dencyguy Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 Cleveland Browns analysis: As Josh Cribbs proves his versatility, he justifies a new contract Selections from a longer piece: >>CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that Joshua Cribbs has proven he can play wide receiver -- perhaps even start there -- the Browns can easily justify giving him the new deal he's seeking before the start of the regular season. When Cribbs first stressed to the new folks that he wanted to renegotiate, they had no evidence he could be anything more than a special teams star and gadget-play specialist. Now, he's a serious contender for the No. 2 receiver job opposite Braylon Edwards -- and he's been the Browns' most dynamic player in preseason. If the new staff was concerned that all that time at wide receiver might hurt Cribbs as a kick returner, he's crashed through that theory. [...] Coach Eric Mangini appreciates the ways Cribbs can terrorize an opponent. But would he endorse a big financial commitment? Cribbs' detractors say the Browns can't give him a new deal because they'll have half the team lined up behind him with their hands out. But none of them have hands like Cribbs, ones that can catch, throw and even intercept passes if and when they get around to playing him on defense. [...] Over the past five years or so, the Browns have spent so many millions -- largely on other team's castoffs -- that it makes sense to invest in a homegrown player with such a passion for the game that he's arguably the heart and soul of the team. In free agency alone, they gave $10 million in guaranteed money to cornerback Gary Baxter, $9 million to receiver Donte Stallworth, and $17 million to guard Eric Steinbach, to name a few. Defensive end Corey Williams also received $16.5 million guaranteed and Shaun Rogers $20 million. Cribbs' six-year extension, negotiated by his previous agents, was worth $6.77 million with $2 million guaranteed. This year, he's set to make $620,000. The next three years, he's scheduled to make $635,000, $650,000 and $790,000. Rickert says he's not demanding the $15 million guaranteed that Chicago's Devin Hester received last year, just a fair deal. With all of Cribbs' potential, the Browns could add some performance-based incentives to each of the existing years and extend the contract by a few years. For a player who brings so much to the table, both on and off the field, the Browns could do a lot worse for their money.<< Dennis I couldn't have said it better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YtownBrownsBacker Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 I'm not going to debate it anymore because I feel strongly about honoring at least half of the contract (3 years). You can't take the gravy bonus money and conplain about your yearly salary. As good of a player as he is and as important of a palyer that he is to this team, it sends the wrong message. Jackson wants an extension, how about the other UDFAs and low draft picks. If Davis ends up with substantial playing time this year does he demand a new contract this offseason. How about Alex Hall, I'm sure he has outplayer his contract. Rubin certainly has outplayed his contract and if he is going to get substantial time as Roger's backup he shold be compensated. And if any of the above get new contracts and have a breakout year are they entitled to come back the next year and demand a new contract. Enough from me. I'll let the guys who have to deal with it handle it. This is the part of pro sports that really sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greythan Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 If they screw up the Cribbs deal, they're incompetent. Anyone catch Chris Speilman on Mike and Mike this morning? Speilman is on daily here in Columbus sports talk and I really enjoy the guy. Well, I guess someone caught him on tape regarding the Brandon Marshall practice behavoir. Besides enjoying Chris' take on what it means to respect the game, he made this comment (paraphrased) I can sympathize with any player regarding their contract status. However, Marshall should emulate what Joshua Cribbs is doing in Cleveland. He's going out and playing his butt off and doing things right. I couldn't agree more. Guys like Cribbs are fundamental for any successful team. On a related note, Cribbs was the "star" player who came to the tent to sign autographs when I took my family to training camp last year. He took the time to look each of my three children in the eyes, address them personnaly ("Hey buddy!", "Hey little man!", etc.) and sign their stuff. My kids were 8, 6, and 4 at the time and left the tent with smiles a mile wide. I'm a GIANT Cribbs fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riceloft Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 I think if Cribbs continues to emerge in this new WR role into the first 1/3 of the season, then yes, he deserves a new contract based upon his status as a starting WR. If he becomes the invisible man at WR then he can keep playing with his current deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegasdogg Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 Plenty of teams tear up recently signed contracts for new ones when the player outperforms the one he signed. This "honoring of contacts" is such BS when you have guys cut left and right where the team does not honor its contract. Guys are cut specifically because of their contract being too high, or are even asked to take a renegotiated AN EXISTING contract to "help the team and its cap." So spare me the "he needs to honor the contract he signed and it sets a bad precedent" routine. You take each player and negotiate on his merits, not whether the other 52 guys want new contracts. Some you re-sign, some you tell to take a walk. Cribbs is a guy you re-sign. If anything, it shows everyone on the team what hard work and listening to coaches can do for your wallet. Guy looks like he can play some WR for us, which is what he was asked to work on. Now sign him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Fan Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 I