he did Wednesday, when he worked on the side with a trainer while the rest of the team practiced, Shurmur said. "We'll just see how he feels, and we'll make a determination on his availability as we get near the end of the week," Shurmur said. … "I think he does (have a shot to play Sunday), and again we'll know more based on how he progresses today and tomorrow. So we'll see. I know he's anxious to get back out there, and I think he's looking forward to being healthy again. It's just a"
Mohamed Massaquoi practices, but status remains uncertain
November 17
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday and will decide later in the week if he's healthy enough to play against the Jaguars on Sunday. "We're going to progress," he said. "Each day I'm going to do a little bit more. And whenever I feel great to get back out there, I'll get back out there." Massaquoi, who because of the concussion has missed two games and left another early, said he's not too worried about another concussion because the Browns have been so careful with him. "I feel confident the symptoms won't come back," he said. "I feel confident that concussions aren't going to happen in the future, so I feel real good. Whenever you talk about"
Cleveland Browns SS T.J. Ward expected to be out 4-6 weeks with foot injury
November 11
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns strong safety T.J. Ward is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with his injured right foot, a league source confirmed. Ward said he felt a pop in the arch of his foot this past Sunday against the Houston Texans. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Ward has a cast on his foot."
Browns weary of Peyton Hillis drama, prepared to let him go after season, sources say
November 6
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns are near the end of their rope with running back Peyton Hillis and are prepared to let him walk in free agency after this season, NFL sources said. At this point, it would take a dramatic turnaround in behavior and production for Hillis to persuade the Browns to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent in March. "It's one thing after another, and what's been out there isn't even the half of it," one source said. And now, Hillis is expected to miss at least a couple of more games after re-injuring his hamstring in practice Friday afternoon. Hillis had an MRI on Friday, and it showed a significant strain to his left hamstring. Hillis got hurt in the first 15 minutes of practice,"
Browns growing weary of drama surrounding Peyton Hillis, prepared to let him go after season, sources say
November 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns are near the end of their rope with running back Peyton Hillis and are prepared to let him walk in free agency after this season, NFL sources said. At this point, it would take a dramatic turnaround in behavior and production for Hillis to persuade the Browns to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent in March. "It's one thing after another, and what's been out there isn't even the half of it," one source said. And now, Hillis is expected to miss at least a couple of more games after re-injuring his hamstring in practice Friday afternoon. Hillis had an MRI on Friday, and it showed a significant strain to his left hamstring. Hillis got hurt in the first 15 minutes of practice,"
Peyton Hillis to miss at least a couple of weeks after re-injuring hamstring today during practice
November 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns running back Peyton Hillis will be out at least a couple of weeks after re-injuring his hamstring in practice today, a source said. An MRI this afternoon revealed that he significantly aggravated the muscle. It happened early in practice on a run up the middle. Hillis came up limping on the play, grabbing at his left hamstring. He fired the ball to the ground, then threw his helmet down in frustration."
Browns' Hillis, Massaquoi look ready; big test awaits Haden
November 4
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"If their participation in practice Thursday is any indication, it looks like the Browns could have the services of running back Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) on the road Sunday against the Houston Texans. Both players returned to practice; both made it through without any setbacks. Hillis took snaps with the first-team offense and did not appear slowed by the pulled left hamstring that has forced him to miss the Browns' past two games. That was not the case last week, when Hillis tried to give it a go and re-injured the hamstring during practice. "I went through warm-ups really well," Hillis said of the attempt last week. "I was cutting on it"
Browns RB Peyton Hillis idle today with hamstring injury; status for Houston game uncertain
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns running back Peyton Hillis sat out practice today with his pulled hamstring, and his status for the Houston game Sunday is uncertain. Hillis, receiver receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and defensive back Ray Ventrone all walked inside with the trainers as reporters were coming out to watch the early open part of practice. At his 11:45 a.m. press conference, Shurmur seemed hopeful that Hillis would be able to practice at least on a limited basis. He said, "he'll be out there. We just have to see how much he can do.''"
Browns waive WR Brian Robiskie to make room for backup RB Thomas Clayton
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The writing had been on the wall for weeks, but the ending to receiver Brian Robiskie's career with the Browns still came as a cold towel to the face. Robiskie was waived in the middle of his third unfulfilling season with the Browns, the team he once served as a ballboy while his father, Terry, was an assistant coach. His place on the roster was taken by backup running back Thomas Clayton, who was signed because of injuries to Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty."
