Whats Cribb Worth?

[playerjdd]

I was watching NFL network and saw that Leon Washington is close to signing a 6 mil a year contract. What does this do to Cribs asking price? I saw a few people saying cribbs is a one man show with the return game and has not picked up the receiving game and i understand that. But, Crib is on welfare as far as NFL contracts. I know hes no 6 mil man but maybe we sign him to a 3 mil a year contract since hes a one position guy compared to washington.

[lemosley01]

I was watching NFL network and saw that Leon Washington is close to signing a 6 mil a year contract. What does this do to Cribs asking price? I saw a few people saying cribbs is a one man show with the return game and has not picked up the receiving game and i understand that. But, Crib is on welfare as far as NFL contracts. I know hes no 6 mil man but maybe we sign him to a 3 mil a year contract since hes a one position guy compared to washington.

 

Cribbs is entering the second year (or is it third) of his new contract. What has he done to warrant a new contract since signing the last one? He had one great year, followed by one below average year.

 

He's a return man - a good one, but so far, that is all he is. Put up or shut up. He knows that is how it is done.

 

Don't kid yourself - the guy is making something like 6 million dollars of 6 years. He's making more in 6 years than most people will make in a lifetime. If he invests it correctly, he can retire when the contract is finished and never work again.

[Gips]

With the nfl changing the rules on the wedge it could effect cribbs returns he may realize this and im sure mankok realizes it and wants to see what cribbs has to offer...at this point in time im actually giving mangini the benifit of the doubt and saying cribbs needs to shut up man up and show that he is worth more to the club than they are paying him....

[NebBrownsFan]

I was watching NFL network and saw that Leon Washington is close to signing a 6 mil a year contract. What does this do to Cribs asking price? I saw a few people saying cribbs is a one man show with the return game and has not picked up the receiving game and i understand that. But, Crib is on welfare as far as NFL contracts. I know hes no 6 mil man but maybe we sign him to a 3 mil a year contract since hes a one position guy compared to washington.

 

player, you can't even remotely compare Leon and Cribbs. Cribbs is a STer that hasn't yet shown he can play other positions consistently. Until he shows that, then his 1 mill a year is what he is worth. As it was pointed out, with the wedge being outlawed, Cribbs may not be near as effective a returner as he used to be.

[cambridgeho]

I love watching him play, and he is balls to the wall everytime he is on the field. As long as they dont trade him, i will be happy, I just bought his jersey. His worth to me, he cant be replaced right now, so it says a lot for what he is worth to the team.

[playerjdd]

I agree that Cribbs and Washington are two different posions. That is why i stated he doesnt deserve the 6 mil a year tag not even close. Cribbs is a special teams expert on both returning and defending. I think he needs to play out his contract this year and maybe next year if he deserves it he will get rewarded.

[Flugel]

I was watching NFL network and saw that Leon Washington is close to signing a 6 mil a year contract. What does this do to Cribs asking price? I saw a few people saying cribbs is a one man show with the return game and has not picked up the receiving game and i understand that. But, Crib is on welfare as far as NFL contracts. I know hes no 6 mil man but maybe we sign him to a 3 mil a year contract since hes a one position guy compared to washington.

 

I'd say his ability to give our QB elite starting field position consistently meant alot to us in 2007. He was just as exciting in 2008 but we didn't exactly have the mind of Turban Meyer utilizing his talents.

- Tom F.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Cribbs signed a 6 year contract because he said he had outplayed his rookie contract. He took over $2 million up front in a bonus. He has finished two years of the contract with the bonuses added to his two years of salary he has made between 3.5 and 4 million dollars on that contract as a kick returner so far. He's sucked all the gravy out of the contract and know wants another one. He was sure happy when he got that 2+ mil up front.

 

If he deserves a new contract, then Jackson deserves a new contract because he is in the last year of his rookie contract and has certainly outplayed it. McDonald and Wright have certainly outplayed their contracts. Pool has outplayed his contract. If Harrison and Hall get their opportunties this year they certainly will be in line for new contracts because they are playing for barely the minimum. If Rucker ends up starting then he certainly would need a contract adjustment.

 

And if Cribbs warrants a new contract then certainly Phil Dawson deserves one.

