Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth tested positive for marijuana, sources say

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July 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth tested positive for marijuana use after the car he was driving struck and killed a pedestrian, law enforcement sources have told the Miami Herald. Stallworth, 28, is serving a 30-day jail sentence as part of his penalty after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter on June 16. He was driving his Bentley when it struck and killed Mario Reyes, 59, on March 14 in Miami. Prosecutors said Stallworth's blood alcohol level of .126 was well above the legal limit when he was tested after the accident. The Herald reported Wednesday that, according to the unidentified sources, the test results also showed traces of marijuana. The results have not yet been ..."

Big Mac wants Patriots comeback

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July 2

Boston Globe

"Outside linebacker remains a big question mark for the Patriots heading into the 2009 season and it's possible the team could add another player at the position. Former Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest would like to be that player. In an interview with Albert Breer of Sporting News, the 37-year-old McGinest said he still has the itch to play and is training as if he will play a 16th NFL season. When asked if returning to New England would be best, McGinest said: "Yeah, I've talked to Tom (Brady), (Richard) Seymour and some other guys there. Those guys are lifelong friends, and I've heard some people say that it'd be a good fit. Why wouldn't you want to go to a really good ..."

Willie McGinest considers return

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July 1

Boston Herald

"Free agent linebacker Willie McGinest continues to eye the Pats as a possible landing spot, the 15-year veteran linebacker told Albert Breer of sportingnews.com. McGinest, who was part of three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots [team stats] before leaving as a free agent for Cleveland in 2006, expressed his desire to play one more season. "Yeah, I've talked to (quarterback) Tom (Brady), (defensive end Richard) Seymour and some other guys there," McGinest said. "Those guys are lifelong friends, and I've heard some people say that it'd be a good fit. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of that? And with all the history I have, what we accomplished in the playoffs, that wouldn't be a ..."

Receiver Donte Stallworth could be in uniform when Cleveland Browns open training camp

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June 16

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Donte Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter and reaching a financial settlement with the family of victim Mario Reyes. In two months, the receiver could be wearing a Browns uniform again at training camp. That depends on the discipline Stallworth receives from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and whether the Browns would welcome him back. Goodell's authority on these personal conduct matters is vast and the guidelines for discipline are purposely vague. Goodell has levied suspensions for as short as two games and as long as indefinitely. "It will be reviewed under our policies," Greg Aiello, NFL senior vice president of ..."

Browns receiver Donte Stallworth will serve 30 days after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter charge

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June 16

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth today received a 30-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in a Miami courtroom, according to the Associated Press. Stallworth was charged in the death of Mario Reyes, a pedestrian who was struck and killed by Stallworth's Bentley on March 14 in Miami Beach. According to the AP report, the plea deal calls for Stallworth to also serve 10 years of probation and do 1,000 community service hours. Stallworth had faced four to 15 years in prison. Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement with the Reyes' family. A person close to the negotiations told The Association Press about the agreement on the condition ..."

Browns' jobs up for grabs

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June 14

Akron Beacon Journal

"After three minicamps, four months of weightlifting and off-season training activities, the Browns still have more questions than answers. With nearly a seven-week break before players report July 31 for the Aug. 1 start of training camp, several positions remain unsettled. The starting quarterback battle between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson is the most important issue going into the Sept. 13 regular-season opener at home against Minnesota. But also up for grabs is the No. 2 receiver job (and Nos. 3-5 for that matter), four spots on the offensive line, tight end, several spots on the defensive line, the defensive backfield (especially the nickel and dime backs) and running back, where ..."

Hadnot has what it takes

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June 14

Akron Beacon Journal

"The Browns got out of school a few hours early Saturday, thanks to offensive lineman Rex Hadnot. Coach Eric Mangini had another segment planned for the evening of the final day of mandatory minicamp. But he told the team if they had an excellent morning practice, they would get three chances to cancel it, while they would get two chances for an above-average session and one if it was OK. Mangini graded it above average. For the first chance, he allowed the team to choose an offensive lineman to catch a punt from Dave Zastudil, and Hadnot was the people's choice. The second chance was a defensive lineman catching a kickoff, but it never got to that. Mangini allowed Hadnot a warmup, and ..."