Montario Hardesty becomes another back wounded in Bay Area
October 31
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns running backs won't be eager to return to the San Francisco Bay Area. Montario Hardesty suffered a strained right calf Sunday in the first quarter of the Browns' 20-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The Browns were already without starter Peyton Hillis, who missed his second consecutive game with a pulled left hamstring. Hillis tried to come back from the injury, suffered Oct. 16 against the Oakland Raiders, but aggravated it when he returned to practice Wednesday. Asked what he could do about losing both players during games at Oakland and at San Francisco, Browns coach Pat Shurmur joked, "Quit coming to the Bay Area." "I don't think it has anything to do with"
Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis out again with sore hamstring
October 28
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The beat goes on for Browns running back Peyton Hillis. He will miss practice today with a sore hamstring after he had limited work in Wednesday's practice. Coach Pat Shurmur said he was still hopeful Hillis would be active Sunday in San Francisco against the 49ers. On Wednesday, Hillis talked of the "humbling" season he has endured and said there was still time for him to make something of it. "I talked to him this morning. I think he's hanging in there, taking this thing day to day, trying to get healthy. I don't sense frustration," Shurmur said."
Pat Shurmur said Peyton Hillis (hamstring) will practice today, start in San Fran if healthy
October 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Pat Shurmur said running back Peyton Hillis will return to practice today from his pulled hamstring "and will start'' in San Francisco if he's healthy enough to play. "He's our starting halfback,'' said Shurmur. He said he's confident Hillis will be able to block out the distractions of his tumultuous season and focus on playing his best football. Hillis was replaced last week by Montario Hardesty, who gained 95 yards on 33 carries and caught both passes thrown his way."
Mike Holmgren says talks with RB Peyton Hillis, team set to let him become a free agent
October 21
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns President Mike Holmgren revealed Thursday that talks to extend Peyton Hillis' contract are at a standstill and that the team is set to let him become a free agen after the season. "I don't think anybody pushed anybody against the wall on contract talks and said 'we're done,' but right now, it's kind of quiet,'' said Holmgren. "Let's let Peyton play, let the dust settle and see what happens.''"
Future uncertain for Browns offense, including Colt McCoy
October 20
Pro Football Talk
 
"Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur are in Cleveland to fix the offense above all else. That's why it's been a surprise to see quarterback Colt McCoy and the Browns running game take a step back after Eric Mangini's firing. Only Kerry Collins has a lower yards-per-attempt average than McCoy this season. Browns president Mike Holmgren made it clear Thursday McCoy is still being evaluated to see whether he's really a franchise quarterback. "Let's let him play and see how performs and we'll evaluate it at end of year," Holmgren said via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer."
Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren says talks with RB Peyton Hillis at a standstill right now
October 20
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns President Mike Holmgren said today that talks with running back Peyton Hillis are at a standstill right now. "Things are kind of quiet right now,'' he said. "Let's let the dust settle and see what happens.'' He said "no one has called off contract negotiations'' but that the Browns tried to extend Hillis' contract and it didn't happen. "Now he needs a great year to reach his goals,'' said Holmgren."
Cleveland Browns holding out hope to play Joe Haden and/or Alex Mack
October 13
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Pat Shurmur continues to not rule out cornerback Joe Haden and center Alex Mack for Sunday's game in Oakland. But the reality is the two key starters will have gone two weeks without practicing by the weekend. Neither Haden (knee) nor Mack (appendectomy) will practice again today. That leaves only Friday's practice -- typically devoted mostly to special teams -- before the team departs for Oakland. "It's too early to speculate on whether they will play," Shurmur said."
Cleveland Browns will continue to pay injured DE Marcus Benard, league source said
October 13
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns will pay injured defensive end Marcus Benard the rest of his 2011 salary despite the fact they're entitled to withhold it, a league source told The Plain Dealer today. Benard has been placed on the reserve/nonfootball injury list for the rest of the season with a broken hand, suffered in his motorcycle accident Monday. He will receive the remaining $370,000 he's still owed from his $525,000 contract."
Cleveland Browns running back Armond Smith has speed, and coaches want to use it
October 7
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"For a team trying to implement a new passing offense, the Browns sure have enough controversy brewing at the running back position. There are the Peyton Hillis issues -- the strep throat, the nagging contract talks, the lack of carries. There are the Montario Hardesty issues -- the increase in playing time, the four dropped passes. And there is the Armond Smith issue. How did it come to pass that the undrafted free agent from Union College got the call on the fourth-and-1 toss play in a crucial point of the 31-13 loss to Tennessee? "We practiced it. He trusted me," Smith said of coach Pat Shurmur."
