Hue Jackson hopes Terrelle Pryor makes the right decision, stays with Browns

By Dan Labbe, cleveland.com
March 02, 2017. 2:46 PM

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hue Jackson admitted on Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that waiting on Terrelle Pryor's free agency situation to play out will be an anxious time.

"It's free agency, so they get to make a choice and a decision, too," Jackson said. "Hopefully, he'll make the right one and stay here with us."

The Browns decided not to franchise Pryor by the deadline on Wednesday. A non-exclusive franchise tag would have carried with it a number of $15.682 million. Pryor would have been free to negotiate with other teams under that tag, but the cost of someone to sign him away would have been two first-round picks. The Browns also could have continued to negotiate with Pryor on a longterm deal.

Instead, Pryor is set to become an unrestricted free agent unless he and the Browns can come to an agreement in the next few days. Teams are permitted to begin negotiating with free agents on March 7 and can begin signing them at 4 p.m. on March 9.

Pryor, of course, is a unique case. Two seasons ago he couldn't find a job in the NFL after the Browns cut him during his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. He ended up back with the Browns at the end of 2015 and finally made his first catch in the season finale against Pittsburgh. He followed that up by catching 77 passes for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns, all in the midst of instability at the quarterback position and without much help from his fellow wide receivers.

"Obviously Terrelle was a huge piece of what we did a year ago," Jackson said. "Obviously we're working through that. And it has to work both ways for all involved -- for him, for us and hopefully it will."

Pryor, for his part, had expressed towards the end of the season that he would like to remain with Cleveland. Following offseason surgery to repair an injury to one of his fingers, Pryor said he was going to spend time rehabbing with the Browns training staff. Those are both good signs, but things can change once a player hits the open market, especially in a thin wide receiver free agent class.

Losing Pryor would deal a blow to a team that has, to this point, managed their offseason well, led by the re-signing of linebacker Jamie Collins. A key to any rebuild is not only drafting well, but developing young players and then keeping them when the time comes.

The good news is that the Browns still have time to get something done with their top wide receiver.

"Hopefully we can get that done soon," Jackson said.

The next week will serve to test the Browns strategy if Pryor is able to test the free agent market.

Chapter 2. My career AFTER the Browns.

which teams that are playoff caliber could use WR? Carolina, Indy maybe, Baltimore, Minnesota, Tennessee?

I don't think he will get what we are offering. Pretty confident he will be a Brown.

Although a dynamic WR coming out of no where. There is no team who has won a SB built around a WR. Not saying I don't want him...saying if he wants crazy money there is nothing we will do but it should not set us back at all like another position.

jmho

New England

but are they willing to pay 10 million per

No.

We have to be careful here. I've said in the past that I don't think there's a Team out there willing to pay him 10 mil or more. Not to mention there's a few WR's coming out in the draft that will be cheaper and younger. We can't set the standard of over paying everyone just to get them to stay. I think he will be here when he see's what he can get on the open market.

"I hope he makes the right decision" doesn't inspire much confidence. My takeaway from that is the two sides are further apart than I hoped.

I also wonder what his agents know about the market? It's like they think they can get him top dollar in FA. I really don't think any one is going to pay him top dollar.

especially since Jeffrey and Marshall are available now too (and Cooks as a trade)

I always try to keep my GM hat on but certain players become matter of the heart.

- I never want Joe to leave, even if he wants to :-)
- Crow is a UDFA knuckle head who shows he can learn from his mistakes & is a decent back, I'm rooting for the kid big time
- Pryor's story is fun - I want to see how it plays out - here!!!

..... back with the GM hat on I honestly cant fault them if they had to let him test free agency, I am hoping he sees we valued him we gave him a great offer and want him back. The franchise tag would have been a panic move, and puts their comment in context.

And Garcon. And DeSean Jackson.

Garcon over Pryor? Tough call for me. Think Pryor, but not for silly money. Having a lot of upside suggests not premiere and elite yet. I would let him earn the world in incentives, escalators, or whatever. I think a fair contract lets him perform lights out and it is pat as you go. I think guaranteed front money is a given, maybe an ouchy premium for a contract, but we have little that is as promising IMO.

I wasn't saying I'd take those guys over Pryor, just that the wide receiver market is not barren.

If Pryor gets to free agency I think he will get paid more than we are willing to pay him. There are a ton of teams with a ton of cap room and they will be willing to overpay. I don't think our team is willing to overpay ever (process).

j/c:

I hope people are deluding themselves into believing losing Pryor would be no big deal...

Well, I think the decision to not franchise him was a sensible one. If they had paid him $15 million for this season, there's no way he would have taken less in the next season. So, they let the market dictate the price. If he gets an offer they feel is a good one, they sweeten it a bit and sign him. If he gets one that is outlandish, they let him go and draft a WR with one of their first five. I would like them to sign him to a reasonable contract, but if they have to draft one, the question then becomes: is a "first round" wide receiver going to be better for the team than Pryor?

We need to do the objective study. Let's say we use Mike Williams out of Clemson as the comparison. Who has better hands, right now? Who runs better routes, right now? Who can make the catch in traffic, right now? Just a few of the main questions that need to be answered.

March 9: 2017 NFL agency starts at 4:00 PM ET

A problem with this time of year is that there is no real news. Everyone is playing their cards close to their chest, and every reporter and analyst is trying guess what every non-answer means. Then there's all the mis-directions and gamesmanship.

What makes the most sense regarding Pryor is both the team and the player want to continue the relationship, but at what price? So they have a gentleman's agreement to see what his value is on the open market. I suspect the team is willing to match offers within reason.

That is my feeling. I don't think Pryors agents went in with a figure in mind and any numbers the Browns might have gone in with would be a starting point.

Looking back two weeks, Pryor had a tweet where he said Thank God or something alont those lines. People, including I looked at it as a sign of good news or things were nearly wrapped up. Now I think it was because his agents told him that we weren't going to tag him.

We have to hope TP word is true in that he wants to stay here and we are given a shot to beat any offer because it would sure hurt if he signed the first good offer before we had some notification.

No delusion...it will have no bearing on us become a playoff team or not. There are WRs a plenty to get...heck we got him and that was after releasing him.

Just cause you think its an imperative does not make it so.

Its nice to have him and other decent WRs.

But I don't think he's a top 10 WR right now...who knows 3 years from now. What I do know is if he is looking for TOP 1 WR money or top 3 that would be a bigger mistake signing him than not.

as always its JMHO not delusion cause its not what you think.Its called a difference of opinion! Every draft btw has 5-10 good WRs in the first two rounds. Its not a hard asset to get. We are not LOST if we don't comply to some high negotiations.

I agree. We can't be held hostage.

That said, I hope we keep him in Cleveland. One less thing to worry about.

Oh 100% I want him here...just saying its not the end of the world to lose a WR of all positions. I think the Gabriel discussions are comical btw.

I disagree for several reasons:

--The WR unit for the Browns is really weak.

--Pryor is one of our better players. Maybe even our best player.

--He is raw and inexperienced, while possessing great size, strength, speed, and athleticism. Thus, it is logical to assume he will that he will continue to grow as a WR/player.

--The league has changed. It is a passing league and the WR position is more important in today's game than it was when we first started posting.

I have ZERO problems if you disagree w/me, but I feel my argument is logical.

Agreed. He is a diamond in the rough, a bit of hothead BUT....he is passionate, works his tail off and proved last year he is committed to this coach and this franchise. However, the franchise now needs to show their commitment. Personally, I feel a bit sick to my stomach if we let him slip away.

Also, I seem to remember a lot of people not being overly miffed when we cut Gabriel. He was acknowledging as the victim of his height and Hue/Hawkins prior coaching/player relationship. But, once he had a break out season with a gunslinging QB, goes to the SB a lot of people started criticizing and bemoaning his release. Imagine how painful it will be if we allow Pryor to slip away and he then has an even better season than he did last year?

The other side of that coin is....How long should we keep Gab?
Or other Players that just don't get it done? Between the concussions and lost time on the field, where is the sense that we let Hawk go and keep Gab? A guy that can't get on the field and is maybe a concussion away from wrapping it up? There is no easy answer, I don't blame the Coach or the FO for this move. Even if they saw the speed and the talent, what good is it if you can't stay on the field?

Hindsight is easy...we had no idea Gabriel would be the WR we now see with ATL. We also don't have a gunslinger like Ryan. But, Gabriel's youth probably should have kept him in CLE over Hawk.

And I agree. But I think that between the injuries and his height, no to mention with all the Rookies coming in, we needed experienced Vets to help our young WR's. Just a thought.

The Browns have said that they are not going to franchise Pryor, but they can use the transition tag, as we did on Alex Mack. That would allow us to match any offer he would get.

The deadline to tag him already passed.

I didn't realize that. Thanks for straightening that out for me.

Does anyone know what the Browns are offering? I have not seen it mentioned anywhere.

48 hours left before other teams can "officially" come calling ...

My guess is Drew all ready has some ducks in a row and has some numbers all ready on his table ..

Jc...I thought for sure last year we would keep Gabriel over the older higher priced Hawkins...I was wrong.

On Pryor...does worry me with FA so close...I could have sworn last before FA players already had deals done before the 4pm start of FA...They just had to wait to officially announced it...and they were with new teams. I just would hate to lose TP when we have so many holes already.. hopefully we will hear some news on him and Patzor.

Anyone think Shanahan will steal another Browns WR in Pryor?

Was he even around under Shanahan? I think Pryor is going to the team that pays him the most.

JC

"Negotiations can become hostile if two parties have a different view on numbers. Pryor and the Browns to be on similar pages.

"I think we want to have him here as long-term as opposed to kind of a one-year temporary option. I think Terrelle, in my conversations, he understands where we are with respect to him. We value him a lot," Brown finished.

Head coach Hue Jackson understands the value of the wide receiver in his offense.

"It's important. Obviously, Terrelle is a huge piece of what we did a year ago. Honestly, we are working through that. It's got to work both ways. It's got to fit for all involved, for him, for us. Hopefully it will. Hopefully we can get that done soon," Jackson said.

Pryor recorded 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns last season. According to Spotrac.com, his value is $35,649,429 over the course of four seasons."

http://cle.247sports.com/Bolt/Terrelle-Pryor-deal-must-work-for-both-parties-51581914

I dont think SF would do that ... they have so many needs to spend tons on a wr

jc...

Technically, free agency does not begin until March 9 at 4pm...

...the period when teams can legally discuss potential/future contracts with the agents of free agents begins March 7 at 00:01(am).

...but no contract can be signed until, March 9, 4pm.



link
March 7-9 is an open window for teams to start contract talks with unrestricted free agents. This time is unformally known as the "Legal Tampering Period" since teams are allowed to speak with players from other teams.

After 4:00 p.m. on March 9th is when the new league year officially begins. Since teams had the brief open period before this day, the first few hours of free agency are often pretty hectic with players signing left and right.

My understanding is with agents only, no direct contact with the players themselves...

Can't wait for that pre Free Agency test the waters come. This way we both can realize what the market is with him. If big $$ I think Pryor will give us a shot to match. If not much interest in $$$ then Pryor will simply sign with us!

jmho I think he will be a Brown within a week.

God I hope you're right.