Cleveland Browns host safety Mike Brown

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June 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Former Bears All-Pro free agent safety Mike Brown visited the Browns on Monday, a source told The Plain Dealer. It's not yet known if the Browns are interested in signing him, but he is drawing interest from other teams, the source said. Brown, 31, would most likely provide veteran depth behind starters Abram Elam and Brodney Pool. A free agent since February when the Bears let his contract expire, Brown also visited the Chiefs last week. The Browns' mandatory minicamp is Thursday through Saturday. Brown, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament before the 2007 season opener and sat out the season, returned in 2008 to start 15 games. He made 101 tackles, the third-highest total in ..."

Cleveland Browns sign CB Roderick Hood

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May 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns have signed veteran free-agent cornerback Roderick Hood, two league sources confirm. Hood started for the Arizona Cardinals in last season's Super Bowl. He was the team's starting cornerback for 30 of the previous 32 regular-season games, intercepting six passes, including five in 2007. Hood, 5-11 and 198 pounds, was released by the Cardinals shortly after the draft in April. He had visited with Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago and the Rams. Hood chose the Browns over the Rams, who also had made him a contract offer, the source said."

Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Cribbs to report to minicamp on Tuesday

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May 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs will report to voluntary minicamp today after skipping the first camp last week, his agent, J.R. Rickert, said in a text Monday night. Cribbs missed all three voluntary practices last week because he was waiting for the Browns to engage in "meaningful dialogue" regarding a new contract. "Josh Cribbs will report to practice on Tuesday," Rickert said in the text. "He is making this good-faith effort to show everyone just how important this is to him. We will continue to communicate with the Browns on a regular basis and we are optimistic that there will be a fair solution." Cribbs, who has four years remaining on a six-year, $6.77 million contract, is looking ..."

Giants trade target Braylon Edwards reaffirms commitment to Cleveland Browns

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May 22

Trenton Times

"Braylon Edwards said he wants to remain with the Cleveland Browns after rumors for most of the offseason had him headed to the Giants via a trade. An ESPN report cites the lanky wide receiver as saying he is committed to the Browns and is hoping to redeem himself after a disappointing 2008 season in which he had just 55 catches and three touchdowns. "I didn't get excited [about the rumors]," Edwards, a free agent after the 2009 season, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "One, they were rumors and there was nothing to hold on to. And two, I felt like if I would have left Cleveland for any reason, I would have left with a bad taste in my mouth."

Braylon Edwards opens up: He wants to remain a Cleveland Brown

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May 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Receiver Braylon Edwards, speaking at voluntary minicamp for the first time since off-season trade rumors, said he didn't want to leave Cleveland on a bad note after his sub-par 2008 season. "I didn't get excited [about the rumors]," he said. "One, they were rumors and there was nothing to hold on to. And two, I felt like if I would have left Cleveland for any reason, I would have left with a bad taste in my mouth. "I wanted to get back to playing good football, definitely here. It's a business and who knows what's going to happen next year. But for me, it was just about getting back to what I know I can do and being the player the Browns drafted in '05 and that the fans saw in '07." He ..."

Cribbs releases statement on situation

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May 21

ESPN.com

"Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs, upset that the new management team hasn't initiated talks to re-do his contract, has asked to be traded. Not only did Cribbs inform the team of his request, but he issued a lengthy statement to notify Browns fans of his intentions as well. "I humbly and respectfully come to Browns fans and the Browns letting all know that I have given my all to this team, on and off the field for 4 complete years selflessly without regard to myself and my own family." Cribbs' statement read. "Contracts are one-sided in favor of the team, yet we as players are told to honor our contracts without the team honoring them. We are not doctors and lawyers, we don't ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Stallworth may get break on manslaughter charge

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May 21

Yahoo! Sports

"Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth(notes) could avoid a DUI manslaughter conviction from the March 14 accident that killed a Miami man even if he is found to have been impaired while driving, according to two NFL sources and two Florida-based attorneys. Stallworth, who is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, may still have to serve time in jail and reach a civil settlement with the family of Mario Reyes, who was killed when Stallworth hit him in the early morning hours of March 14. However, Stallworth's jail time could be only a matter of two or three months rather than the possibility of up to 15 years in prison under state law, two NFL sources said this week. Beyond that, ..."