Peyton Hillis rejects ESPN report on illness; 'that's not an issue'
October 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Peyton Hillis, who last week had to defend himself against critics who thought he should've played sick, had to deflect another controversy Sunday surrounding that absence. The Browns running back, who sat out the Dolphins game with strep and flu-like symptoms, dismissed a national report that some teammates believed his unresolved contract status may have been a factor in not playing. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it Sunday, not naming any of the players. "That's shouldn't even be an issue," said Hillis after Sunday's 31-13 loss. "That's not an issue in my brain. I'll go out there and I'll play. But if I know I'm not 100 percent and I can hurt my team, I'm not going to risk myself.""
Some Cleveland Browns players wonder if Peyton Hillis sat last week because of contract, report says
October 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Some Browns players wonder if running back Peyton Hillis sat out last week's game against the Dolphins because of his contract negotiations, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hillis came down with strep throat and a high fever on Friday and was sent home that day. He stayed in the team hotel Saturday night, and the Browns were proceeding as though he were going to play. But when he woke up the next morning, he was still very ill, had lost 10-12 pounds and told the staff at the Stadium he couldn't play. Hillis chatted with coach Pat Shurmur, who sent him home at about 10:30 to rest."
Fujita gets time off for a good cause; Gocong gets extension, Taylor fined
September 29
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Linebacker Scott Fujita got approval from Browns coach Pat Shurmur months ago to take Monday off and fly to New Orleans. Monday wasn't a special birthday, a party for an important anniversary or even the expected date for the birth of a child. But Monday was reserved for something just as meaningful to Fujita. Former New Orleans Saints player and Fujita's good pal Steve Gleason was being presented with a Super Bowl ring in a private ceremony. "Steve's wife and I had been planning this for awhile," Fujita said. "The stars all had to align the right way for it to happen.""
Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron big change from Rob Ryan
September 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Dick Jauron had a tough act to follow as Browns defensive coordinator. Rob Ryan was as loved by his players as any assistant coach. He received two Gatorade dousings in two years as the coordinator of two 5-11 teams. Which assistant coach in the NFL could match that record? Ryan was loud, gregarious, sharp-tongued and fun. The only thing he did quietly was leave town when the Browns made the coaching change to Pat Shurmur."
Cleveland Browns extend LB Chris Gocong three years
September 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The pen of Browns GM Tom Heckert has struck again. Heckert has signed linebacker Chris Gocong to a three-year contract extension. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal to be worth $16.8 million. Gocong, 27, was drafted in the third round by Philadelphia in 2003 when Heckert was Eagles vice president of player personnel. Heckert traded for Gocong in his first season as Browns general manager last year. The deal also brought cornerback Sheldon Brown in exchange for linebacker Alex Hall and fourth- and fifth-round draft picks in 2010."
Browns RB Peyton Hillis still expected to face Dolphins despite strep throat, fever
September 25
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns running back Peyton Hillis has been dealing with strep throat and a fever, but he is still expected to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, the Beacon Journal has learned. Hillis is listed as questionable on the team's injury report. Hillis reported to the Browns' training facility on Friday, though he was sent home and missed practice because of the illness."
Browns' Peyton Hillis misses practice with illness; Hardesty ready to fill in if needed
September 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It's a rough day at the office when your star running back shows up for work feeling sick two days before the big game and has to be sent home for rest and fluids. But that's exactly how Browns coach Pat Shurmur's day began Friday. On the final day of preparation for the 0-2 Dolphins, Peyton Hillis -- who rushed for two touchdowns and 94 yards last week -- dragged himself into work feeling crummy and went home to sip fluids and rest. He's listed as questionable for the game, meaning he's 50-50 to play."
Josh Cribbs not opposed to adding RB to his title
September 22
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Josh Cribbs used to bristle at people calling him just a returner and not a receiver, too. Now, when it comes to offense, he doesn't want to be pigeonholed as just a receiver -- over the past four days, Cribbs has twice talked about playing running back. After Sunday's win over the Colts, Cribbs said: "I just want the ball in my hands. That's why I got a lot of screens and the little bubble routes. If they're doing that as a receiver, so be it. If it's in the backfield, so be it. Don't get caught up on just the receiving aspect." On Wednesday, Cribbs -- who was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Indianapolis -- reiterated that he might be adding another"