I mean, this is what the original idea was. Grow your own talent and sign them. The way the Steelers and Packers do. Well, now we have a guy who played well, shows a bunch of potential, so let's get the deal done and sign him

Ditto. I'm not feeling as optimistic right now. And I'm only basing that on BROWNS.

If we want him, and he wants to be here like the stories and etc seem to suggest - then both sides will get it done. Patience...

The front office still has time to get the Pryor deal done. Hopefully this front office learned something from IT'S PRIOR FAILURES (in 2016)...

...when the front office reaches the "legal tampering period" (this year, 3/6/2017-3/9/2017) it is not a reason for the front office to be POed at the player and stop trying to get a deal done with his agent. Had the Browns front office continued to negotiate with Mitch Schwartz's agent during the legal tampering period in 2016, Schwartz would have been the Browns RT for the 2016 season.

Just because a Browns free agent reaches the legal tampering period, it does not mean that the Browns FRONT OFFICE has to stop negotiating with the player's agent to get a deal done.

Sahsi, DO YOUR JOB...GET THE DEAL DONE...GET PRYOR SIGNED...!!!

Petey...I actually think that the similar situation. One season as a WR neither the Steelers nor Packers would make him a top 3-5 WR in payment.

We might but I think both would let him walk.

jmho

Didn't the Steelers just give big money to Antonio Brown?

@MaryKayCabot

Updated:#Browns Pryor drawing interest from #Steelers (no cap space tho), #Giants, #49ers, #Titans, #Eagles, sources



Uh oh...better get a deal done soon. If other teams start making offers, we're dead in the water.

Yep. Lots! He's worth what he can get - great receiver, obviously.

He better not end up w/the Steelers.

My blood-pressure meds won't handle him going to the Steelers.

Just get it done, Browns.

Lauren Brill‏
https://twitter.com/LaurenBrill5



Source close to @TerrellePryor says @Browns aren't serious enough. Has interest from teams in div, including ravens, who are very interested

This is killing me.

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/03/browns_terrelle_pryor_drawing.html

Browns' Terrelle Pryor drawing interest from Steelers, Giants, 49ers, Eagles and Titans as legal tampering opens, sources say

...

Going to Pittsburgh would be... devastating to me and to our team.

x2

Let's actually paste the article. Let's ALL read this . . .

By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com
Follow on Twitter
on March 06, 2017 at 4:26 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor is drawing interest from his hometown Steelers, the Giants, 49ers, Titans and Eagles as the free agency two-day negotiating window opens on Tuesday at noon, league sources told cleveland.com.

There are likely other teams that will express interest too.

The Steelers are Pryor's hometown team, but they showed no interest in signing him last year after the Browns cut him and he was out of football for most of 2016. Pryor is also close with Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, who shares the same agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Rosenhaus last week made Brown the highest-paid receiver in the NFL at $17 million a year. The problem with the Steelers is that they only have about $23 million in cap space and would be hard-pressed to pay him compared to the league-high $102 million for the Browns.

During this two-day period, teams may "negotiate all aspects" of the contract with an agent but can't execute the deal until free agency officially opens Thursday at 4 p.m.

Over the next two days, Rosenhaus will know exactly what he can get for the 1,000-yard receiver on the open market, and then the Browns will have an opportunity to match or exceed the best deal.

Rosenhaus and Pryor also will weigh the offers to find the right opportunity for him.

The two sides are currently far apart, with Rosenhaus believing that Pryor will be paid like one of the top receivers in the NFL, sources say. Others in the top five include Cincinnati's A.J. Green at $15 million a year and Atlanta's Julio Jones at $14,250 per year.

The Browns last week opted not to franchise Pryor, which would've paid him $15.826 million for 2017. Browns head of football operations Sashi Brown said at the NFL Combine last week he knew that would put Pryor ''effectively in free agency'' and that he knew teams would start to reach out despite the fact they're not allowed to until tomorrow.

He also said Pryor "is a priority'' but "we won't be panicked if he's not on our roster.''

Translation: We're far apart on the numbers.

Brown added that he didn't feel pressured to get Pryor wrapped up to a long-term deal.

"We don't look at it that way, to be honest,'' Brown said. "We'd like to have Terrelle back and that's a priority for us. That said, we're not going to panic if he's not back, also. But he's a good player, works hard, we think he fits in our system, had a lot of success with our coaches, so we think this is a great place for him to continue his career.

"I appreciated his remarks with the press about wanting to stay in Cleveland, and then it's on us in this process here to try to make sure we can exhaust all options to make that happen.''

Browns coach Hue Jackson, who drafted Pryor in 2011 in Oakland, said he hopes he'll return.

"It's free agency, so they get to make a choice and a decision, too," Jackson said. "Hopefully, he'll make the right one and stay here with us."

He added, "Obviously Terrelle was a huge piece of what we did a year ago," Jackson said. "Obviously we're working through that. And it has to work both ways for all involved -- for him, for us and hopefully it will."

The thing working in Pryor's favor is that are very top few receivers set to hit free agency. Working to the Browns' advantage is that Pryor wants to play for Jackson and wants to be close to his toddler son, Terrelle Jr., who lives in Pittsburgh. The Steelers would also have an edge in that regard.

From the above article:

Over the next two days, Rosenhaus will know exactly what he can get for the 1,000-yard receiver on the open market, and then the Browns will have an opportunity to match or exceed the best deal.

That's good. Let's see what the Browns will do then... (Ut-oh?)

And this is the problem (if the FO can't retain Pryor)

I have confidence in Hue as a coach. But as of now I don't have confidence in the FO for giving Hue something to work with.

After reading the latest reports, I'd bet we'll hear he's signing elsewhere by tomorrow night at 9pm eastern.

If he is asking to be paid like the best WRs in football, seems like the front office screwed up by not tagging him. Paying $15m for one season is better than guaranteeing $70m and is also better than him walking for nothing (though, we'd probably get a 3rd rounder for compensation if he signs a big deal).

Oh well. Another talent piece gone.

If you're building a team from scratch why sign 1 year rentals?

Don't you want players to learn your system grow as at team CONTINUITY?

You don't want your talent to walk but you don't want the agents walking on you either.

It's not like we have a lot of talent. He's about the only bright spot we had on offense last year. One of the only bright spots on the team


What are we supposed to build on if we don't sign our own guys that actually show ability and potential?


I'll tell ya, if we don't get this guy signed, i'm probably gonna be joining Mac in the FO sucks crowd


We were 1-15, have the most cap space in the league. If someone else is offering him more than we are, chances are, they might be right..........

You can't just give guys whatever they want.

maybe if the money is close he'd rather play elsewhere.

This ones on the agent, Pryor wants to be here Browns want him here.

All i know is that our offense is lacking of talent at the skill positions. Who do we expect to replace him with?


I'd at least like the opportunity to be able to match a contract. I mean, if someone else is offering him a bigger deal than we are, why? Because, lord knows, we need him about as much as anyone else in the league, with our 107 million dollars of cap space

Wide receivers available in all shapes and sizes

Chiefs general manager John Dorsey praised the depth of this rookie receiver class, a common sentiment throughout the week. The depth and variety of the free-agent crop is also better than it is at most positions. There are young players just hitting their prime (Alshon Jeffery and Terrelle Pryor), proven deep threats (DeSean Jackson and Kenny Stills) and trusty veteran chain-movers (Brandon Marshall and Pierre Garcon). There are also intriguing young players with red flags, such as Kendall Wright and Michael Floyd, who will get second chances. Similar to the pass rushers, there is good depth at wideout in free agency and the draft.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...e-agency-market

I'm with ya Petey, I wanna keep him.

So you think some mid-round rookie is gonna make up a guy who put up 1000+ yards with Kessler, RG3, McCown, Hogan, and that Pretty Boy Ex-Clemson QB under center?

Coleman, who has potential to get better, was the first receiver drafted, and didn't get anywhere near Pryor's level.

I just don't see how a team that's 1-15 can move forward when they're letting their best players walk.

Terrelle Pryor says he’s told agents he wants to stay in Cleveland: ‘I love this place’

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns...-place-1.737544

Hue Jackson hopes Terrelle Pryor makes the right decision, stays with Browns

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/03/hue_jackson_hopes_terrelle_pry.html

Tell the agent.

The agents work for Pryor, not the other way around. Pryor wants to [rightfully] get paid more than he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Agreed. I think that $15 mil would be fine to keep him. I think the WR market will be a little inflated this year and I think he's worth the gamble. Although it's not a bad idea to let someone set a number first... Could very well bite us in the but though.

So you think some mid-round rookie is gonna make up a guy who put up 1000+ yards with Kessler, RG3, McCown, Hogan, and that Pretty Boy Ex-Clemson QB under center?

Coleman, who has potential to get better, was the first receiver drafted, and didn't get anywhere near Pryor's level.

I just don't see how a team that's 1-15 can move forward when they're letting their best players walk. [/quote

Brandon Marshal

Brandon Marshall asked to be released by the Jets. He did not do so to go to the Cleveland Browns.

No worries then because...

Terrelle Pryor says he’s told agents he wants to stay in Cleveland: ‘I love this place’

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns...-place-1.737544

That sounds great on paper. Let's see what he actually does.

What's your ideal contract for TP? jw

Your article is from January.......... Not recent. Not since he's been able to see the offers of other teams and actually picture himself playing somewhere else in their uniform


And Brandon Marshall is 32, a real pain in the butt when things aren't going well, and won't do well here (because of just that). He's much better in a situation like Dallas or Green Bay or New England.

That was in January .. things may look different to him in March

I want him to stay I don't see over over paying him.

Why?

If Pryor does not end up a Brown then my confidence in the front office goes from 0 to about -100. I am hopeful that they field offers from other teams then go back to the Browns and he signs with us. If he does not however, that will be the ultimate loss and our front office would look like absolute fools. It's not like we have a lot of WR's who are any good on our team.

If we lose him I will be angry.

Because he expected to get paid.. not lowballed. His kid is in Pittsburg.. Interest from Pittsburg.. or Buffalo.. or even Philly may be a tipping point. Money talks.. and there are locations that can be just as good.

Location.. Location.. Location.. coupled with better money.. hmmm

j/c

brandon marshall probably to the Pats IMO

j/c:

This is kinda tongue in cheek, but I hope we sign him for no other reason than listening to mac tell us how cheap and inexperienced the FO is and then listening to all the spin doctors saying things like "we were 1 and 15 w/him, so how much worse could it be" and the FO wanted TP, but there was "no way he was going to stay here."

Oh God, another year of those dumb-ass conversations.

lol!
It's like politics.... even if it is a good thing, SOMEONE will find an angle to be contrarian.

IMO, he does want to play for Hue. I also believe that the FO is letting him find his worth in FA. If Pittsburgh outbid us, I guarantee he wold be gone. I also believe Rosenhaus is using the fact that the Browns have so much cap, and thus his people float rumors to drive up his value. This happens all the time.

I would love to see him stay, but you have to ask yourself this,if you were in his shoes and someone offered 3 or 4 million a year more, what would you do? Injuries can end a career quickly. I, myself would go to the highest bidder, as I believe most here would do also in reality.

I hope they give him the money, and he stays. He is an elite athlete, that is motivated to be great. We need players like him. IMO, he has just scratched the surface of how good he can be.

