DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Sources: Browns KR Cribbs looking to restructure current deal (Article)

By James Walker
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Pro Bowl kick returner Joshua Cribbs wants to restructure his contract with the Cleveland Browns, multiple sources have told ESPN.com. But progress has been slow this summer because Cribbs has five years remaining on his current deal.

Josh Cribbs

Cribbs
Cribbs signed a six-year contract worth just under $6 million before the 2007 season.

Since then Cribbs has led the NFL in total return yards, in addition to leading the Browns in special teams tackles last year. Now, according to sources, Cribbs and his representation are seeking a pay increase and recently approached the Browns about their desire for a new deal.

Perhaps prompting even more urgency is the recent contract for Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester, who received a four-year extension worth up $40 million with $15 million guaranteed.

Both Cribbs and Hester are widely regarded as the top special teams players in their respective conferences, yet there is a big salary disparity between the two. Hester's average annual salary was bumped up to approximately $5.5 million, compared to Cribbs' annual average of $997,000.

It's unknown at this point what type of deal Cribbs is seeking. But based on his production, it's likely Cribbs wants a contract comparable to Hester's in terms of guaranteed money.

Cleveland is considered one of the up-and-coming teams in the NFL, coming off a 10-6 season that saw seven players make the Pro Bowl in 2007. But success also came with a price as players such as quarterback Derek Anderson, running back Jamal Lewis and defensive tackle Shaun Rogers all received sizable deals with Cleveland this offseason.

Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. also has expressed displeasure with his current contract. But general manager Phil Savage said publicly in June that the team is at or near its budget.

James Walker covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

ESPN

I just read this.. I love him but he has to wait another year or two before getting a new deal.. He wants Hester money but the Bears are making Hester their #1 reciever. Cribbs is not a #1 and may not even be a #3 on our team.

If continues to put up the numbers over the next year or so, re-do and give him a pay raise..

He does deserve a new contract. Build it strongly off incentives and give him a healthy signing bonus.

If he continues to produce he makes the big bucks, seems fair to me.

Well, when we start winning, you'll see more and more of this unfortunately.

am i the only one that is starting to get a lil annoyed with Cribbs and his "im Superman" interviews and attitude....i love him as a player but as soon as there is a mic and a camera we have to hear him talk this and that.

Im afraid that the instant attention has and is starting to go to his head.

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Perhaps prompting even more urgency is the recent contract for Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester, who received a four-year extension worth up $40 million with $15 million guaranteed.

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If that's what Cribbs is looking for, we're in trouble. Cribbs is one of our best players, no doubt about it. 10 over 5 years, fine. We need to keep the guy on our team, unfortunately, we also will need to re-sign Sean Jones, Braylon, and Winslow. Someone's going to have to go soon.

He doesn't have a huge amount of leverage because he's signed on for so many years, that was his choice. But there's no way that Hester's contract can be fit in the budget. It just won't work that way. But I do agree he deserves more money, how much is the issue

CUT THE BUM!



Just saying what I know so many of you are thinking...
LOL. I saw this coming when Hester got his payday. And I don't blame Cribbs for wanting a new deal. But seriously, is he worth 2-3 million a year?


YES


Will he get 2-3 million a year... probably not anytime soon. First we gotta pay Braylon, then KW2, then ship off a QB, then find a star corner....................

I estimate 2-3 years before he gets a big deal *IF* he can still perform at this ultra exciting level. He should fire his Agent for telling him 1 million a year was good money for that five year extention.

Josh doesn't seem like the brightest bulb in the box... but come on, he's been a ST stud for 2 years now and one of if not the biggest reason for the new swagger this team has.

With him returning kicks we are certain to have good field position 95% of the time. Last year teams were kicking away from him knowing they were giving up the field position battle. They did this because every time the kid touches the ball it MIGHT be a TD.

So how did he get stuck in a contract like this?

Does anyone know what the league minimum is for returner? It can't be much less.

AND so what if Hester is going to be a #1 receiver. Can Hester play a Slash role? Can Hester line up in the back field as an RB?

I don't mean to belittle Hester but Cribbs is pretty damn versitile! NO other player on the team can be used like that and cause a panic on the opposing bench the way Cribbs does! So I say he got screwed on his extention and he should get more money. I'm not sure how much more but apples to apples, I would take him over Hester any day.