think the thing that is unique to cribbs situation is that he will essentially be undergoing a position change. No one else under the "looking for a new deal" umbrella can make that claim. Hester got the new paperwork when he went from ST'er to WR. The precedent has been set so its not like we'd be doing something out of the ordinary (which would be the case if we didn't ink a new deal for him). His 1st catch on saturday (3rd down conversion), Cribbs fights for 3 extra yards when 95% of NFL WR's duck out to the sideline. Especially in preseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choco Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 i highly doubt any team terminates, or otherwise doesn't honor, the contract of a player that plays to the level of the contract. how many people are clamouring that Williams contract is way too much for a player trying to find his way in the 3-4, and to trade him to carolina (or any other takers)? he gets paid a shit ton.....but if he sucks it all year, you really expect the browns to suck it up and keep paying the man for doing nothing? its just a counterpoint example.....the door swings both ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OconRecon Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 I think the thing that is unique to cribbs situation is that he will essentially be undergoing a position change. No one else under the "looking for a new deal" umbrella can make that claim. Hester got the new paperwork when he went from ST'er to WR. The precedent has been set so its not like we'd be doing something out of the ordinary (which would be the case if we didn't ink a new deal for him). His 1st catch on saturday (3rd down conversion), Cribbs fights for 3 extra yards when 95% of NFL WR's duck out to the sideline. Especially in preseason. Bingo, bingo, bingo. This is the out the Browns can use when player number-next comes in demanding a new deal. With Cribbs playing WR, it can be explained away as to why a reneg was granted. "Look Phil, you're a heck of a kicker, but you're doing the same job you signed up for. Cribbs has taken on another position, as well as continuing his contracted position. Go play fullback and then we'll talk". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canton Mike Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 I'm not going to debate it anymore because I feel strongly about honoring at least half of the contract (3 years). You can't take the gravy bonus money and conplain about your yearly salary. As good of a player as he is and as important of a palyer that he is to this team, it sends the wrong message. Jackson wants an extension, how about the other UDFAs and low draft picks. If Davis ends up with substantial playing time this year does he demand a new contract this offseason. How about Alex Hall, I'm sure he has outplayer his contract. Rubin certainly has outplayed his contract and if he is going to get substantial time as Roger's backup he shold be compensated. And if any of the above get new contracts and have a breakout year are they entitled to come back the next year and demand a new contract. Enough from me. I'll let the guys who have to deal with it handle it. This is the part of pro sports that really sucks. I would normally agree with you, but I'm going to play "devil's advocate" here. Cribbs is ONE exception to my feelings of NOT renegotiating a contract. His contract is based on special teams play, not wide receiver. IF Cribbs starts at receiver, & IMHO he should, then I believe the contract deserves renegotiating. It's not that he has "outplayed" his contract...He has played a position that has a vastly different contractual level. This young man & his level of play, teamwork, & attitude are beyond compare & an inspiration not only to fans, but, I would think, to his teammates. That's called "leading by example". I can't tell you when I have seen a more complete & unselfish football player in a Brown's uniform. I believe it's time to reward the man. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sez.EJ Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 Sorry but cribbs is not the next Jerry Rice.. He's not even the next brian brennan.. He is barely learning the reciever spot..he still runs lousy routes.. he's a great kick returner.. Let him prove he can be a reciever and THEN pay him... I think it's a bad precedent to set if we redo a contract that was just redone a year ago.. I am not yet convinced he will be a good receiver.. I he kicks butt at reciever this year 50-65 catches 700 yards and 5-7 td's.. you can make it up to him in bonus money when you redo the next contract.. If he catches 35 balls for 350 yards and 3 scores.. then what he has now is just fine. SHUT UP AND PLAY... the money will come.. as for Mary Kay... My wife needs some makeup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Fan Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 I can't tell you when I have seen a more complete & unselfish football player in a Brown's uniform. I believe it's time to reward the man. Mike Agree 100%. How many of us have said over and over how much we hate Hines Ward, but would love to see him in a Browns uni? Cribbs has that potential. I believe it. Don't lecture me on Ward's numbers, I know Josh has a ton to prove as a WR in that arena, but yes, I think he can do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
car ramrod Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Agree 100%. How many of us have said over and over how much we hate Hines Ward, but would love to see him in a Browns uni? Cribbs has that potential. I believe it. Don't lecture me on Ward's numbers, I know Josh has a ton to prove as a WR in that arena, but yes, I think he can do it. I always wondered why Cribbs has not been tried out at safety. The man is a beast in coverage on special teams. Relentless attitude. I say try him out. Could be like a Bob Sanders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalBrownsFan Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Give Cribbs the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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