If they let him walk for a reasonable contract, I will be pissed. Wanting to be here, and looking at extra millions of dollars, are where he might stand. For the future of his family, I think money talks.

This is what gets me confused. If we have the most cap room and we are the team that needs him the most, who would be paying 3 to 4 million more for him?


EDIT: Point being, we are the ones who need him the most. Who would be paying him that much more than us?

Don't know if that list of teams is legit or not, but I figured Shanahan would have interest.

What was the LOWBALL offer in dollar and years?

I think you make a good point. We have more cap space than other teams. Why the hell would they be willing to pay more for a good player than we would?

Not sure how even the staunchest homer can justify that.

I mean, they will talk a bunch of crap, but logically speaking......why would teams w/better organizations, better talent, and having less cap space give a guy more money than we would?

Because they may feel that's all they need to win the Super Bowl!

Like SF and Baltimore?

If he leaves and signs with Steelers/Ravens/Bengals... wow. They should have just paid him, we will regret it if he leaves.

Exactly. It's not like we're trying to win the cap battle. At least I hope not. It's not my money, we play in a salary cap sport, i wanna do what makes the most sense for our team, not Haslam's wallet.


I'm always big on giving our FO's a chance. And I don't like getting critical too quickly. But I do have a limit. I guess you could call me a homer, until my limit has been reached.

If Pryor ends up on our team, that's wonderful. But I cannot see one reason why Pryor should not be on our team next year, or that we at least didn't make a better attempt at keeping him here with the Transition Tag (so that we could have had the chance to match another team's offer).

And losing Pryor would certainly shake my confidence in our Front Office. I mean, there's no way to paint it any other way. Losing him would be a mistake. If we can't sign him to a long-term contract, he at least should have been franchised.

Cause the fact is, there is no one out there, that will play for us, that's gonna be better. Maybe if we invest a first round pick in a receiver. And what kind of sense does that make? Creating a new hole to fill?


Now if he re-signs, everything is dandy. But if they screw this up, I'm gonna be pretty upset. And I think there's gonna be a lot of folks who feel the same way

They should have just tagged the guy, and kept it moving.

Well.........let's just hope we are able to keep him.

Yeah, guess so. I don't like operating like that (putting things in other people's hands). It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. It' s very difficult for me, I always feel like if I can handle it, it'll get done.


Not sure why they operate this way.

We didn't use a tag on anyone. No excuses, if this goes wrong, they own this one

I'd give him something similar to what Keenan Allen, Allen Hurns, and Marvin Jones got. $20 million guaranteed, with $8-$10M per year. I think that is very fair value for every.

Overpaying is bad.

Hard to believe the Browns didn't tag him. Looks like the Steelers are somewhat interested, they are also his hometown team, but they don't have a lot of room under the cap. Should be interesting to see where he ends up.I'm guessing with the Browns, since they have so much cap room.

Sure is, but we should have left ourselves some options better than what we have now.

That's our FO's fault. He ends up with us, wonderful. He ends up with someone else next year, that's completely on them. And there was no reason for it

When was the last time the Steelers signed anyone like Pryor (and they have no cap space, as you mentioned)? To me that is clearly a leak to get the Browns to pay up.

I agree - though he would definitely help the Steelers.

Underpaying is bad.

So is creating holes for yourself. We have all these picks, all this money. The idea is to fill holes, not build new ones

That's the idea. But sometimes things don't go according to plan. When things don't go according to plan you don't panic. Overpaying is a panic move.

My guess is that Pryor tests the market (which he is smart to do) and comes back with an offer for the Browns to match (or asks for the Browns original offer).

Hope he doesn't forget the only team who gave him a chance to play WR and get a lucrative deal. Loyalty should count for something.

I doubt it, bro. If he sucked, we would have cut him. It's a business.

He should get as much money as he possibly can.

+1, Pryor played it well for himself and his family....just like any of us who are smart....got good guidance...loyalty in Pro sports, really.....old saying...Money talks and bs walks.....GO Browns!!!

JC..

If we see a repeat of the Mitch Schwartz debacle of a year ago and Sashi Brown fails to get Pryor re-signed, it will be time to make some changes in the front office.

Sashi Brown has no excuses this time around...

Conflicting reports on whether Steelers are interested in Terrelle Pryor.

Tweet from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Gerry Dulac‏ @gerrydulac

FYI, Steelers have no interest in signing Terrelle Pryor, per team source. Not at $10 million-plus.
10:10 PM · Mar 6, 2017

if he's wanting 10million plus, i wouldn't want him either on the browns...he's not that good yet and he'll be 28 before the season. If I'm spending 10+ on a receiver, i'm just going to get Jeffrey

yes he should, but the Browns shouldn't overpay him just to keep him. Smart cap management is more important than resigning a 28 year old rookie WR

lol, cause it's that easy. You just "get" Jeffrey.

What makes you think that Jeffrey wants to play here? What does Jeffrey want to come here?

Folks thinks it's as easy as Madden. Just click the guy you want, offer him a contract, and that's it.


It takes two to Tango in Free Agency

I hope this is a common theme as the day unfolds and Pryor finds out he may not be as valuable as his agent thinks. Unfortunately I doubt this is the case as I'm sure Rosenhaus already has a good idea of market value. This isn't his first rodeo.

And thats why everything out of his mouth is LIP service , period .

Guy on local radio just said he wants $13 MIL. Has anyone read that? Ludicrous!

actually in the NFL for the most part it is exactly like that..Cash is King..unless you're talking washed up ring chasers. The point is Pryor isnt worth 10+, there are those that are more established that are

I would give 4 years 42-44 million. I can't see him getting much more to be honest

plus, he only has one year of production

My post was not long...but you must have missed me stating WR with ONE SEASON they would not throw big money on him. AB has been with them quite a while and has been considered the top WR in the NFL. No comparison.

Hope it is us at a solid figure. Agents can promise players a bunch. Maybe the FO wants to see, and wants TP to see, his FA worth. We should go a bit over in bonus perhaps. But I believe we are willing to go forward with FA if it is too steep.

It all depends on how a contract is structured and how many years, incentives, guaranteed money, bonuses...and stuff like that.

...the details do matter.

I guess we're going to have to disagree.

If Pryor walks, let's see who comes here to replace him.

Because Cash is a big deal, but so is having an established franchise and QB.

I mean, if this was the case, every Free Agent would be going to Washington (Seattle), Texas, and Florida, where there's no income tax. And I get it that Miami gets top-notch FA's, but that's a city young folks wanna live in (so it makes sense).

But plenty of other places get good free agents as well.


I get that you think Pryor isn't worth over 10 million. But like I said, let's see who we can get to replace him if he walks. Because I don't think we're gonna find anyone at his level. Really don't. And I don't want to spend a high draft pick on a receiver, when we should be spending it on other holes, so that's not the answer either. So if TP walks, let's see what FA we can bring in to replace him. That'll be interesting.

We have 105 million. We could have at least transition tagged the guy and had him for 13.5 million with the guarantee that we can match another team's offer

I'd do $13 Million a year for 4 years, but it'd probably have to be structured like Kaepernick's deal where both sides can get out each year.

I was all for transition tag...let another team set his value..but you're making the assumption for FO knows what they are doing, I don't believe they do yet. As far as drafting a WR..alot of teams get their starters later in the draft, just because we suck at picking them doesn't mean they can't be had..lol

j/c:

I have no idea what Pryor should get paid, but I do think a lot of people are not factoring in the importance that this was truly his first full year as a WR and that he has a ton of growth potential.

He is a rare athletic specimen and he works hard. Saying he "has only done it for a year" is missing the point, in my opinion. Yes, he has only done it for a year, but the odds are that he is going to actually become a better WR and he is not just a flash in the pan.

I look at it more like..........he did that in his first year. What is he capable of doing in the future?

Its a very unique situation. Cause he was drafted as a QB so now he is negotiating his 2nd contract but he only has been a WR for a year.

The reason is that he has not shown if he can be that complete WR, he made a lot of mistakes on audibles and recognition as a hot WR or even running his routes effectively. Is he to be rewarded as one of the top WRs in the NFL? If he has been doing it for 3-4 years since being drafted. It would be easy to pay him a boat load of money. And Again there has been no team built around a WR well one that went on to Championships...and don't tell me Rice or something like that it was built around Joe Montana and then Steve Young. And built around a special HC. Calvin of Detroit as good a WR as there could be. I've maintained you need good ones that run excellent routes and have very good hands. But without the QB its a moot point.

Gordon made an NFL record back to back 200+ games an amazing feat...of course we lost both.

jmho

yeah everyone assuming he has growth potential...he's already going to be 28...he's not going to get more athletic. yeah he got 1000 yards, on a team where he was option 1, 2 and 3 because we had noone else to throw to. Consistently made mistakes, bad plays on the ball, sportsmanship issues. Yes he is a physical specimen but there are alot of guys like that. The bottom line needs to be something that allows him to be paid based on production..i'm not throwing big guaranteed money at a 1 year 28 year old WR that just started playing the position. Give him a chance to earn his worth and then it works for both sides.

+1, good points, plus he had broken finger/s and our QB situation...no state income tax HAS to be factor to protect your family...guess FO will decide if they want to use Mr. H's money on him...all those WR draft picks are suppose to show something years 2 & 3 right...I wouldn't panic, but I'd offer Pryor what the market requires...he played it smart, time will tell.....GO Browns!!!!

A few things:

--People say that guys who are putting up big numbers on other teams wouldn't do as well here because of the supporting cast. Now, we have people saying that Pryor put up big numbers because there was no one else here.

--I never said he would improve athletically. My point is that he will become more polished as a WR over time. That isn't rocket science.

--He did NOT make a lot of "bad plays on the ball." In fact, he bailed out Kessler several times on poor throws where he came back and stole the ball from the corner.

--I don't think the Browns can afford to lose their only consistent WR.

--I do realize it takes both sides to get the contract done, so I am not going to go off like mac will, but I really, really hope we are able to reach an agreement w/Pryor.

Pryor was targeted twice as much as the next closest reciever on our team..coleman...141 targets to Colemans 73, the 3rd WR was louis at 36. Pryor was ranked 48th in the NFL in yards per catch..but yep let's give him 13 million a year

Would you agree we should have at least transition or franchise tagged him so that we only have to worry about our side?



And



This is the thing. I've seen, that with Free Agents, you really just don't know. It's not just supporting staff, it's how they do with a new coaching staff, new home, new many things. That's why I like the idea of drafting, developing guys, and re-signing them. These are guys comfortable with your coaching staff, know your system, comfortable in your locker room, settled in so they can focus on solely football.

But that's the thing, re-signing them is key.

Just remember this.

I want him here. His athleticism is fantastic.
Yes, he bailed out our QB making a play on the ball.

But you have to recognized he was lost at times especially as a HOT WR when teams blitzed which btw was a HECK OF A LOT OF TIMES. Not yelling, emphasizing...lol

His potential is there. As stated its a very unique position for a 2nd contract. And again, we should not give him stupid money. If he was a one piece we need as a luxury but we just are not at that stage yet.

jmho

Wait! What?