 

So, why in the hell do we have players sign contracts if the teams need to address them if they perform well?

 

Maybe then Cory Williams, Shaun Smith, Steinbach, Anderson, Edwards, Wimbley and some others should have their contracts redone because they underperformed according to what they are being paid. Tuff shit there for the team.

 

If teams are stuck with contracts with underperforming players then players who feel they outperformed their contracts should have to play them out also. If players don't want to honor a contract they signed then they should sign only one year contracts to protect themselves from playing under a contract that doesn't equate to their performance.

 

For those of you who think Cribbs should have a new contract answer this; how much of it do you think he would have given back if he got injured and couldn't perform. Isn't that the chance the team took and reason Cribbs got his money up front.....................Protection, Security

 

You can't have it both ways

[cambridgeho]

Cribbs signed a 6 year contract because he said he had outplayed his rookie contract. He took over $2 million up front in a bonus. He has finished two years of the contract with the bonuses added to his two years of salary he has made between 3.5 and 4 million dollars on that contract as a kick returner so far. He's sucked all the gravy out of the contract and know wants another one. He was sure happy when he got that 2+ mil up front.

 

If he deserves a new contract, then Jackson deserves a new contract because he is in the last year of his rookie contract and has certainly outplayed it. McDonald and Wright have certainly outplayed their contracts. Pool has outplayed his contract. If Harrison and Hall get their opportunties this year they certainly will be in line for new contracts because they are playing for barely the minimum. If Rucker ends up starting then he certainly would need a contract adjustment.

 

And if Cribbs warrants a new contract then certainly Phil Dawson deserves one.

 

So, why in the hell do we have players sign contracts if the teams need to address them if they perform well?

 

Maybe then Cory Williams, Shaun Smith, Steinbach, Anderson, Edwards, Wimbley and some others should have their contracts redone because they underperformed according to what they are being paid. Tuff shit there for the team.

 

If teams are stuck with contracts with underperforming players then players who feel they outperformed their contracts should have to play them out also. If players don't want to honor a contract they signed then they should sign only one year contracts to protect themselves from playing under a contract that doesn't equate to their performance.

 

For those of you who think Cribbs should have a new contract answer this; how much of it do you think he would have given back if he got injured and couldn't perform. Isn't that the chance the team took and reason Cribbs got his money up front.....................Protection, Security

 

You can't have it both ways

Cribbs was not drafted and has been a key player for the browns since then. Pro bowl, not an alternate. He may not be a great route runner but when he does get the ball teams fear him. Name another brown who is more deserving for a new contract than Cribbs right now(excluding Jackson). If anything his agent should be the one getting all the flack not the browns.

[dencyguy]

Again, when fans rip a team equally for demanding that a veteran take a pay cut, or cut a guy to avoid paying a contract bonus, then I'll buy the anti-player argument. Until then, it's just hypocrisy.

 

Dennis

Also, the "I sure would be happy to make as much as he does!" argument doesn't hold water. If you were as talented, no you wouldn't.

[Squintz]

One thing that I'd like to mention in this is that Cribbs is more than just a returner, he's also the best damn ST tackler out there. If he keeps performing the way he had simply as a ST tackler, he will become the next Steve Tasker. I'm one that thinks his value is even greater in this aspect than as a returner.

 

 

[cambridgeho]

Josh Cribbs Ranks No. 1 and 2 on Returner Lists of Two NFL Analysts

 

by Daniel Wolf (Scribe)

Daniel Wolf

 

 

Over the last week or so, NFL.com has been putting together their "Top Five" lists of NFL players at each position.

 

Finally, getting to the return specialists, Josh Cribbs name has come up on two different correspondent's lists for their top return guy in the league.

 

Bucky Brooks has picked Cribbs as his second best returner behind the Chicago Bears Devin Hester and Jamie Dukes has picked Cribbs as his top returner in the NFL.

 

The biggest discrepancy between the two analysts are the fact "that Hester is trying to now become a wide receiver, and is not focusing as much on his return ability as he used to be." (Paraphrased from Dukes)

 

Nevertheless, Cribbs is an elite return specialist in the NFL and a difference maker during games.