JMHO

Speaking of Hester vs Cribbs

I see no way at this juncture that the Browns will re-work JC's contract. They wouldn't for KW2, and if they opened up contract talks with JC they would be opening themselfs up to a great deal of contract trouble. Sure JC wants a new deal, I would too, and if you asked me and most likely PS we would all say what a deal we got when we extended JC. That said tho no way we re-do JC contract, not anytime soon anyway. He'll just have to try to scrape by on 1 Mill a year..

JMO

BTTB

Be prepared folks, Were gonna loose a couple players because of money over the next few years, and were gonna loose a couple of players that will totally tick off many people on this sight, Were start hearing Browns / Savage dont know what thier doing, ect, but believe me Savage knows what he's doing, why did we draft Rucker ? maybe I'm reading it wrong but just a thought, Dont be suprised if a few players end up walking over $$$ it's bound to happen, it's gonna happen,

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am i the only one that is starting to get a lil annoyed with Cribbs and his "im Superman" interviews

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Yes you are the only one.. the reason is, because he is superman and we all know it

Seriously, While I don't like guys asking for a new contract, I do really understand his point. I hope we find a way to grant him his new deal.,. he's earning it everytime he steps on the field...

Oh, and Tubby, Cribbs has NEVER been one of those whiney premadonna types. He has confidence in his abilities, and it shows. And I like his attitude.
A LOT.

Generally Clay, I agree. As we become more successful, some of our more high profile players will want paid. I

I don't think there is any question about that. It's hard, in this day and age, to keep a team together forever.

NE and Indy are two examples of how to do it, so it can be done. Yeah, they've lost a few guys here and there. But with some wise drafting and some smart FA Signings, they've managed to stay at the top of the league.

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why did we draft Rucker ? maybe I'm reading it wrong but just a thought

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Heiden isn't getting any younger, neither is Dinkins. That's as good a reason as what you were thinking I don't feel that Winslow will be a problem. That's gonna work out just fine.

I know it sounds strange, but Savage and Rosenhaus have what is reported to be a strong relationship. And if you notice, there has not been one ounce of the TO type flap surrounding KW2, except what's caused by several guys and gals in the media that needed to kick up dust in a slow period.

So I don't see it.. naturally, I could be wrong, but I don't see it.

j/c

I'll throw in my $0.02 on the whole Cribbs and other assorted contract situations:

1) I think this is perfectly natural and shouldn't be surprising at all to us or to the organization that Cribbs would want something on par with Hester.

2) Personally, I'm glad that Cribbs, if he is truly clamoring for a new contract, is doing it this way. He reported to camp, he's working hard, and he's working with the FO on trying to get a new contract. If he has another Pro-Bowl year (hopefully), then I have to think the FO will look long and hard at his contract.

3) I think Edwards, if he has another Pro Bowl year, will be first in line for a new contract, IMO. He has matured and truly become a team leader. He had his moments early in his career, but he hasn't done anything stupid, and he has put up absolutely fantastic numbers. He is the kind of guy who we can build our offense around.

4) I see Winslow's demand for a new contract as not only being because he feels he deserves it because of his abilities (rightfully so, IMO), but also because I think he's no dummy and realizes his career was significantly shortened by the motorcycle accident and subsequent infection. However, if he turns in another pro-bowl year, I see him getting paid as well.

5) The big problem I see with giving Cribbs an absolutely huge payday is that, while the guy is truly a beast, we have to wonder how long he's going to be able to keep it up. I think we'll all admit that he is an absolutely phenomenal athlete. However, we also have to ask how much of that is due to the rest of the ST unit. Also, we really have to wonder how much longer he can keep it up. Over the next few years, if he keeps up with his kamikaze ways (which I love and which I think helps him be the pro bowl type that he is), that's going to start wearing on him. He's not dainty little Dante Hall who could rely on blazing speed. Cribbs has speed, but he relies a lot on power, but also on the fact that he just runs over people on the coverage unit. Are we going to give the guy a ridiculous payday over a long period of time if we don't think he can last that much longer? That's a question I just plain don't know the answer to.