You are using that as a negative stat?

lol. It can be. On the Jets, one of the reasons they let Braylon go was because he constantly told Sanchez just to throw him the ball whether he was open or not, lol


I don't think this is the case with Pryor though. Coleman missed some games, and generally the guy getting targeted is getting open. Pryor showed that he coudl get separation IMO

LOL........my point is that you typically throw more passes to your best player.

j/c:



https://twitter.com/RyInCBus/status/839094723075690496

Guaranteed money would also play a role for me (beyond the annual average) in case he didn't work out.

Conflicting reports on whether Steelers are interested in Terrelle Pryor ...
profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/.../conflicting-reports-on-whether-steelers-are-intereste...
5 hours ago - Not long after a report surfaced that the Steelers are interested in wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, another report said otherwise.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...terrelle-pryor/

Agreed. Sign him and let's move on

Doable I think...13 mil per season. But that is what they are Seeking. We probably made a 10-11 mil a year offer? Who knows. As long as we get a shot to match somebodies offer or surpass them a touch. To me that is a sign of somebody wanting to play for us as Pryor has stated. Give us a shot prior to signing with another team.

jmho

And maybe you commit from $20-$25 million guaranteed (I have no clue where that ranks with other WRs) so in 2019, if he isn't worth it, you cut him without much dead cap $?

That seems reasonable to me. Sure, it's high, but the most recent guy to sign a contract will always be a bit more expensive than the guys on active contracts signed in previous seasons.

Yep.

Exactly. That's what happens when the cap is always rising

but that's the thing vers. athletically he's a freak of nature. he doesn't need to improve there, just in his route running and such.

and there's no reason to believe he can't.

people forget that he put up 1000 yards while not only playing with 5 different QB's, but having the play the position a few times himself. he wasn't even allowed to JUST be a WR this season, and still put up those numbers.

imagine his growth when he can just focus on his position with a QB who can actually deliver the ball and not get hurt. my god the potential is scary.

yes i am...I like how you left off the fact he was 48th in yards per catch..proving that while he was pretty much the only option, and when he did catch the ball, he didn't really do much with it..besides run backwards an awful lot.. as I've said, I def. want to keep him if price is right..but 13/year for him is too much imo unless that max potential and he has to earn it.

Here would be my big question: Will Pryor continue to work on his craft, be a leader, be as competitive, etc once he signs the deal?

Obviously none of us can answer it (maybe Hue would have a better gauge of him personally)

If the answer is yes .. sign him

Tony Grossi‏Verified account @TonyGrossi 3m 3 minutes ago
More

Tony Grossi Retweeted Steven Carder

Kevin Zeitler?

Tony Grossi added,
Steven Carder @SdotCarder
@TonyGrossi first guy connected to the Browns today
0 replies0 retweets1 like
Reply

Zeitler is one of my big wishes

Wrong thread.

There's a general free agency thread, guys . . .

I took it as he's been linked to the browns today, but Grossi wasn't sure if he's the first person linked this morning.

Agreed, I'd pay 10 mill per

https://twitter.com/SomervilleCLE/status/839167854066958336

This seems about right.

Seeking $10M+ offer. Do we match if he gets one?

It's more about the guarantees. We haven't heard anything about what has been offered in that respect.

If we got him for 8 that's incredible. Give him 10

I think that's smart...8 was where i thought he'd be. we already know Steelers want no part of him at 10, while other teams may be stupid , I'd follow their lead before the likes of SF and tampa. We're at 8 and he wants 10..no problem, throw in some incentives to allow him to reach 10 based on production. Both sides win

Say $52M for five years with $25 Guaranteed. You can't enter this agreement without believing you're going to keep him for three-four years. I don't see how even a high guarantee of $40M would be all that prohibitive if you plan on keeping him.

Injuries? One year wonder?

$25 million guaranteed would make Pryor the 7th highest paid wide receiver in the league. $40 million guaranteed would make him fourth.

I think $20 million guaranteed (or a little more) is what he'll end up getting. I'd be fine with that.

Me as' well!

If that were to be seen as a legitimate concern, no one would ever get paid. Give the guy $20-25M guaranteed, and move on, IMHO.

The problem is that Drew is his agent and he'll demand max guaranteed.

Surprised it wasn't mentioned yet, but Pryor removed Cleveland Browns from his twitter info.

About an hour after it was noted, he put it back.

He's long gone. My guess, Philly.

I really hope this all just smoke and we don't lose him...but I'm thinking he is going elsewhere...and our front office will go with someone like Kenny Britt, as we don't believe in retaining emerging talent...well seems like that anymore.

Mac is going to be insufferable.

If he somehow gets away, someone actually needs to ask the front office what is going on. This would be inexcusable. In no particular order mine would be:

1. Do they want to win?

2. Do they believe in keeping good players?

3. What is their justification for not signing Pryor?

4. Who is their replacement for Pryor? This individual better be able to step in and play immediately and actually be good. I am tired of WR's who suck and don't have the patience for it anymore after the last front office. When you get talent, I don't understand the notion of getting rid of it. What on earth are we doing with our salary cap?

5. To Sashi Brown, do you feel like you're qualified for this job still?

This front office is insufferable.

The problem is agents and players don't like incentives on players who seek more high end contracts. Incentives are for unproven guys or broken down guys who have to show they can still produce or stay on the field.


I agree that 8Mill was a good starting point. The last thing you want to do is set the market and set it too high. TP and his agent know we have the most money to offer, so it would be foolish to not come back and take one more swing at us to see if they can do better before signing elsewhere. If they do, so much for TP wanting to stay in Cleveland.

I don't want to lose TP any more than anyone else, but we can't get in to bad deals like we did with Mack and his opt out clause. We should have walked away from that from the beginning. Go play for the Jags and opt out on them.

As fans we go on emotion. The FO can't do that. They have to do what they feel is in the best, long term interest of the team.

I think the FO has made some good moves this off season. Getting TP signed isn't going to make it or break it for me as it seems it will for some.

I just mailed a check on Saturday for $2743 to renew my seats. I mean what else am I going to do with basically $3000 that brings me as much enjoyment as going to games does? Go on some crappy 4-5 day cruise to Mexico?


If nothing else, Cleveland has a really nice restaurant scene. I enjoy my 2-3 night stays in my hometown, not to mention in most years things line up and am able to attend a Indians or Cavs games. In really good years, am able to attend one of each!

I am from Greater Cleveland, and proud of it, so I like to go back and support my teams and city. I am not going to dump my support at this stage of life because they aren't winning. The Browns are my team.

I am proud to be a Browns fan and season ticket holder.

And greedy owners prey on suckers who believe in blind loyalty to a business that is about making as much money as they can. It's not an admirable character trait like standing by a friend when he is down or by staying married to the same woman or working for an employer who always treated you fairly.

And all this talk about spending wisely is overplayed. I believe the salary cap has been increasing by about $10-12 million a year. The days of teams being crippled by the cap are gone.

I don't consider myself a sucker.


Sorry that you do.


Tell you what, I don't want you going to another Browns game if you don't want to go. You can spend your money any way you wish, and I can spend my money any way I wish.

You want to take a crappy cruise out of Tampa to Mexico, take it, but I won't call you a sucker. Whatever floats your boat. It's your money.

Thanks.

State of AFC North: Building up Pryor; Bell plays ‘what if’; Marshall to Ravens?

by PatrickJudis@PatrickJudis Mar 7, 2017, 3:00pm EST

http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/3/7/14824318/afc-north-pryor-bell-marshall-ravens


Cleveland fans are overreacting about Pryor

It wasn’t that long ago that we thought Pryor re-signing with the Browns was a sure thing, but nothing has been finalized. Browns fans are starting to panic. Why? They build up these average players in folklore fashion.

Pryor had a productive year, but it was his only NFL season with actual production and the circumstances were ripe for it to happen. Pryor took advantage of a situation where the Browns had no true number one receiver. He simply was the most trusted target on a bad squad. Someone has to get the targets. To Cleveland fans, he was one of the few shimmers of hope from a terrible season, so there is a natural tendency to want to hang on to that; but Pryor is easily replaceable.

Let’s look at free agency first. Not a lot of the top guys are going to want to sign with Cleveland. Marshall isn’t wasting what could be his final years in a rebuild. However, guys like Kenny Stills and Kamar Aiken may be willing to accept the loads of cash the Browns are willing to dish out.

The draft is where real upgrades can begin. There is a good chance a guy like Corey Davis or Mike Williams falls to 12 if the Brown so choose to use that pick on a receiver. Even if they wait, there is some real depth at the position. JuJu Smith-Schuster out of USC gives the Browns a potential upgrade at a fraction of the cost.

The Browns shouldn’t develop strong ties to many of these players. Playing very well on a very bad team doesn’t mean you’re a very good player.

Maybe the dumbest article about the Browns ever written.

Conversing with us on this site? And we're a lot cheaper than 3 grand...

j/c:


https://twitter.com/JasonColeBR/status/839451712498847744

If true, where does this put Pryor? Higher or lower?

If they didn't offer Pryor anything then his price is whatever his best offer is at this point.

It's debatable, but I look at it this way. I would be disappointed if the Browns let Pryor walk and then gave that same money to DJax.

Translation: I would rather have Pryor at this point of their careers.

Assinine ...(misspelled on purpose!)...best word I can come up with to describe this article.

Sashi's BS about rewarding your own free agents who do it right.
...we witnessed the GM claim the Browns want to send the right message to the locker room...but as we saw last year, when it comes time for Haslam to pay up and reward his own...he kicked Mitch Schwartz square in the teeth and went CHEAP to fill the RT vacancy THE BROWNS OWNER AND MANAGEMENT CREATED.

How did Haslam's solution to fill the RT position work out for the Browns last season?

Get ready, the Browns front office to about to prove themselves "liars" again, if they refuse to pay Pryor. As most fans should realize by now, Haslam doesn't always tell the truth. He says he wants to build the Browns into a winner...then he welches or allows his hand picked Harvard front office to welch on the deal. Haslam and Sashi did that to Schwartz last year and it looks like they are going to pull the same crap on Pryor.

This front office drafted 5 WRs last year and Pryor produced more yardage in receptions (1007) than all 5 of the WRs (825) this front office drafted last season...and the solution for the Browns front office is "refuse" to pay Pryor and draft some more WRs this season..Ya, that is sure a winning strategy, boys.

...or let's go sign someone elses free agent wr, rather than paying our own.

Browns fans have a right to be upset if Haslam and his boys kick Pryor to the curb and take a cheap way out, rather than rewarding their own player who produced under adverse conditions last season.

If Haslam is always looking for the cheap option, rather than the most productive option...he needs to sell the team because you can't win much in the NFL by being cheap.

jmho

No kidding. I think most people prefer Pryor over DJax. I'm speaking in terms of market value if Jackson gets that $. The market will get set because of contracts at positions. If the market determines Jackson's value at $11 million, is Pryor higher or lower?

I'm guessing you'd go higher based on your response.

https://twitter.com/SportsBoyTony/status/839462766306033664

Joel Corry: Overpaying Terrelle Pryor Won’t Cripple The Browns But It Could Hurt Future Negotiations For The Team
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2017/03/08...s-for-the-team/
(Audio Link)

mac, that article was written by a guy who writes about the Bengals. LOL

He is making fun of Brown's fans for wanting to keep Pryor and then he suggests we use the 12th overall pick on a WR.

Genius..........Pure genius.