 

This is why the Browns would benefit more by re-signing Cribbs to a new contract rather then let him holdout or ask for a trade.

 

Returns are "the first play of a team's offense," retired Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith said.

 

That statement is so true in the NFL today.

 

NFL teams that have a better starting field position for their drives, usually end up winning the game a large percentage of the time.

 

Cribbs is not a very flashy player who bedazzles opposing players and fans with flashy and fancy elusive moves. He is more of a power returner who loves to just run over and through the other teams special teams players.

 

Cribbs has not only returned a kick/punt for a touchdown in four consecutive seasons, but he is one of the league's best gunners on coverage teams as well. Over the last several years, he has led the Browns in special teams tackles.

 

After the 2007 season, Cribbs made the Pro Bowl as the AFC's return specialist, and following the 2008 season, he was named the backup return specialist and coverage specialist.

 

Losing Cribbs will only hurt the Browns rebuilding process in 2009 and if NFL analysts can see the extremely high value and rare talent that Cribbs is (and has) then why can't the Browns upper management see it too?

 

Maybe Cribbs will just play through the 2009 season to prove himself, but if there is any player on the Browns that has consistently played at a very high level over the past few seasons and shouldn't have to prove himself, it is Cribbs.

 

Just pay the man.

 

I think everyone who is smart knows that he is a key to our success.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Cribbs was not drafted and has been a key player for the browns since then. Pro bowl, not an alternate. He may not be a great route runner but when he does get the ball teams fear him. Name another brown who is more deserving for a new contract than Cribbs right now(excluding Jackson). If anything his agent should be the one getting all the flack not the browns.

 

He signed the contract and took the money up front. He hasn't proven that he is anything more then a special teams player. You are right he wasn't drafted, he signed a FA contract and after year two complained until they gave him a new contract. A contract that he said he needed, with the money up front instead of in his yearly salary, for his families security.

 

When he gets to year 4 of his 6 year contract then he can make a case that he has outplayed it. You can't take the bonus money and then say you aren't getting paid enough in salary.

 

It isn't what he deserves because he got what he wanted. It is what the Browns deserve.

 

To answer your question about who deserves a new contract more then Cribbs. Jackson, Dawson, Wright, McDonald, Pool. All underpaid starters, not guys that just play on special teams.

[cambridgeho]

Your right they do. The only thing is, can someone out play there contract. Yes they can. Cribbs has been nothing but a machine for us. If he goes down with injury who takes his place. Who emasses 5500 return yards in 4 years, who gets 19 solo tackles a year on ST, avg 9 yards a catch and 5 yards per rush. Robiskie is making the same as him, and hasnt even played a down. Tell me another guy who can match him. We are lucky to have that.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Your right they do. The only thing is, can someone out play there contract. Yes they can. Cribbs has been nothing but a machine for us. If he goes down with injury who takes his place. Who emasses 5500 return yards in 4 years, who gets 19 solo tackles a year on ST, avg 9 yards a catch and 5 yards per rush. Robiskie is making the same as him, and hasnt even played a down. Tell me another guy who can match him. We are lucky to have that.

 

Did he sign the contract? Did he take the money up front for his security and protection against injury? What's the trade off?

 

Hey, I agree the guy is a damn good special teams players. And, when he has played through at least half his contract, it should be addressed. Not after 2 years when he took a third of the money up front. If you count the signing bonus and his salary for the two years, he got compensated well for his work.

 

We also fail to mention that the owner gave him a bonus for making the pro bowl after the 2007 season and it wasn't a part of his contract. Lerner and Savage said it was just something extra for the job he did for the Browns.

 

Last year they sucked and Cribb's productivity dropped off. You don't come in and ask for a raise after a 4-12 season. Point is, what's his bargaining power? Teams win and players get new contracts.

[cambridgeho]

Did he sign the contract? Did he take the money up front for his security and protection against injury? What's the trade off?

 

Hey, I agree the guy is a damn good special teams players. And, when he has played through at least half his contract, it should be addressed. Not after 2 years when he took a third of the money up front. If you count the signing bonus and his salary for the two years, he got compensated well for his work.

 

We also fail to mention that the owner gave him a bonus for making the pro bowl after the 2007 season and it wasn't a part of his contract. Lerner and Savage said it was just something extra for the job he did for the Browns.