No change in dispute, Cribbs likely out Thursday

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May 21

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns have yet to talk to Josh Cribbs' agents about a new deal, meaning he'll likely miss the last day of voluntary minicamp Thursday. "We remain cautiously optimistic that they'll make a good faith effort to address this," Cribbs' agent, J.R. Rickert, said Wednesday. "We haven't seen it yet, but we are ready to discuss this in a reasonable manner. "And more importantly, Joshua is anxious to join his teammates once they do so." Rickert has said Cribbs will join the team as soon as it engages in meaningful dialogue on a new deal. A source said Cribbs will ask for a trade if the Browns won't re-do his contract."

Josh Cribbs will ask for trade unless team gives him a raise

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May 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver / returner Josh Cribbs will ask to be traded if the Browns tell him they won't redo his contract, multiple sources close to the situation said Tuesday. As expected, Cribbs failed to show up for the first day of voluntary minicamp Tuesday because there's been no "meaningful dialogue" yet on a new contract, according to Cribbs' agent, J.R. Rickert. As of Tuesday night, the two sides had still no made no progress, Rick ert said. The minicamp runs through Thursday, with only the final day being open to the media. Although it's voluntary, players are expected to be there -- and almost all attend. Rickert said the Browns told him they might be willing to open discussions ..."

Agent for Josh Cribbs tells team to rework contract, or make a trade

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May 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs will definitely ask to be traded if the Browns tell him they won't re-do his contract, multiple sources close to the situation said Tuesday. As expected, Cribbs failed to show up for the first day of voluntary minicamp Tuesday because there's been no "meaningful dialogue" yet on a new contract, according to Cribbs' agent, J.R. Rickert. As of Tuesday night, the two sides had still no made no progress, Rickert said. The minicamp runs through Thursday, with only the final day being open to the media. Although it's voluntary, players are expected to be there -- and almost all attend. Rickert said the Browns told him they might be willing to open discussions ..."

Cleveland Browns' Edwards attends voluntary camp

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May 19

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver Braylon Edwards, who's been the subject of trade talks this offseason, participated in the Browns voluntary minicamp Tuesday, a source close to Edwards said. Edwards, who participated in only the first few days of the Browns offseason program, has not been heard from all offseason despite the fact that Browns general manager George Kokinis admitted at the NFL Owners' meetings in March that he had talked to the Giants about trading Edwards there."

Little progress made as Josh Cribbs seeks a new contract

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May 19

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Receiver Josh Cribbs plans to boycott Browns voluntary minicamp this week unless there is progress on talks for a new contract by the start of camp today, said his agent, J.R. Rickert. The two sides continued to talk Monday night but with no apparent movement. Cribbs, who made the Pro Bowl as a special-teamer following the 2007 season, has been looking to renegotiate the six-year, $6 million contract extension he signed before that year -- with his previous agent. The deal included a $2 million signing bonus. But after establishing himself as an elite returner and special-teams tackler, he's looking for a deal similar to Bears returner / receiver Devin Hester, who last year received $40 ..."

Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs set to skip minicamp if contract isn't reworked

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May 18

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns receiver Josh Cribbs plans to boycott the team's voluntary minicamp this week unless progress is made on his contract by 5 p.m. tonight, a source told The Plain Dealer this morning. The minicamp is Tuesday through Thursday. Cribbs, who made the Pro Bowl last season, signed a six-year extension in 2007 -- before becoming a special teams star -- worth $6 million, including $2 million guaranteed. Former Browns general manager Phil Savage promised Cribbs in training camp last season that the team would take care of him this offseason, the source said. After Savage was fired, Cribbs received a call from Browns owner Randy Lerner saying that the team would still fulfill the promise. But ..."

Jacobs: "No" To Braylon

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May 9

New York Post

"No to trading for Braylon Edwards. So says Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. "I don't want him," Jacobs said yesterday on ESPN 1050 Radio. "There are great players in the league that I don't want. I just think the chemistry between the teammates that I have now is great. We don't need to add a new veteran to the whole group." Jacobs also said no to trading for Anquan Boldin."