Browns’ analytics department may not be high on Terrelle Pryor

osted by Michael David Smith on March 8, 2017, 8:35 AM EST

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...terrelle-pryor/

Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor was one of the surprise breakout stars of the 2016 NFL season, a former quarterback who played a brand new position and led an otherwise lousy passing offense with 77 catches for 1,007 yards. So why do the Browns appear poised to let Pryor test free agency tomorrow, rather than locking him up to a long-term contract?

The answer appears to be that the analytics department in Cleveland isn’t quite sold on Pryor.

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland reports that Pryor thinks he can get more than $12 million a year in free agency, and the Browns’ valuation of Pryor is way below that figure. A big part of sports analytics, especially in a league like the NFL with a hard salary cap, is putting a monetary value on a player and making sure he doesn’t take up more cap space than he’s worth, and so while the Browns may like Pryor, they apparently don’t like him enough to pay him the kind of money he thinks some other team will pay him.

From all indications, Browns head coach Hue Jackson is a fan of Pryor’s. Jackson was the Raiders’ head coach when they drafted Pryor (as a quarterback) in 2011, and Jackson was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator when they gave Pryor a shot at earning a roster spot in the 2015 offseason. But Jackson doesn’t call the shots on player contracts.

So if the Browns’ analytics suggest that Pryor is unlikely to play well enough to justify an eight-figure salary, Pryor will see if he can get an eight-figure salary elsewhere. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow.

Go ahead and break the glass.. It's time to hit the..

j/c:


https://twitter.com/KenCarmanShow/status/839476901794222082

It's hard for me to say what to pay him. I don't have a lot of knowledge about contracts and market value. I am just saying that I think Pryor is a better option at this point in their careers and I think the Browns should pay fair market value...whatever that number might be.

Didn't you say do it the Steelers way?


Terrelle Pryor, Dre Kirkpatrick seem too pricey for Steelers' comfort

Unless free agency gets weird, though, high-priced options Dre Kirkpatrick and Terrelle Pryor probably won't be the Steelers' solutions to those needs...

As for Pryor, the sense I get is the Steelers like his ability but consider him relatively raw as a receiver and too pricey, possibly commanding double-figure millions per year.

http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-stee...teelers-comfort

jackson is worth more than Pryor..god people have homer glasses on. Jackson has years worth of success, much better production and is only 2 years older than pryor who just started playing last year...how much better do people think he's going to get at that age? I agree with keeping him, but if someone wants to give him the 13-15 mill he's seeking..oh well, the front office deserves flak for some of the things they've done, but if they let him walk when he would get that kind of money then c'est la vie..

I hate LaConfora and disagree with most of his writings, but it sure would be great to have to eat some crow and that happen.

Browns’ analytics department may not be high on Terrelle Pryor

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 8, 2017, 8:35 AM EST
link

Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor was one of the surprise breakout stars of the 2016 NFL season, a former quarterback who played a brand new position and led an otherwise lousy passing offense with 77 catches for 1,007 yards. So why do the Browns appear poised to let Pryor test free agency tomorrow, rather than locking him up to a long-term contract?

The answer appears to be that the analytics department in Cleveland isn’t quite sold on Pryor.

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland reports that Pryor thinks he can get more than $12 million a year in free agency, and the Browns’ valuation of Pryor is way below that figure. A big part of sports analytics, especially in a league like the NFL with a hard salary cap, is putting a monetary value on a player and making sure he doesn’t take up more cap space than he’s worth, and so while the Browns may like Pryor, they apparently don’t like him enough to pay him the kind of money he thinks some other team will pay him.

From all indications, Browns head coach Hue Jackson is a fan of Pryor’s. Jackson was the Raiders’ head coach when they drafted Pryor (as a quarterback) in 2011, and Jackson was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator when they gave Pryor a shot at earning a roster spot in the 2015 offseason. But Jackson doesn’t call the shots on player contracts.

So if the Browns’ analytics suggest that Pryor is unlikely to play well enough to justify an eight-figure salary, Pryor will see if he can get an eight-figure salary elsewhere. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow.

Brandon Marshall 2 year $12 Million.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/839485461424975872

Wonder what this means for Pryor & wide receiver market. Marshall's age is a huge factor in all of this, but not his past production.

Still think Pryor get more $$

Agreed! That would be the best news all day

Well he is younger so I would say 4 years $32 mil. which means we will keep him ...

The above information about the analytics department setting the value of players...that might explain how the Browns lost their RT Mitch Schwartz last year. HOW DID THAT WORK OUT FOR THE BROWNS?

I read about Andy Reid's issues with his (Eagles) front office, who were undervaluing players that Reid wanted the Eagles to keep, but the Eagles front office played hardball leading to some of the Eagles best players leaving in free agency.

Were the Eagles (front office) using "analytics" to value those players?...good question.

Andy Reid got to the point where he issued the Eagles owner an ultimatum..either the person responsible for negotiating contracts is fired or Reid is finished coaching the Eagles.

...Reid continued to coach the Eagles and the guy who got fired...he ended up working for Jimmy Haslam, helping Haslam negotiate the deal for the Browns...then being named the CEO of the Browns.

It was Joe Banner who conflicted with Andy Reid in Philadelphia, over contract issues and Banner lost his job...then hooked up with Haslam just a couple of months later.

It's very likely that Haslam was schooled by Banner about contract values according to Banner's judgement based on analytics.

It was Banner who hired Sashi Brown in Jan 2013 and Banner spent a year likely teaching Sashi his method of using analytics to value player contracts. Banner was fired by Haslam Feb 13, 2014...

So, where does Sashi Brown get his idea's about player contracts??...

...it is interesting that the same issues Andy Reid had to deal with in Philly, Hue jackson is now facing similar issues with his front office in Cleveland.

interesting...

jmho...

At the very least it [probably] takes one of Pryor's potential suitors off the market.

Jackson is the top of the market. I think he gets paid more than any of the other guys (Jeffery, Pryor, Garcon, etc.).

NFL Network is saying he will get around $10 mil. per year

https://twitter.com/mlombardiNFL/status/839495393477980162

Pryor will be soon to follow IMO.

When Pierre Garcon finalizes deal with 49ers, as expected, league sources believe he will make $16 million in first year.
https://twitter.com/mortreport/status/839509575413940224

https://twitter.com/RyInCBus/status/839510249753219073

I agree!

too much for Garcon IMO wow

for sure, he is at the bottom of FA wr rankings...sounds like lynch is off to a great start..lol

There is always THAT one team that effs up the market for everyone else. Haha.

This also [likely] takes a team out of Pryor's market though. That is a good thing.

We need the Titans to sign Alshon Jeffery. If that happens, I will feel much more comfortable.

I'm a big fan of Garcon, but at 16mil there, first year only or not - wow. Dumb move IMO by San Fran.

$8 million salary with another $8 million signing bonus included in that amount I would think. Is that not typical of most free agent signings.

That would make him the second highest paid wide receiver in 2017.

http://overthecap.com/contracts

People aren't taking into account that it's mostly signing bonus. The article was made that way to get exactly this reaction

That's still a ridiculous amount, IMO. And this feels like that common overpaying of a free agent in their thirties that will be cut in a year or two. So, $16M in year one of possibly two years is crazy to me.

I know most people here don't feel this way .. I would rather have Jeffery than Pryor.. but it would be nice to have both

Jeffrey is good. Real good. However, he gets injured a lot and he was suspended for 4 games last year for PED's.

To me.. PEDs show me that the guy is trying.. doing all he can to be better.. I would much rather have the PEDs thasn the Party drugs. Usually after the 4 game bust for PEDs, you usually do not see further problems.. but after 4 game bust for party drugs.. you almost have to kiss them goodbye

i said that yesterday. offer pryor a fair deal in the 8 mill range or move on and try to get Alshon

Our team (coaching staff, front office, players, etc.) knows Pryor and his character, fit, work ethic, etc. They don't know Jeffery. That has value. I'm taking Pryor.

lol Jeffery has much more tape on him at WR than pryor does, with better production. I don't believe for a second they'd over pay for pryor to pass on jeffery given the analytics side of it. That said, i would bet on Pryor being here next year at no more than 10 max/year with alot of incentives built in

I'm not talking about tape. I'm talking about knowing a person. That is valuable. Players just don't automatically fit into new situations. Pryor is more valuable to us than Jeffery. Teammates see that his had work is rewarded, we know he will work hard if he gets paid (presumably), we know what his teammates think of him, etc. All of that stuff is valuable. With Jeffery it is all unknown.

I think Jeffrey will get the most money of any WR this year. Why not just keep Pryor? He doesn't have either the PED's or the party drugs.

Jc ... anyone know how old Jefferies is ..

Gracias

Exactly. Whether it's only been a year or not. We've seen Pryor in this system, within this locker room, under this coaching staff, by this coaching staff.

There's a lot more unknowns to us bringing in Alshon Jeffrey (who, has anyone on this team ever coached?) than to keeping Pryor.

Plus, it does show the locker room that if you play well, you get rewarded. There's continuity too

I'll take Pryor over Jeffrey for sure. And what makes anyone think that Jeffrey would want to play here in another bad QB situation for a bad team?

Should be around 27-28.

Alshon Jeffery

Jeffery should be the most paid FA WR in my mind.

I'd take Alshon over pryor every single day and twice on sunday when it comes to talent playing the WR position. I am all for keeping our own talent, but not when that talent thinks he's worth 13-15 per year and has only played the position 1 year his whole life..the homerism is strong for pryor I get it..but theres a reason no other team is touching him right now..and that reason is drew rosenhaus. The whole, our team knows him and all that...account for very little in the NFL..and not knowing anything about Alshon, do you really think that's true, that we don't have people gathering intelligence on every single FA? Not to mention his production in the nfl vs Pryor?

This whole exercise with Pryor is a little confusing to me.

Hue made this guy. He showed him the way to a big paycheck.

Pryor took the advice and made it happen with hard work then delivered.

Shashi needs to get this done. It falls in his court. You have to show you are willing to reward those who work hard and deliver when called upon.

Pryor is just scratching the surface. He has put up numbers and he was basically a rookie. Once he refines his route running and learns the fine points watch out.

See what he is offered and go get him with a fair price.

Grab em TP and Jeffery. Then use your picks on defense in a draft that is awesome in defensive players.

i agree with bone, unless what pryor is asking is just way beyond what he's worth (according to what others will offer him as well).

I'm good with taking what his market value is (say $11 million per) and adding a bit to it

Tyrod Taylor restructured staying with Bills.
Yay!!!

Have heard Pryor was seeking 12-13 per year money. Teams offering 6-8

I don' think it's homerism at all. It's common sense. Sure, we have people "gathering intelligence", but there is no more intelligence than what your coaching staff has gathered working with the guy every day.

There's a lot of variables that come into play with Alshon that don't with Pryor. I mean, what if Jeffrey and Al Saunders/Hue Jackson simply don't get along? Right there, it can be a toxic work environment, and we might not get the most out of the guy.

This isn't Madden. These are people. Like any job (but especially football where there's so much teamwork involved), a lot of things are fit. I work better with some people than others. As a professional, I do my best no matter what, but there's some Captains I prefer to work with than others. And other people prefer a Captain I refuse to work with over one I have no issue working with.