6) The nice thing is that we've got a number of marquee guys locked up for a while. We have DA locked up for a few years on a new deal. We have Wimbley with a few years left on his deal. We have DQ (hoping he's marquee) on his deal, we have Rogers on his deal (I hope he's marquee), we have Lewis with a few years left, and we have Thomas and Steinbach with quite a few years left. It's nice that we didn't have to worry about a first round pick this year. Hopefully that means we'll have some cash to throw out to the guys who truly deserve it with some left over for needed FAs and draft picks.

7) And, I think we all realize the possibility that we'll lose people due to money issues. That's really what makes the NFL great and why I hope the owners and union can come to terms on a new CBA. It keeps the high money teams from just running away with it every year and rewards the teams with good organizations. Look at the Patriots. Yeah, they make some good dough, but they have been able to establish themselves as a dynasty with quite a few "no-name" players. They just find guys who fit in their system to complement their franchise guys (with a little help from illegal surveillance ).

JMHO

Setting the precedent that we will allow players with 5 years left on their deal to renegotiate is absolutely NOT something the Browns want to do.

Josh, I love ya, but your under contract and you only play special teams.

At the same time, setting the precedent that the team will negotiate with players who have exceeded expectations repeatedly may help other players, too.

But I completely understand your point.

Just remember,, it's Sean Jones final contract year as well.. he's gonna want a boat load of money. And if he should happen to make it to the Pro Bowl,,, Oh brother,, that boat load just became a Cruise Ship load. And frankly, if we don't pay it, someone will..

I agree. As much as Cribbs does deserve money, there is no way we can begin to negotiate with a player who has 5 years left on his contract. Especially not when we have Braylon with two years left, Winslow with 3 years left, and Sean Jones with 1 year left. We cannot do that. Cribbs signed his extension before last year. And now he wants a new one? He'd have to be crazy to think we can give him a new contract.

Ugghh...we must be getting good the pirahia agents are starting to smell blood of success.

1. Cribbs signed his 6 year contract just one season ago??? If the deal was that bad fire your agent.

2. Hester has scored more TDs...but also seems farther along as a bonafide weapon at WR. Cribbs has yet to score a TD at any other position besides KO return. Hester has shown incredible speed as a weapon for WR. Yes, they both are Pro-Bowl Special teams players but after that it just is not Apples to Apples.

Should we consider restructuring if Cribbs continues to progress over the next two years? WR/RB - whatever the Cribb package will be.

Sure...but have the contract go at least half way (3 years) then strike the new deal or we must trade him when the iron is hot.

I thought he was our MVP last season. But we are building a team not dependant on individuals. We have a lot of young starters that will be successful and looking for their 2nd contracts (Cribbs got his) who will be bigger variables in our success. We might not be able to make Cribb's agent happy. We have BE, KW2 and possibly DA (we only signed him to 3 years - if he is our Franchise QB we will go long term). Just so much more important than Cribbs at KO returns.

KO return - dynamo's. That status just doesn't last too long. About 8 years ago I remember the Chiefs had the amazing KO returner extraordinaire! Hall??? Scoring TD's all over the place. He just couldn't make it as a full time WR and his status was short lived. 3-5 years status. Well Cribbs is in his 3rd year now of Return Specialist...he has 2-3 more in him. Unless he finds himself a new Pro-Bowl position. Like Hester seems to have (at least he'll be starting soon or definitely is the #3) made status at a regular position.

So this must been the posturing Cribbs maybe was making when he stated next season he was going to pursue his baseball career. I see it as a built in leverage.

I can't believe I'm doing the Chicken Little Dance...lol but I got a feeling this is the last season of bliss with Cribbs. He will be traded???

JMHO

Well, at the same time, can you blame Cribbs for "wanting" to restructure his contract? Are there many guys in the NFL who don't want to restructure?

But, like I said, he's showed up to camp and he's worked hard. He hasn't held out or called the team out or said he's going to fight the QB.

Now, next season may be another issue, and if he does that stuff then, maybe my feelings will be different.

But right now, he hasn't done anything that will make me mad at him. JMHO

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I thought he was our MVP last season. But we are building a team not dependant on individuals.

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One must not forget that we had great field position many times last season, and a great deal of those times are directly the result of Cribbs play.

That's worth $$..

Despite the fact that his contract is only 1 year old and has many years left on it, I do think that he does deserve a better deal.. How much better? I really don't want to hazard even a guess.. but better.