Kellen Clemens starting to lose swagger

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May 7

New York Daily News

"From the moment Brett Favre retired in February (more on the phony QB later), Kellen Clemens has exuded confidence, talking and acting like he expects to be the Jets' opening-day starter. Today, that swagger was noticeably gone. It's easy to act like "The Man" when the competition is Brett Ratliff. When it's the fifth pick in the draft (see Mark Sanchez), it's a different story. Clemens addressed the media for the first time since the draft. (This was an open locker-room day in Florham Park, N.J.) That gave him nearly two weeks to absorb the blow and script his answers. Publicly, he spewed the company line, clinging to Rex Ryan's promise it will be an open competition. Either he's in ..."

Why are Cleveland Browns stockpiling receivers?

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May 6

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Since the Browns included no comment from coach Eric Mangini or General Manager George Kokinis in their official announcement of the signing of free agent receiver Mike Furrey, here are my thoughts: • They no doubt have a good idea by now that Donte Stallworth will not be available to play in 2009. Although the Browns have no official legal counsel on staff -- a somewhat glaring omission for an NFL club these days -- it's not unreasonable to assume that Lew Merletti, the senior vice president and 25-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service, is all over this one. Stallworth has been away from the team for weeks to defend himself against a DUI manslaughter charge in Miami. • It's important to ..."

No deal for QB Harrell, but coaching staff was positive, says agent

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May 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns offensive coaching staff was impressed with Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and might like to add him to the roster in the future, Harrell's agent said on Monday. The staff felt Harrell, who participated in rookie camp on a tryout basis, picked up the system quickly and has great potential, the source said. However, the team let him leave town without a contract, in part because it currently has four quarterbacks on the roster: Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Brett Ratliff and Richard Bartel. "Graham was incredibly impressed with the Browns program and felt comfortable in the offense," said his agent Jon Persch. "He felt like it was a system he could run, he understood it ..."

Cleveland Browns sign safety Lockett

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May 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns signed safety Bret Lockett as an undrafted rookie free agent out of UCLA, the team announced Monday. Lockett (6-1, 211) participated in the team's rookie minicamp last weekend on a tryout basis. As a senior in 2008, Lockett started 11 games and finished third on the team with 61 tackles. He was suspended for the first game of the season for violating an unspecified team rule, but fits the Browns profile of brainy players. A political science major, he made the honor roll this winter. The Browns also waived safety Corey Boudreaux, receiver Brent Casteel, cornerback Antonio Smith, and tight end Mike Massey -- a native of Brecksville and St. Ignatius grad."

Mangini denies he leaked negative reports about Michael Crabtree

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May 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Browns coach Eric Mangini refuted Texas Tech coach Mike Leach's claims that Mangini leaked reports of receiver Michael Crabtree acting like a diva during his meeting with the Browns. "I can tell you I had a good visit with Michael," Mangini said Friday during rookie minicamp. "I'm really happy he got drafted where he got drafted, and he'll have a great career. And I said that after his visit. Nothing's changed. Nothing changed from that point. Nothing will change two or three months from now." Leach went off on Mangini after Crabtree slipped to the 49ers at No. 10 overall. Michael Crabtree has been more successful as a receiver than that guy has as a coach at this point," Leach told the ..."

Veteran receiver Bennett to visit Cleveland Browns

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April 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Veteran wide receiver Drew Bennett, formerly of the Rams, will visit the Browns on Wednesday in hopes of signing with the team, a source close to the situation said. Bennett (6-5, 196) was originallly signed as a free agent with the Titans out UCLA in 2001 and spent six seasons in Tennessee. He led the team with 46 catches in 2006 and a 16.0-yard average. In 2004, he tied an NFL record with eight TDs in a three-game span."

Giants Could Go For Braylon Or Draft WR

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April 25

New York Post

"One quickie before we delve into the Giants and the NFL Draft, which finally arrives this afternoon: Given the reinforcements signed to fortify an already-sturdy defense and the returning talent sprinkled throughout the roster, wouldn't the Giants be the favorites to get to Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida if they traded for Browns stud receiver Braylon Edwards? Just saying. Though the machinations of that deal/no deal with the Browns dominated the pre-draft analysis, those with knowledge of the situation say it has been close to much ado about nothing. We shall see. The Giants enter the draft -- despite general manager Jerry Reese's public sentiment to the contrary -- with one glaring ..."