And in Football, some scheme are set up better for players than others. They make more sense to the players or fit the players better. Pryor has played in our scheme. It's the same O-Coordinator. The same plays.


That's what I like about homegrown guys. Our FO has a better idea about what they'll get out of TP (and how he'll produce) after working with him for 1 year, than what they'll get out of Jeffrey from the "intelligence" they've gathered and what they have seen of him in Chicago. I stand by that.

that's a pretty big margin

I wonder how this would of went if Pryor had literally any other agent than Rosenhaus.

you mean the scheme that helped us to 1-15...lol Sorry but at 28, we have no idea how much better Pryor will get. At 13+ its a hard pass for me. Home grown or not.. His ceiling is WR2, he wants WR1 money and he doesn't have that skill

Rumor: Pryor Could Return for $9-10 Million
[Jared Mueller]
Jared Mueller
9:13 AM

Could the drama about Pryor leaving Cleveland all be for nothing? New rumor is he returns.

We are expecting something to happen today with Terrelle Pryor and the most recent rumor/thought is that the Cleveland Browns will be bringing him back:

One reason is that his agent needs to move on to other players and it seems pretty obvious that the market for Pryor isn't where he or his agent thought it would be.

A deal around $10 million seems to make a lot of sense and given that both Pryor and Alshon Jeffery haven't gotten the kind of interest many expected, a deal today could come quickly.

Jeffery seems like he might be willing to wait and hope the Bears, or another team, comes with a big deal. Pryor has made less money and has less history then Jeffery, so waiting doesn't make as much sense.


http://www.scout.com/nfl/browns/story/1760979-rumor-pryor-could-return-for-9-10-million

he probably would have been signed well before FA for probably 6-8

This would be wonderful. Most important FA signing IMO.

We could also use a safety, center, and DB. But Pryor is key. Gives us a lot more options and takes a major weight off a young Corey Coleman's shoulders

If thats the case .. we should have him locked up by 5:00 tonight ...

I wouldn't mind giving him a 10 mil 1 year prove it deal.

me either chs. do it again

Terrelle Pryor could become the latest litmus test of the new-look Browns

Posted by Mike Florio on March 8, 2017, 10:19 AM EST

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...ew-look-browns/

The analytics suggest that receiver Terrelle Pryor wants more than the Browns want to pay him. And how the Browns handle this one will become the latest litmus test of the team’s new approach to building and maintaining a football team.

Last year, they let center Alex Mack and tackle Mitchell Schwartz go via free agency. Then, as part of the effort to prop up their new procedures by keeping all 14 draft picks, they released receiver Taylor Gabriel, who became a great player for the Falcons’ NFC championship team.

This year, Pryor is the biggest name (and the best story) on a team desperate for stars. But the numbers say what they say, and the Browns are willing to disregard the name on the jersey and the man in the helmet in order to honor their new procedures.

It’s a calculated risk, to be sure. As one source with knowledge of the dynamics explained it to PFT, teammates like and respect Pryor. He’s particularly respected by players who played for the Browns when Pryor arrived and tried to convert to receiver but failed to make the team. And he’s passionate about playing for the Browns; how many guys in the locker room really care as much as he seems to?

The question is whether Pryor is a true No. 1 receiver, and whether he ever will be. Corey Coleman, a first-round pick in 2016, could become the top player on the depth chart, with or without Pryor there. Until Coleman develops, they likely need someone more accomplished than either of their best two options. (Josh Gordon would be nice, if he ever gets reinstatement.)

With so much cap space, it may seem trivial for the Browns to quibble about a couple million here and a couple million there, especially for a player that is so popular with the fans. But if they’re going to let this new approach take root, they need to honor it, without exception.

The other concern, frankly, is the manner in which Pryor will react to finally getting a massive contract, six years after entering the NFL. What happens when Pryor gets paid?

To the extent that’s a reason for the Browns to not pay Pryor $12 million per year, isn’t it also a reason to not pay him, say, $8 million a year? As one source explained the dynamics, it’s financial security that causes a player to change; the degree of the security doesn’t really matter.

So what will Pryor do once he gets paid a lot of money? And how will he continue to develop as a receiver? Those are questions that need to be answered as Pryor continues his career not as a guy who throw passes but as a guy who catches them. Whether they’re answered in Cleveland or elsewhere remains to be seen.

And if Pryor gets paid, handles it well, and performs well with a new team, the Browns will be hearing about their latest decision to let one of the few good ones get away.

I don't think he takes a 1 year deal in any universe. Injuries can happen and an NFL player's career is too short. Pay the man. $10m a year, 4 years. Include incentives and get out after each year. Make it mutually rewarding if he does well and easy for both parties to make new starts if not.

What kind of garbage is this? Isn't that a question that is asked of any lesser paid guy on their early contracts before reaching their first decent FA deal. Jesus................

its a legit concern...Pryor was on the cusp of bagging groceries until Hue suggested a switch to WR, which to his credit he worked at and did well for himself..but sustainability after getting his contract is the question. Given his work ethic so far, i would say its safe to say he won't coast and will continue to work, but at the same time he could have just been working to get that contract

You could say that about literally every player.

NFL Network is reporting that we offered 12M a year.

Where's MAC who I IGNORE to rag on us for being CHEAP?

Exactly my point. I think Leadtheway missed what i was trying to say.


How is Terrelle Pryor's situation different than AJ Bouye or any other FA who comes from not making much money to making a bunch? Cause he did it for one year where as other guys sometimes do it for a couple?

The one year thing is different than not trying hard. The NFL is littered with players who were good for only one season. I have no doubt that Pryor will continue to work hard.

Me neither, he was originally a QB. Those guys generally have to put in the most work out of everyone

Am I missing something here?

Bouye's been a Secondary player his entire life.

Pryor a wanna be QB turned WR 10 months ago.

If this is a 12 a year deal, we're fools. I don't care how much UPSIDE a 28 year old has.

Bouye is making 671,000$ a year in 2016. Pryor didn't make much either. That's my only point.

Why does this guy think Pryor won't try hard, when plenty of other guys getting ready to make huge pay days, whom previously made far less, are in the same position?

Why is Leadtheway and the Profootball talk guy worried about Pryor, when the same could be said for most UFA's and guys getting new contracts?

Gotcha. Tense times. Lol

Marshall took a cut bc he wanted to stay in NY bc of family. If it weren't for that, I think he would have signed for more. Dude is still very talented, and still a #1 WR.

Pay the man!

all is quiet now on the Pryor front. he doesnt seem linked to anybody

J/c:

The more time goes and and Pryor doesn't sign, the better indicator that is for me that he's not finding what he thought he would. We shall see.

This was my exact thought when I scanned the new headlines of sport sites today and saw not much regarding him. Drew would push and test the market though. However, the optimism of us retaining him is coming back, for me anyway.

Playing out like I thought it would...teams aren't in a rush to throw 10+ at a guy who's played receiver 1 year in his life, his best chance at the most money is probably going to stay right here

My general thought since Day 1. Still, I want him back...hope it happens soon.

yeah and I think he will know that they are back to reality

I'll add this...he has a lot of improving to do on his route-running (especially deep down the sideline) and his hands are just ok. He's still a project but also still worth the gamble and effort. How do you put a $$$ on that?

I find it interesting how much leeweay he gets on his shortcomings while on this same board the young guys drafted last year get bashed for their shortcomings and people act like those young guys - who have played WR for years - simply can't/won't improve.

I hope we get him signed...I'm not canceling my season tickets if we don't.

yeah thats my point on all the homerism...i don't see a #1 WR skill set, but he wants paid like one..I could take or leave him...he's not that impressive to me at this point..sure he could get better but at this age, how much more..they key for the Browns WR isn't pryor, I look at him like a "nice to have" we drafted coleman to be that #1 guy and a slew of other guys to help contribute..SO if all that happens and Pryor progresses, awesome, we're just that much better. Like I've said, I'm ok with a show me contract where he can earn what he thinks he's worth with production..then its win/win. Rosenhaus is the wrench..they have to be persona non grata around the NFL by now

He wants to get paid like one....as he should.This is the time for him to make money for him and his family. Why not go to the market if you think there is a chance to get paid like a #1 and you haven't been tagged. I think he's finding teams are thinking similarly as the Browns. If thats the case, and all things are equal, he stays. Hopefully.

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter 8m8 minutes ago

Former Washington WR DeSean Jackson expects to sign with Tampa assuming no breakdown in final negotiations,... http://fb.me/6z8eJQWvo

Philly might be a place for TP

j/c:

I would venture to say that Pryor gets more leeway than the rookies because he produced while drawing way more attention from opposing defenses, as opposed to the rookies.

Let's see:

Pryor: 77 catches for 1,000 yards, 4 TDs

Louis: 18, 205, 0

Higgins: 6, 77, 0

Payton: 1, 3, 0

Was that a real question?

There is no doubt that TP performed well and waaaaaay out-performed the young guys. We will be a better team if we keep him.

All I'm pointing out is that there are some forgone conclusions that the young-20s guys can't get better at their positions but the 27 year old guy can. That may be the case...but no one really knows. 4th & later round WRs will take time to show.

And no...it wasn't a real question...it wasn't a question at all really...however, it was more a real statement of observation.

Edited to add:

In Pryor's 'first year' at WR he was out of the league...no one wanted him but us...and late in the year at that. How would that compare to guys who got drafted to play WR?

Ian Rapoport‏Verified account @RapSheet

The #Patriots are closing in on signing free agent CB Stephon Gilmore, source said. Means they will say bye to Logan Ryan.

Logan Ryan to the market?

After reading the most recent posts from last night and today, I'm getting the feeling that the same old posters are revving up the excuse machine again.

Begs the question as to who is driving this...the player or (more likely) the agent. We tend to put too much on the player whereas I expect the agent is the driving force...

Kenny Britt yo Cleveland

Oh, it's totally the agent. But I can't blame them for it.

Pretty low deal for Britt. I don't think it guarantees Pryor won't return.

lol this post proves to me you are as clueless as I've thought...yes he produced more than the rookies, with triple the targets they got..lmfao..you look for any reason to stir up crap..don't know why i even fed the troll...just to easy to pick on i guess.

and the production, you realize wsn't even in the top 20 in yards or even top 50 in ypc and like 47th in TD...tell me again about his production and wanting to get paid like a #1 which was my argument.. and the fact he had so many more targets but produced barely anything compared to true #1.

Not sure what the hell you are talking about. I was referring to something another poster said.

I am not sure if someone said this but this signing sets TP market price. I doubt he can get too much more than this.

I could agree with that. Maybe slightly more but in incentives because eyes more a potential signing than anything.

He may not get much more than Britt, but I'd bet Pryor gets that money from a team not named the Browns.

I would guess, and it's only my opinion, they offered Pryor and Britt the same contract because they think they're about the same player (age, talent, upside, previous years performance, etc.). And it's also a little jab at Rosenhaus for keeping the negotiations going on so long (and probably asking for $15m/year).

And now, the Pryor offer has probably been pulled. No way this team is going to sign two WRs at that money in the same offseason. They preach about building through the draft, why would they sign two WRs in free agency?

I don't think this is an horrific move, signing Britt over Pryor, but it's probably going to backfire in some way to make us look bad. Like, Pryor will get 1200 yards for Philly and Britt will get 900 for us. Meaning, we won't win this decision.