 

Last year they sucked and Cribb's productivity dropped off. You don't come in and ask for a raise after a 4-12 season. Point is, what's his bargaining power? Teams win and players get new contracts.

He is Josh Cribbs that's his barganing chip, he will get a new contract, even if its not crazy money.

[Vegasdogg]

He is getting some opportunities. Here is a bit and piece from the Cleveland PD article here: L I N K

 

On Sunday, Anderson marched the team downfield for a touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs in his two-minute drill. ..........

Quinn wasn't able to score in his two-minute drill Sunday thanks to some dropped passes and breakups by Brandon McDonald, but he found Cribbs in the end zone three times, including once on a post in 7-on-7s and once in hurry-up drills.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

He is Josh Cribbs that's his barganing chip, he will get a new contract, even if its not crazy money.

 

He's already under contract, that's the Browns's bargaining chip. Come back next year when you have played half way through your signed contract or give me the bonus money back and we'll talk new contract.

 

As long as he took the money up front he doesn't have a complaint. My god, when you sign for 6 years, playing at least half of it, three years, would be a minimum.

 

Open up the flood gates. Every player will be signing long term contracts, taking most of the money in a singing bonus and then in a few years complain that they are playing for the league minimum.

[WPB Dawg Fan]

Cribbs signed a 6 year contract because he said he had outplayed his rookie contract. He took over $2 million up front in a bonus. He has finished two years of the contract with the bonuses added to his two years of salary he has made between 3.5 and 4 million dollars on that contract as a kick returner so far. He's sucked all the gravy out of the contract and know wants another one. He was sure happy when he got that 2+ mil up front.

 

If he deserves a new contract, then Jackson deserves a new contract because he is in the last year of his rookie contract and has certainly outplayed it. McDonald and Wright have certainly outplayed their contracts. Pool has outplayed his contract. If Harrison and Hall get their opportunties this year they certainly will be in line for new contracts because they are playing for barely the minimum. If Rucker ends up starting then he certainly would need a contract adjustment.

 

And if Cribbs warrants a new contract then certainly Phil Dawson deserves one.

 

So, why in the hell do we have players sign contracts if the teams need to address them if they perform well?

 

Maybe then Cory Williams, Shaun Smith, Steinbach, Anderson, Edwards, Wimbley and some others should have their contracts redone because they underperformed according to what they are being paid. Tuff shit there for the team.

 

If teams are stuck with contracts with underperforming players then players who feel they outperformed their contracts should have to play them out also. If players don't want to honor a contract they signed then they should sign only one year contracts to protect themselves from playing under a contract that doesn't equate to their performance.

 

For those of you who think Cribbs should have a new contract answer this; how much of it do you think he would have given back if he got injured and couldn't perform. Isn't that the chance the team took and reason Cribbs got his money up front.....................Protection, Security

 

You can't have it both ways

 

Here is a snippet from ESPN's James Walker....and he makes the same point I made previously in another thread:

 

Jim Goodrich from Zanesville, Ohio wants to know of Joshua Cribbs underperformed his contract, would he have given money back.

 

James Walker: Now it's soapbox time in the AFC North. I don't have many pet peeves, but Jim is bringing up one of my biggest ones. Fans who scream out "players should honor their contracts" have a very narrow-minded view of the NFL. To put it bluntly, this is a shrewd business where contracts are not guaranteed. Every year dozens of teams do not "honor its contracts" by cutting underperforming players. Yet fans never seem upset when their team gets rid of a bust before the end of his deal. No one screamed "travesty" this offseason when the Browns stopped honoring Kevin Shaffer's $36 million contract. No one was upset when the Ravens saved $8 million by releasing Chris McAlister. The same goes for the Bengals, who didn't feel Levi Jones was worth his $3 million salary. So they didn't honor it and released him. The point is the business side of the NFL is brutal on both ends. It's a performance-based league. So next time a player wants a new deal, always consider the alternative and be wary of taking sides of the player or the team.

 

The fact is, if these contracts were "guaranteed", then go ahead and bitch. But they aren't. The 'team' can blow off the contract any time they want...whereas the player is held to it. Not exactly an even exchange.