Giant options: Get Braylon Edwards from Browns or draft a wide receiver

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April 25

New York Daily News

"It won't be Anquan Boldin, and it probably won't be Braylon Edwards, either. But at some point Saturday the Giants will take the final step toward replacing Plaxico Burress by adding the big-play receiver they so desperately need. Even though GM Jerry Reese insisted receiver is not a "glaring need," several team and league sources have insisted that the Giants know better, and are strongly focusing on grabbing a receiver in the first round of today's NFL draft. Their plan is to try to trade up a few spots for speedy Maryland wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey, according to two sources familiar with the team's thinking. Otherwise they'll sit tight and wait for North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks at No. ..."

Jets may try to trade up to No. 5 to draft USC's Mark Sanchez

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April 25

New York Daily News

"With the 17th pick in Saturday's NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall, the Jets won't be on the clock until around 6:30 p.m. If GM Mike Tannenbaum gets his way, it will be a lot sooner. Still hot for USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, the Jets are interested in trading up, and they might be willing to go up higher than most draftniks are anticipating. They have talked to the Browns (No. 5) about swapping places, league sources said Friday. The Browns are run by Eric Mangini, which means the coach of the Jets' past could have a say in whether they land the quarterback of their future. It won't be easy to get Sanchez because the Redskins (picking 13th) and, possibly, the Broncos (12, 18) want him, ..."

Cleveland Browns tell Broncos no on Quinn

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April 25

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Broncos made preliminary inquiries about trading for Browns quarterback Brady Quinn on Thursday but were told Quinn was not available for trade, a source told the Denver Post. However, that doesn't mean the Browns and Broncos won't pull off a draft-day trade involving a quarterback. The Broncos have discussed trading up to get USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, and if he's still there at No. 5, the two teams will undoubtedly talk. The Browns are also said to be interested in the fast-rising Sanchez, but it's not known if that's an attempt to spur interest in the pick. The Broncos have the No. 12 and No. 18 overall picks, the latter coming from Chicago in the trade for quarterback Jay ..."

Cleveland Browns inquired about Ronnie Brown

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April 25

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns expressed slight interest in trading for Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, and Braylon Edwards' name was involved, but it fell apart when the Browns backed off, according to Michael Lombardi of nationalfootballpost.com. Brown, heading into the last year of his contract at $3.6 million, rushed for 916 yards on 214 carries with eight TDs. A trade for Brown would most likely involve an agreement to extend his contract."

Report says Browns' Quinn 'not available for trade'

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April 24

Akron Beacon Journal

"The draft approaches. And perhaps all the Brady Quinn smoke was generated by someone sending false signals. Today the Denver Post reported that the Broncos want to acquire another quarterback, specifically to trade up and obtain USC QB Mark Sanchez. The Post also reported: "The Broncos … made preliminary inquiries about Brady Quinn but were told the Cleveland Browns' third-year quarterback was not available for trade." That's pretty straightforward and definitive. Not available. This is good news, if true. I see no reason to trade Quinn, and quite frankly I see no reason to trade Derek Anderson. The Browns have two quarterbacks. Some teams have none. Keep them both. One thing that GM ..."

Jet Trade Talk Picks Up Steam

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April 24

New York Post

"Jet GM Mike Tannenbaum smiled at the question posed at last week's pre-draft news conference, dealing with his propensity for trading on draft day. Entering his fourth NFL Draft as GM, Tannenbaum has gained a reputation for moving up and down in the draft to grab players such as Darrelle Revis, David Harris and Dustin Keller. This year, he might add to that resume. Rumors about the Jets are flying. Multiple reports have linked the Jets with trying to trade up in an effort to acquire USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Other reports have the Jets trading for Cardinal wide receiver Anquan Boldin, Brown quarterback Brady Quinn or Redskin QB Jason Campbell. In all of these scenarios, the Jets would ..."