Britt's background is a bit shady.

J/c

I hear yesterday on the radio that the Steelers dropped out of the Pryor bidding because his asking number was at 10 mil per.

Depending on how the contracts are structured - 4 years turns into 2 years very quickly

Oh yeah, of course. It'll be $X guaranteed, $Y signing bonus, $Z roster bonus in year three and then a team option starting year four. Whatever. Yeah, it's a two year deal.

All NFL contracts are like this. People freaked out last year when Tyrod signed his deal in Buffalo, but it was really only a 1-year deal with all the bonus money due this week. They tore up that deal and signed him to a new deal, which is probably a two year deal...but yeah, it'll be reported as a 5 year deal.

Eagles just signed Torrey Smith...

Come home Pryor. Come home.

And the Giants signed Marshall. Pryor is running out of options. I could see us signing him to a similar contract as Britt still. We have the money and it would remove the need to draft a receiver.

Guys, I have a feeling Pryor is gone. Talk me off the ledge!

I'm hoping for this as well.

I don't think Britt quite replaces Pryor, but he more than replaces Hawkins. I like the combo of Coleman/Pryor/Britt for both size and speed.

I just think it is crazy we are not hearing any rumors of other offers. My hopes are still up I would love to pair Britt, Pryor, and Coleman on the field together.

Profootballtalk reports the Browns aren't "necessarily" out on free agent Terrelle Pryor after signing Kenny Britt.

Not necessarily, but for all intents and purposes they are. It could lower Pryor's price in free agency, as he no longer has the Browns and their infinite cap space to use as a cudgel. Pryor is supposedly drawing interest from 4-5 other teams.

Related: Browns
Source: Profootballtalk on Twitter Mar 9 - 11:09 AM

Colts & Eagles pursuing Alshon Jeffery

Getting interesting

I don't see how those three fit together on the field at the same time. Has Britt ever played in the slot? Coleman is not a slot receiver, neither is Pryor.

Pryor may have bid himself out of a deal

Crowd yells, "jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, ect....

Sorry It had to be done...

Hope you take it as ajoke

Agree, AND we have vet with about same size who has been a receiver his whole career....smart job by FO....had more TDs than Pryor, almost same yardage, with lousy QBs...GO Browns!!!

It depends what you are looking for in a slot. If you want Wes Welker, then no. Britt can't get the YAC that Welker can and Pryor isn't a good enough route runner to play slot.

However, if you want a possession guy, Britt could definitely play that role and Pryor could as well if his routes improve.

drawing interest from 4-5 other teams that don't want to pay him 15/year either.. I think after signing britt if money is equal he'll sign elsewhere just because. Thats assuming we are still actually trying to get him

Steve Doerschuk
@sdoerschukREP
Browns Daily: "Terrelle Pryor sill in play, despite Britt news. Offer from CLE best on table so far. Market not what he expected."

Steve Doerschuk‏ @sdoerschukREP 36s36 seconds ago
More
Browns Daily: "Terrelle Pryor sill in play, despite Britt news. Offer from CLE best on table so far. Market not what he expected."

https://twitter.com/sdoerschukREP/status/839899596180623361

Coleman is 5'11 185 lbs and runs a 4.3, he is built more to be a slot than the other two if push came to shove..he's quick enough. He might actually excel there

statements like that are dumb...if its best on table so far, and its not about money...why isn't he signed

Well if it's about the money, then this is his best option. The reality is that it always was.

I think they mean the browns' best offer is on the table

I would think that if any Team offered him anything so far, wouldn't we have heard about it? Unless he is just turning down any offer under say 10 mil. We should have heard of something by now.

Not the way it reads. I think it means that the Browns offer is the best one TP has received.

That's great news

Am I being crazy ... did Joe Jurevicius play quite a bit in the slot??? He wouldn't be a prototypical build for a slot guy. I'm stretching my memory here so feel free to correct me if that is not an accurate recollection.

I agree.

Imo Pryor/Drew thought he was going to get big $$$ in the FA market. So far he hasn't garnered much interest, and Pryor/Drew are waiting to see if that remains the case.....Jefferies having the same issue.

If someone offers more/better situation for similar money he will be gone, and if not he will be back. After last year's debacle I highly doubt the Browns will pull his offer this go around.

If that's true then the "Harvard" guys are actually rewarding their players and not being cheap. Great to hear.

j/c:

How do you guys know that Pryor isn't garnering interest?

I don't know that teams aren't interested (supposedly 4-5 teams are), but it has been reported that the Browns offer is still the best out of the lot....so I am assuming the $$$ isn't what they thought it would be or this would be done already.

Has Jeffrey signed?

Normally agents are leaking offers left and right to garner interest in their players to drive up prices. We haven't heard a peep in numbers. Plus, the Browns can match anyone... so this may be keeping some suitors away.

Not to my knowledge. He is having the same issues that Pryor is having so they say about thinking the $$$ was going to be more. I think Rapport was saying he is working on a deal to go back to the Bears though.

Crazy that AJ is having trouble getting what he thought and freaking Garcon got 15 million....lol

J/C

If it turns out that the Browns offer ends up, indeed, being the best, does anyone think stubborn pride would get in the way of Pryor accepting it? It could be sort of humbling in a way. Just something that crossed my mind.

I think it's safer to say that Pryor isn't garnering the interest that he expected/hoped.

One could infer that teams are going through the same exercise on Pryor that we have here on the board. "Is he a true #1 or no?" "Do we pay him on potential?" "How does his 2016 performance (since that's all anyone has on him) translate to the next year, and the year after, and the year after?"

He also has a 4 game suspension on his ledger... a risk that teams are pricing in his salary. Don't want to tie up resources in a risky player.

Hmm ... OK, let me get my hopes up here ..... and think about this.

WR1: Pryor
WR2: Britt
WR3: Coleman
TE: OJ Howard ........

That could be quite interesting.

Oh, I forgot one more: Josh Gordon, off getting high.

He is relatively young and is by far (at least imo) a much better player than Garcon.

You are probably right in the 4 game thing is playing into this, but I would take AJ risks and all over Garcon.......especially at 16 million

I FULLY expect Pryor to be resigned today. It would be a shocker if he doesnt resign. Drew just made a lot of promises and there just wasnt that kind of market for someone that doenst know how to run a route and has a rep for being a bit temperamental.

I guess my point is that none of us really know how much interest he is--or isn't--receiving.

Plenty of time for things to happen. It's too early to make assumptions about any of that.

I dunno...

There has been a lot of movement on the WR front today (people landing or about to land on their next team). Not much more than a peep regarding Pryor.

The NFL is really turning into a market based operation, where players and positions are more commoditized, even to a higher degree than ever before. There are more capable WRs being drafted every year (especially with the number of pass happy spread/ pistol offenses found in high school and college). Supply and demand. I wonder if this will be a growing trend, where WR salaries flatten over time?

As I said in my original post, my guess is that they are waiting to see if someone offers more $$$ than the Browns have or a better situation for similar money (Philly/Pitt are rumoured to be interested where he is from).

I mean it's obvious no one has blown him away with a 14 million dollar offer like he wanted or we wouldn't have NFL guys saying the Browns have the best offer on the table.

Nathan Zegura‏Verified account @NathanZegura 55s56 seconds ago
More
Now on @Browns_Daily @AllbrightNFL says that @Browns are leaders in clubhouse for both Pryor (CHI also in mix) and Zeitler (NO/JAX in mix)

https://twitter.com/NathanZegura/status/839907877225639938

Very good news. Britt would basically be the 3rd guy replacing Hawkins and the OL would have been majorly upgraded.

If we leave FA with

Pryor resign
Bitonio resign
two new OL starters

That is a successful FA, and its been awhile since I felt that way.

This would be incredible.

That would be very nice!

I'd rather have Zeitler than Pryor, but I'd take both

Yeah me to......KZ is one of the best OGs in the league. I want TP, but if I had to choose I'd take Kevin.

Not sure how much we need a guard, but the guy is a good player.

I am hoping for both.

He is a power scheme guard. We need him in our system. RG was a big problem last year. We can used that interior push. It would also help elevate some of our center issues.

We need players, and I love Greco, but KZ is a lot better. It also allows Greco to join the comp at RT with AP,CE, and Coleman. The winner is the starter, and in Greco's case you have a guy who could backup potentially 4 spots on the OL when injuries happen.

He might get cut though as we will have spent a ton of money on the OL if we sign KZ

Incarcerated Bob
🔌‏ @ incarceratedbob 54s 54 seconds ago

Big push from Browns trying to keep @ TerrellePryor pic.twitter.com/8QHlJw5UEK

Just a wild guess, but perhaps going and getting Zeitler has less to do with the RG position, and more to do with having Greco competing for the center position.

At center, we have a number of guys that have injury question marks, and are hoping for at least one to rise to the top and lock it down long-term.

RG was not a big problem when Greco was playing last year. If you wanna talk post-injury, than I understand. But, Greco is a very good player and Bitonio is another good guard.

I am not complaining about getting the guy. I am just saying that I don't think G is an area of need.

Greco is the perfect backup. Cheap, experienced, and can play all three interior positions.

Who is this guy?

Fake news.

He's been very insightful (claims to have inside connections with FO) the past few years

He broke one of the big stories a couple of years ago. (though I cannot remember the story, his name stuck with me)

He's the homeless guy that decided on Manziel.

http://cle.247sports.com/Bolt/Report-Browns-still-in-the-mix-for-Terrelle-Pryor-51685422

Josh Edwards - 38 minutes ago

The Cleveland Browns are still in the mix for wide receiver Terrelle Pryor according to Browns Daily via Steve Doerschuk.

Cleveland's offer for Pryor is the best on the table and the market is "not what he expected."

Perhaps greco isn't recovering as quickly as hoped

That's a really good point.

We should have enough guys with talent in the building to iron out a really good line for the upcoming season.

I hadn't thought about that Jester. I hope your wrong, because Greco could be killer depth but it is a possibility.

There are several people all saying the same thing about Pryor. It looks like Sashi Brown (and friends) might have played this perfectly.

This would be the best free agency period by far in recent times if that all unfolds.

Wow.

I wouldn't wait too long if I was him or the offer could get pulled. He could get "schwartzed".

I was thinking this might a lesson the front office learned from last year. Leave the offer out there and don't get offended if they shop it around.

jmho...but there are going to be a lot of empty seats in Browns stadium if Sashi pulls another Schwartz...

Just think how great the new improved online and WR corp would look with Jimmy G at QB.

Just saying.

Simply put, Browns fans have had it up to here with the crap that comes from Browns owner and GM.

Nicely stated....we really don't know, all have opinions...time will tell how it plays out....our FO did smart thing in MHO....GO Browns!!!!

To put it in terms that Jimmy Haslam and Sashi Brown will hate to hear...

...if Pryor is not re-signed..every time that Terrell Pryor starts a game and Kenny Britt does not!

...every game that Pryor has a big game and Kenny Britt does not!

...every time that Kenny Britt has more dropped passes than Pryor has!

...every TD that Pryor has vs Kenny Britt!

WILL BE MAGNIFIED IN THE CLEVELAND PRESS AND MEDIA, with the questions directed toward Dee, Jimmy and Sashi why they didn't re-signed one of their own players, Terrell Pryor!