Is his timing poor,, yeah, I think it is. I do believe he's gotta wait until the next off season at the very least. And he CAN'T let it be a distraction (not for one second do I think he will either)

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KO return - dynamo's. That status just doesn't last too long.

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Valid point,, look at our own Dino Hall as another example.. or Gerald "Ice Cube" McNiel as another. Both quality guys, both fast, both shifty and both short lived.

Now, Cribbs because of his size, may last longer in that role.. MAY!

But it only serves as another reason he's gotta get his money now and not wait.

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can't believe I'm doing the Chicken Little Dance...lol but I got a feeling this is the last season of bliss with Cribbs. He will be traded???

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As long as we get value for him, I'm ok with it..

Hey, maybe that's why Steptoe was drafted,,, Don't forget, McDonald can do that also.. and so can Harrison. Just to name a few.

"One must not forget that we had great field position many times last season, and a great deal of those times are directly the result of Cribbs play."

Well I most certainly didn't forget...ergo my 07 MVP claim.

More Money? We gave him more money in 07 and he was tickled pink to get it. He had the same duties and very similar results. Just more recognition as the team went from 4 wins to 10. Which is where I get my statement of the Pariah agents smelling blood. And yes, recognition by his peers to go into the Pro-Bowl. But no much difference from 06 - 07 as far as his work with us. And I'm telling you if he can't work his way into a regular position. His NFL worth will not be too long.

Who is worth more to this team right now and the future....Cribbs or KW2. He wanted a restructure also...we told him not now. So regardless what you think we should do...We can't cause it will set a precedent and as we get better everyone is going to be asking for new deals...EVERYONE!!!

"Hey, maybe that's why Steptoe was drafted,,, Don't forget, McDonald can do that also.. and so can Harrison. Just to name a few."

Pretty much my point regarding us building a TEAM not individuals.

Its not even like Ponti...who is getting paid pretty good money. But he does what he does better than anyone in the NFL...and will probably be able to do so for another 8-10 years. Cribbs is great and I love him a lot. But in our system we will always have seams and good team blocking on kick-offs there can be success in that area with several on our team??? Not guranteed which Cribbs is but he doesn't have incredible speed and he takes on more hits then the others. He and his agent knew the hits and short lived his prowess might be. They signed a 6 year contract and got a nice signing bonus (I ASSume???) his duties didn't change. His success didn't change. Only thing changed is we are now in the Spot Light and so is Cribbs!

JMHO

Cribbs needs to understand that he is a piece of this team, he is not a cornerstone. Cribbs even though he's a fan favorate can be replaced. even though i'm a Cribbs fan, I'm a Cleveland Browns fan first and for most. You signed a deal, you can tell the front office, you'd like to renegotiate your contract for more money, OK, it's the trend, you did now shut up and play dont keep bringing it up over the season, you said your piece now play. Be a man of your word and signature, Phil was when he said he would sign you to a long term piece of mind deal.

Field position he gives us on returns is very important to our success, but it's only a part, this season our Defence will also help our field position, teams wont be constently driving down the field on us.

Last thing we need is a distraction and I do believe the veterans on the team will not let it happen from Cribbs, Maybe somebody's ego has grown bigger than his helment ?

Odd timing on this whole thing.

As some have said, I don't fault Cribbs for asking for more. Most of us - if not all of us - would do the same. It's a sucky feeling when your peers are getting paid more than you and you are just as productive. Hey, this phenomenon happens in all walks of life, in all types of business.

But I agree with you, Clay, it's how he handles it from here on out. Will he be a distraction? Will he act disgruntled? Will his play suffer?

There is nothing wrong with asking, but it's just that - asking. You have to honor your word no matter the answer. So far, I believe Cribbs has shown he is that type of person that will honor his word and do his best for this team.

I guess we'll find out soon.

When Hester signed that ridiculous deal, i knew Cribbs was going to be upset. Chicago broke the bank on a player that the NFL continually compares to Cribbs, why wouldn't he expect to be compensated the same way?

I personally think Cribbs is more valuable to a team than Hester is, but this is the way it works. Players get overpaid by someone and then other players that feel they are equal or better than that player expect the same thing. Do I think Cribbs is worth the money? Sure, but he signed a contract and his job is to uphold his end of the bargain.