Browns need a little of everything

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April 24

Dayton Daily News

"A look at the Cleveland Browns as the NFL draft approaches: Picks: Five Rounds: First (No. 5 overall), second (No. 36 and No. 50), fourth (No. 104) and sixth (No. 177). What they need: A little bit of everything and, barring a Herschel Walker-type trade of receiver Braylon Edwards at the last minute, more than they possibly can collect from one draft. Anything helpful to a defense that ranked 26th in the league is desirable, but especially a pass rusher; team ranked 30th with 17 sacks. Top five defensive players: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest); B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College); Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas); Aaron Maybin, LB (Penn State); Everette Brown, DE (Florida State). Possible surprise: New ..."

Trade of Cleveland Browns receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants could still happen

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April 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Every day there's a new slant on the prospects of a Braylon Edwards trade to the New York Giants. Here's the chronological rundown: • Browns originally asked for outside linebacker Matthias Kiwanuka. Giants said no way. • Giants offered second- and fifth-round picks plus a choice of receivers Domenik Hixon or Mario Manningham. Browns countered by asking for the picks and receiver Steve Smith. Giants said no. • Browns asked for first- and third-round picks. Giants said no. Some media outlets are now reporting the deal is dead. But consider the following: • The Browns continue to schedule last-minute workouts with receivers projected to go in the vicinity of the Giants' No. 1 pick, the ..."

Cleveland Browns consider drafting Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji

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April 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Now that Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji has been cleared of marijuana use, he's right back in the mix for the Browns with the No. 5 overall pick in Saturday's NFL Draft. Raji, the top-rated tackle, has been in a firestorm since April 2 when Sport Illustrated's Web site, SI.com, reported that he failed a drug test for marijuana at the NFL Combine in February. Raji's agents vehemently denied the report and a bewildered Raji went about his draft visits -- including one to Cleveland -- knowing it was false. Finally, after teams spent almost three weeks shifting him around on their draft boards, the NFL released the positive results to clubs last week and Raji's name wasn't on it. ..."

Several teams in play for Sanchez

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April 23

ESPN.com

"In the final days leading up to the NFL draft, league sources say there is developing intrigue surrounding a host of teams interesting in selecting quarterback Mark Sanchez. The most serious interest in Sanchez, a USC product, is coming from the Seattle Seahawks at No. 4; the Cleveland Browns at No. 5; the Washington Redskins at No. 13; and the New York Jets at No. 17. Several current veteran quarterbacks, including Brady Quinn of the Browns and Jason Campbell of the Redskins, would be on the block should either team select Sanchez. The Redskins have talked about a number of scenarios, especially this one: trading from 13th to fourth and selecting Sanchez, then dealing Campbell to another ..."

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez part of Cleveland Browns' draft mystery

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April 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Browns didn't invite USC quarterback Mark Sanchez to Cleveland for a pre-draft visit and they didn't send a contingent to Los Angeles to work him out privately. But that doesn't mean they won't draft him if he's still there at No. 5 during Saturday's NFL draft. In fact, some teams purposely don't invite their coveted player to town to throw other teams off. Besides, Browns coach Eric Mangini interviewed Sanchez at the NFL combine in February, attended his Pro Day at USC and spent plenty of time picking the brains of USC coach Pete Carroll -- the former Patriots head coach -- about him. Of course, the Browns would need to have a deal in place for Brady Quinn if they're to tab ..."

Source: Cost too high, Giants likely won't trade for Braylon Edwards

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April 23

New York Daily News

"The Giants' hopes of trading for Braylon Edwards are all but dead. Barring a last-minutein the Cleveland Browns' asking price, the Giants do not expect to acquire the big receiver, according to a source familiar with the situation. Giants GM Jerry Reese has told the Browns he will not give up the Giants' first-round draft pick (29th overall) for Edwards, and the Browns apparently won't take less. The Browns have asked for the Giants' first- and third-round picks - far more than the second- and fifth-round picks the Giants have offered. They had also previously asked for Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, although the Giants told them that was a deal-breaker. The current stalemate puts ..."

Cleveland Browns might be souring on Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree

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April 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Why would the Browns schedule last-minute workouts with borderline first-round receivers Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia? It might be no coincidence that those trips took place after the Browns visited in Berea with Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, the draft's No. 1-rated receiver. According to a source, the Browns were so put off by Crabtree's world-revolves-around-me attitude that coach Eric Mangini elected to extend the search for a receiver. If the Browns do complete the much-discussed trade of Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants, they probably would acquire the Giants' first pick at No. 29. Hicks, Britt and Massaquoi are ..."