 

And as I stated before...plans are for Cribbs role on the team to expand...and if you or I were about to have extra duties placed on us..we would be in line for a raise as well. He is doing nothing more than bargaining for his future...because in all likelihood he has all of about 5-6yrs to make a lifetime of income before his career ends...and that is if he doesn't get injured the first game of the year (in which case he gets cut...and gets NOTHING).

 

[NebBrownsFan]

Here is a snippet from ESPN's James Walker....and he makes the same point I made previously in another thread:

 

 

 

The fact is, if these contracts were "guaranteed", then go ahead and bitch. But they aren't. The 'team' can blow off the contract any time they want...whereas the player is held to it. Not exactly an even exchange.

 

And as I stated before...plans are for Cribbs role on the team to expand...and if you or I were about to have extra duties placed on us..we would be in line for a raise as well. He is doing nothing more than bargaining for his future...because in all likelihood he has all of about 5-6yrs to make a lifetime of income before his career ends...and that is if he doesn't get injured the first game of the year (in which case he gets cut...and gets NOTHING).

 

Key words in it all are "It's a performance-based league" and "plans are for Cribbs role on the team to expand". What happens if you give him the raise and his roles DON'T expand because he just isn't as good in them or there is someone better? What then? That's why you either make ANY new money be incentive/performance escalators, or you promise him, in writing if necessary, that if he does good in his new roles then the contract will be revisited in the offseason. I disagree with giving any more guaranteed monies for "expected" new roles.

[WPB Dawg Fan]

Key words in it all are "It's a performance-based league" and "plans are for Cribbs role on the team to expand". What happens if you give him the raise and his roles DON'T expand because he just isn't as good in them or there is someone better? What then? That's why you either make ANY new money be incentive/performance escalators, or you promise him, in writing if necessary, that if he does good in his new roles then the contract will be revisited in the offseason. I disagree with giving any more guaranteed monies for "expected" new roles.

If you are put into a new role...do YOU have to wait for your performance before getting the raise? Say you move from 'lead' to 'supervisor'. Do you take it without getting the raise first? I highly doubt it....especially if you know you can be let go at any point for ANY reason. I know I wouldn't take on the extra work until I got the new contract.

 

With that said...Cribbs is in camp and working hard. If he proves to be an asset...expect him to get the new contract. If not...the team will tell him he is just a ST and go from there.

[NebBrownsFan]

If you are put into a new role...do YOU have to wait for your performance before getting the raise? Say you move from 'lead' to 'supervisor'. Do you take it without getting the raise first? I highly doubt it....especially if you know you can be let go at any point for ANY reason. I know I wouldn't take on the extra work until I got the new contract.

 

With that said...Cribbs is in camp and working hard. If he proves to be an asset...expect him to get the new contract. If not...the team will tell him he is just a ST and go from there.

 

Except that what I do and what he does can't even be compared. If I'm given more roles/responsibility then I am paid to move into that role. If I don't perform, I get fired, not moved back to my old role. Cribbs got paid TWO years ago and took guaranteed money. IF he doesn't do well in the expected roles then they don't use him there and he remains a STer. He doesn't get fired because he still has performed in the role we all know he is good in. You just can't compare it to the average person moving up in their jobs.

[WPB Dawg Fan]

Except that what I do and what he does can't even be compared. If I'm given more roles/responsibility then I am paid to move into that role. If I don't perform, I get fired, not moved back to my old role. Cribbs got paid TWO years ago and took guaranteed money. IF he doesn't do well in the expected roles then they don't use him there and he remains a STer. He doesn't get fired because he still has performed in the role we all know he is good in. You just can't compare it to the average person moving up in their jobs.

ahhh.....but you are forgetting one more thing...if he gets the new contract...then doesn't perform to fulfill it...the team can just cut him and void the entire contract.

 

see, it is the same.

[lemosley01]

Here is a snippet from ESPN's James Walker....and he makes the same point I made previously in another thread:

 

 

 

The fact is, if these contracts were "guaranteed", then go ahead and bitch. But they aren't. The 'team' can blow off the contract any time they want...whereas the player is held to it. Not exactly an even exchange.