As some have already stated, Josh should be ticked at his agent. 6 years for $6 million? That is chump change. I remember rejoicing when we signed him to that deal, it was one heck of a bargain.

To be fair, we could just add some escalators to the original contract that he signed. These are not guaranteed, but will give Cribbs the opportunity to make more money. I think this is the only justfiable way to handle this. We have a lot of contracts to rework and Josh has to take ownership of the fact that he agreed to what he is being paid.

This is going to be an ongoing problem every season as we keep winning.

j/c

Hey guys, all the kid has done was ask for a restructure! He hasn't held out, he hasn't whined, he hasn't done anything else! Heck, all we have are a few "sources" saying this! For all we know, he said something to his agent, and his agent is out blabbing and the media is running with it!

Until Cribbs starts becoming a distraction, let's keep from jumping on the guy, huh?

"OK, it's the trend, you did now shut up and play dont keep bringing it up over the season, you said your piece now play."

And he has...he's been here from day one - worked hard. Now we got his agent licking his chops after the Hester signing. I'm just maybe getting a little too far ahead for myself and as mentioned doing a little Chicken Little about the subject.

But I'm also doing my Sherlock Holmes bit - last week I read about Cribbs desire to pursue his Baseball career next year. Now this, 2+2??? I got a feeling we won't be seeing much of Cribbs after this season

JMHFear

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Until Cribbs starts becoming a distraction, let's keep from jumping on the guy, huh?

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Your 100% right, I hope everybody knows i wasnt jumping on him either.

I really know what it feels like to be grossly under paid, but hey I work in the automotive industry and understand it's better to be under paid that unemployeed, atleast i'm still paying my bills. i thank God everyday I have a desent job.

Ok,, I'll buy that entire comment from you.. makes sense to me..

Question, in your post that I originally responded to, you mentioned something about Cribbs talking aboiut a baseball career.... where did that come from.. I guess I totally missed that?

Clay, I get a sense (perhaps wrongly) from the tone of your post that you’re a bit aggravated with Cribbs. No need brother at least not yet, anyway. Just like fans got their panties in a twist last off season over KW2 and his desire for a new deal, it hasn’t and likely won’t give cause for anyone to become alarmed or upset. This is just the business side of the NFL. The players know that they can be cut at or without a moments notice, that leaves them in limbo as far as an income goes so they reach for what they can get. If the owners were held to the contracts they sign, then I would think it would be only fair and right that the players would be 2. In this instance you have a player that is going to his boss and saying boss I did a good job for you how about a raise. And it’s more then likely that the boss will reply no, no way. The end.

No need to hate on or get upset towards anyone, this is after all the business side.


BTTB

The first one in line for a new contract would be Sean Jones, who will be a free agent after the season. If he continues to play well, they'll have to try to work something out.

Followed by Edwards. He'll have a new contract this offseason. K2 would be next. Cribbs, who JUST signed his new contract last season, isn't on my radar. Unfortunately, Hester got a new contract, and the way the NFL works anymore is, guys don't honor their contracts, and want what the next guy gets.

Hopefully some of these guys put the team first, because the money will dry up fast.

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The players know that they can be cut at or without a moments notice, that leaves them in limbo as far as an income goes so they reach for what they can get

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Yes & NO. I'm old style, meaning you agreed to it, you signed it you honor it.

Yes these guys can be cut at any time and nothing is guarneted, True, and it's more dangourous than my job, but remember Ohio is an at will state, meaning I can be fired with minimal reason any day just like they can be cut or injured any day and I know I make far less than them.

I understand his reasoning, & just hope he handles it like a professional. I dont look badly upon him for asking.

Happy birthday to ya BTTB..

You know what,, you are probably right about there not being much to worry about.. Hell, we don't even know the sources of the article. It actually says:

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multiple sources have told ESPN.com.

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So, being the kinda guy I am and basically distrusting the Media,, I'm wondering if this is some guy in the media, throwing out something to stir the pot.. Just to see if he can get a rise out of either the Browns or Cribbs or his agent..

Hmm,, one must wonder?

This is what free agency has done to the NFL. Thank God for the salary cap.

Most of them are far overpaid in my book. Period.