Cleveland Browns looking at Kent State quarterback

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April 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Where have we heard this before: A quarterback from Kent State who throws and runs, a perfect fit for the new-wave NFL wildcat formation? Four years ago it was Josh Cribbs. Now it's Julian Edelman. Yes, the Browns are interested. They are rushing to Kent tomorrow to work out the Golden Flash dual-threat quarterback. Edelman threw for 1,820 yards and ran for 1,370 in 2008. Browns coach Eric Mangini is obsessed with collecting players who can fill more than one role. He said he plans this season to see if Cribbs can handle about 15 plays a game on defense in specialized defensive back assignments. The Browns also have worked out West Virginia quarterback Pat White, who is seen as the ..."

Cleveland Browns: Braylon Edwards trade could happen on Saturday

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April 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Braylon Edwards trade rumors will not go away. The rumors continue to circulate that the New York Giants are in Edwards' future. And that trade, according to The New York Post, could go down during Saturday's NFL Draft. The deal may all depend on if the Browns can get Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The Giants could certainly use a receiver because Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer are no longer with the team."

Giants May Trade For Edwards On Draft Day

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April 22

New York Post

"Justin Tuck figured Plaxico Burress would be done in by the legal system or NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, not by the Giants themselves. Tuck was surprised the team took the preemptive strike of releasing its best receiver. "But not to the point I can sit there and say I didn't see that coming," Tuck said yesterday during a break from an off-season workout. "Obviously we need some guys to step up and fill that void. We have guys here who can do that." While Tuck expressed confidence in Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon and the other young receivers on the roster, he also spoke glowingly about Braylon Edwards, who is on the trading block as the Browns listen to offers. The Giants are ..."

Crabtree would love to play for Browns

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April 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree, with his big body and exceptional hands, could be just the blockbuster receiver the Browns need to make folks forget all about Braylon Edwards if they trade him. Some league insiders say the Browns have fallen in love with Crabtree, the top-rated receiver in the draft, and the feeling is mutual following his visit to Cleveland last week. "I loved Cleveland and would love to play there," Crabtree said in an e-mail. "It's a team with great history and great fans who love football." Crabtree also enjoyed the time he spent with Browns coach Eric Mangini. "He's a great coach in this league with a lot of experience and I'd be excited to play for him," ..."

Teams may be willing to trade for Browns' Edwards without new contract in receivers' hands

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April 21

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It may not be as complicated for the Cleveland Browns to trade wide receiver Braylon Edwards as had been thought. The Sporting News' blog ProFootballTalk reports that a team, or teams, seeking Edwards might make a deal without negotiating a new contract with Edwards. A major factor is the status of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement with its players."

Giants' interest in Braylon Edwards and 10 picks mean big pre-Draft week

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April 20

New York Daily News

"The stage is set for what GM Jerry Reese said could be a "hot and heavy" predraft week for the Giants, and not just because they're in the Braylon Edwards hunt. They're also sitting on a gold mine of draft picks - 10 in all, including five picks over the first three rounds. And since the Giants have no need or desire to use them all, Reese's phone figures to be ringing, and he should have plenty of opportunities to make a deal. "You never know what could happen," Reese said last week at his annual pre-draft press conference. "(It's) going to get hot and heavy and we could package some picks and do something with them. So you never know." The Giants' selections for this weekend's draft ..."

Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo a possible NFL Draft pick at outside linebacker for Cleveland Browns

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April 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo had no trouble trying to convince the Browns he could make the transition from rush end in a 4-3 defense to outside linebacker in a 3-4. He had the film to prove it. Last season, his new defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, installed some of the 3-4 defense at Texas that he had learned under his mentor, Nick Saban, at Louisiana State and with the Dolphins. That means Orakpo is already familiar with the fundamentals of the Browns' scheme, because Saban has the same defensive mind-set as his good friend and old Browns boss, Bill Belichick . . . who was current Browns coach Eric Mangini's mentor. "Coach Muschamp brought that 3-4 scheme with him to Texas ..."

Browns Trade Rumors