 

That's part of the contract rules: That the teams CAN drop the contract, and it's why players want guaranteed money and big bonuses upfront.

 

Yeah, it's totally fair, because the player can also bargain when negotiating the contract and part of the bargaining considers that they and the teams know they can be cut at any time.

 

It seems if your contract allows for it to be terminated early (by either side), then doing so is not failing to 'honor your contract'. Apparently the courts agree, because I'm not seeing too many contract lawsuits from NFL players against their teams for failing to 'honor contracts' when they are cut.

[WPB Dawg Fan]

That's part of the contract rules: That the teams CAN drop the contract, and it's why players want guaranteed money and big bonuses upfront.

 

Yeah, it's totally fair, because the player can also bargain when negotiating the contract and part of the bargaining considers that they and the teams know they can be cut at any time.

 

It seems if your contract allows for it to be terminated early (by either side), then doing so is not failing to 'honor your contract'. Apparently the courts agree, because I'm not seeing too many contract lawsuits from NFL players against their teams for failing to 'honor contracts' when they are cut.

OK, maybe the word fair was not the right one to use...but...if the TEAM can void the contract at any time....then the player should have the right to TRY and renegotiate at any time. That is all I am saying.

 

Now, do I agree with holding out? No more than I like strikes in the real world. It sucks and usually nobody wins. But for us fans....when a player makes a stink all we see is how it hurts the team. When the team voids a player...we just say 'good thing we cut the bum'.

 

A little one sided on the old opinions there. I say Cribbs should do whatever it takes (short of holding out) to get as much as he can. I won't begrudge him one penny. If he can get it...it's all good. But if he holds out...well...he DID sign the freakin contract and DID get the bonus...so I won't support that.

[lemosley01]

OK, maybe the word fair was not the right one to use...but...if the TEAM can void the contract at any time....then the player should have the right to TRY and renegotiate at any time. That is all I am saying.

 

Now, do I agree with holding out? No more than I like strikes in the real world. It sucks and usually nobody wins. But for us fans....when a player makes a stink all we see is how it hurts the team. When the team voids a player...we just say 'good thing we cut the bum'.

 

A little one sided on the old opinions there. I say Cribbs should do whatever it takes (short of holding out) to get as much as he can. I won't begrudge him one penny. If he can get it...it's all good. But if he holds out...well...he DID sign the freakin contract and DID get the bonus...so I won't support that.

 

I agree that Cribbs should get bonuses should he perform well, and I absolutely understand why he wants it in writing, although Lerner has not given him any reason to believe he won't do right by him. However, what Lerner may view as 'right' and Cribbs may view as 'right' is probably not the same, so best to get the details hammered out if possible.

 

He does have the right to try and renegotiate and he is; it may or may not be effective. It's much more effective when you are reaching the end of your contract (and have produced) than 2 years into it with 4 remaining. You gave up you leverage when you signed the long contract.

 

Sure, your boss has asked you to take on more work; usually what happens is you prove yourself capable of handling it, then the bonuses and raises happen.

 

[PlaygroundLegend]

You know Ive been saying for SOOOOOOOOO long that we have had Cribbs at the WRONG position for years. I personally beleive he is a natural RB. I said that before and people were telling me hell no, that he had the body of a reciever...6'1 215lbs? Sounds like a good size for a RB to me.... after all, AP is 6'1 220...

 

Instead of being thrown out there with the wideouts I think he should be our 3rd down back and get between 7-10 carries a game, he's a tough fellow to bring down, plus he can always be an option to throw to out of the backfield, also, every time he ran last year wasnt he getting like 5.6 ypc?

 

If he was added to the RB group and stayed at returner and gunner he would be worth easily 3mil per year for 3 years with a 1.5 million signing bonus

[NebBrownsFan]

ahhh.....but you are forgetting one more thing...if he gets the new contract...then doesn't perform to fulfill it...the team can just cut him and void the entire contract.

 

see, it is the same.

 

Except that new contracts usually entail new guaranteed monies, and he just got guaranteed money 2 years ago as part of his 6 year deal. They CAN'T recover that if he doesn't perform and they cut him. He needs to prove he can perform in those new roles and prove he's more than a STer.