Kenny Britt is about to step into a pressure packed situation, right along with Sashi Brown and ownership.

Well, you obviously have.

Frankly, I am extremely pleased with the front office thus far this year. It's also just the opening stage of free agency. Give them a chance.

What if they bring Pryor back at $7-8 million/year, as opposed to the reported $12 million he wanted? (and I saw a lot of different numbers as to what he wants, but that seems to be middle ground) Wouldn't they have done a good job of properly reading the market, and in giving Pryor a fair deal without breaking the bank?

Don't you think we should wait and see what happens before we condemn them, and burn them at the stake?

^^^ This and this some more. I want Pryor back but at a mutually acceptable cost. I'd even go $10m a year, incentives and annual get outs. I want him here. He also needs to want to be here.

At some point Terrell Pryor has to just sign and stop the foolishness of his agent.

yt...I've said before..I HOPE I'M WRONG.

But, I've seen this picture show before...ownership and GM reducing everything to $$ cents.

Being #1 in the NFL in Cap Space simply means ownership and management failed to get the job done.

We have heard from Browns management that re-signing our own is a priority...but ownership and our GM have nothing to show for it, losing all 4 free agents last year and now admitting they would rather go cheap with Kenny Britt than sign their own.

I hope I'm wrong...

If we get Pryor back, will you be satisfied?

Of course - that's what it has to come down to. Both for the Browns and for Pryor.

So again - You'd be happy with 5 years at $20 million a year????

No?? Why not ?? If the dollars and cents don't matter.

I think the rumor was at least a yr. recovery time which would put him half way through the season. Besides didn't we just sign Tretter for C?

You're losing it, dude – and I'm not trying to be mean.
Think straight and get serious.

it's silly to blame the FO for this..they've proven they are willing to spend for the right pieces this year...if pryor and his agent have ridiculous demands then oh well. move on..a few act like this guy is the next hall of famer..he wants to be paid like one for sure, don't we all...but noone else is lining up to give him that money and by all accounts this "cheap" FO has the best offer he's received on the table...so to me the FO did its job, offer to pay him more than anyone else...yet not enough in their eyes..so we signed his replacement or partner if he stops being stupid..you can't demand elite WR money when you barely know how to play the position. So I leave the offer there, let him sweat it out and when the FA money starts drying up he'll realize its the best its going to get

There..fixed it for you. Don't be lumping everyone in to your hatred of this FO.

Cut and pasted from ROTO WORLD


Browns RG John Greco (Lisfranc surgery) expects to be ready for training camp.
It is an aggressive goal after Greco underwent Lisfranc surgery in mid-December. He is more likely to open camp on the PUP list, but he could be ready for Week 1. LG Joel Bitonio is also recovering from Lisfranc surgery.
Source: Scott Petrak on Twitter
Jan 2 - 12:44 PM

How many times have the Steelers let guys walk because they just felt they just weren't worth what they wanted? How about the Pats? Teams out a value on the guys they know best. Obviously the Browns aren't "cheaping" it, when you look at the deals they gave Collins and Bitonio. They also gave a top dollar deal to Zeitler. They spent on guys they feel are elite talents. (which is really how it should be) They brought in a WR who is, in many ways, comparable to Pryor, and did so for less than where they reportedly offered Pryor. They have reportedly kept their deal for Pryor on the table, and Pryor has, reportedly, not seen any offers of even equal value.

So how are they "cheaping" it? They offered their top players top deals, and they offered Pryor more than anyone else. Sounds like they are doing all the can, short of just telling him to write his own deal.

JMHO, Pryor WANTED to get to FA and he THOUGHT he was worth X dollars....business wise, we have replaced him...I see NO reason why our proposal BEFORE FA exists anymore, how many business deals worth MILLIONS are conducted by NICE guys...he is being shown what the free enterprise system is about...Sashi and company should make Pryor an offer to retain him at MARKET Value, renegotiate when it comes down to it.....unless it isn't business.....GO Browns!!!!

Hopefully Kenny Britt was signed to replace Hawkins (big upgrade there)
Hopefully we will resign Pryor to replace Pryor

Brock Osweiler trade is strange...but he did play with a lousy Oline (however had a superb Lamar Miller ground game, and several nice targets in Hopkins, Fuller, and that big TE shined later in the year)

If I was TP, seeing how we just hauled in some monster free agents to shore up the offensive line - I would really consider wanting to play here...

I reckon Osweiler won't play a down for us. It was a $$ for pick move, NBA style. Creative and clever.

If i'm the Browns I notify him that at 5pm the offer is coming off the table.

Pryor is gone.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/839947561158991872

He overplayed his hand.

Adam Schefter‏Verified account
@AdamSchefter

Following
More
WR Terrelle Pryor visiting Redskins.

Jabaal Sheard visiting the Dolphins.

Visiting is gone?

yt...the big difference...the Patriots and Steelers have won something besides first place in salary cap race.

I don't think it means anything other than he is not making a decision right off the bat.

he wont get what he wants

Most likely.

Well this is bad news. The Redskins will probably at least come close to matching our offer, and with a better QB situation I would go there if I were him.

Sucks.....they should have Transitioned him before it got to this point.

Why?? This isn't like Schwartz where there was an elevated offer made to prevent him going to free agency. Browns made an offer they thought was market price or maybe above market price. . . . if it's a fair offer why withdraw it?

I'll admit at this point I think Pryor is full of chit ... all the talk of him loving Hue and wanting to be a Brown. Total BS - he's simply after what he can get for himself. I don't blame him - but clearly he isn't that interested in being a Brown. We have the best offer to him. He's not signing it. That's not great - but I'd still rather he was here than he left.

Better QB situation ??? How? Why?

Cousins is goneski and wants no part of the Redskins. If he plays this year for them - he is gone next for sure.

Here is what I don't get...some Browns fans act like this money, the cap space, is coming out of their bank account.

The Browns have the money and just look foolish time and again when we watch the playoffs and see our players playing in all kinds of playoff games, including super bowls, yet the Browns management refused to value our players as the teams did that signed them.

I hope the Browns spend it all.,...all 158 million of it...then I will know our owner and his harvard lawyer are not being cheap.

...cheap wins you nothing in the nfl

Why? Because I think he might be using our offer as his safety net to explore other options. If he knows that offer won't last long it will build up an urgency to accept what he knows instead of risk losing millions.

I mean it's not the end of the world if we have to wait a few days but I think the longer this goes on the more likely we are to lose him and I really want him to resign.

Kurt Cousins vs. ????. I want to believe we are going to trade sign our franchise guy but as of now that room consists of RG3, Kessler, and Brock Oswhiller....lol. Even if Cousins leaves next year that is way better than what we currently have.

Cousins isn't going to be there next year - virtually guaranteed..... he may not be there this year.

Maybe Cousins will land in Cleveland.....nobody expected the Oswieller deal....

You haven't heard? Cousins won't sign his franchise agreement and wants out. The way that it looks Pryor will be catching passes from Colt McCoy if he signs with Washington.

Going into free agency I said if we didn't sign Pryor it would be a failure. Then we signed Britt (which I am still on the fence about). And Tretter. And Zeitler. And re-signed Bitonio. And made the Osweiler trade. The good far outweighs the bad.

I hope you guys are right, but I will be shocked if he comes back at this point. I also will be shocked if Cousins isn't a Redskin for at least one more year.

Agreed. I want Pryor, but to be honest if you would have told me we get 2 starting OL (and KZ being one of the best OGs in the league) or TP?? I take the OL. I am meh on Britt, but getting the OL (and hopefully the QB position at some point this off season) right is way more important moving forward.

I wish they would have Transitioned him though, and that is the only knock against the FO in an otherwise pretty perfect start of the off season.....so far.

Wasn't the Transition Tag like 12 mil?

That then creates the starting point. At 12 per year.

Terrelle Pryor hasn't re-signed yet!

I think its possible once Pryor didn't sign our offer even after the witching hour of 12 midnight where he had two days to find out nobody was dropping double digits per year on him. We made our agreement with Britt.

Britt is a big WR he has more experience they are around the same age. He caught 1,000 yards on possibly a worse offensive team than ours last year. I don't know him that well to say for sure.

Pryor said he wanted to play for us and yet didn't sign our contract that was supposedly the best offered to him.

I would love to have them both...Britt and Pryor with Coleman. Got a feeling you are correct. Got another feeling he is gong to sign for peanuts somewhere. Hope he fires Drewhaus for screwing him...smh

You know what I got a feeling on...Gordon now gets reinstated...lol Coleman Britt and Gordon

My lord, you are a JOKE.

Do you READ anything?

We have the BEST offer on the table.

Bitch at PRYOR to get it done.

Or any other kind of signed.

All I gotta say is the Redskins front office looks like five times the mess ours does today.

Better QB? Who? Seems like they have no idea who their QB will be. Cousins is either there one more year or gone to SF this year. Either way they have an unstable QB situation too. This comes down to $$$$

I love Pryor. He played very well for us last year. But I sure as hell don't want to see them break the bank for the guy. He played ONE year as a WR. He's a really good #2 but he isn't a top five #1 and we should not pay him like he is.

Amen Brother, I also like Pryor BUT his value isnt what HE thinks it is. To be honest, Kenny Britt was as good as Pryor last year in a similar situation. Britt is a more accomplished receiver at this point, but Pryor has more upside. Either way Pryor aint a #1, and should not be paid as such.

I just realized that Washington might throw a bunch of money at Pryor to try and distract everyone from the dumpster that is on fire at their team facility.

I feel the same and I am just slightly below being on the fence for Britt unless we also sign Pryor and then I am ecstatic.

That's Washington's move every season. I feel the bridge has been burned between the Browns and Pryor. He said all the right things to the media and then expected to fleece us for $15m/yr. We called his bluff and now he'll take his talents elsewhere, even if the Redskins pay him less.

Oh well.

Tea leaves say we're going to lose Pryor. I'll wait for the contract details to see if a FO skewering is needed. If this does happen, our WR group has gotten worse. Britt only softens the blow.

Even with that (if it does happen), our team has become way better today than they were yesterday.

For my sake, in regards to reading any thread mac is in for the next year, I hope he signs for less.

New thought, it's so funny it's almost worth it.

Pryor signs with Washington.

We then trade for Cousins.

We have the ammo for it. Given the price for Jimmy G, I'd at least make the phone call to Washington for him.

Brock and a pick for Kirk?

It wouldn't hurt to make the offer.

It might make Bill rethink his price for Jimmy G as well.

If I'm the Browns and our initial offer is the BEST action he's gotten. I tell Pryor and his people you've got ONE HOUR to sign it or its GONE.

You said you want to be in Cleveland. We want you. Ball up dude or you're history.

You've been a QB your entire life. You're TRYING to be a WR at the highest level. You've been doing this for 10 lousy ass months. You're LUCKY we've offered what we have.

Sign it or you can pound salt.

I'd do Brock and 2 or 3 2nd rounders for Cousins. He'd be our best QB in decades, and should slide right into Hue's offense.

I admit that I didn't like Cousins when he came to the NFL, but he did what so many other QBs don't do, and he really attacked his weaknesses. He could turn the ball over like nobody's business in his 1st couple of years, but then figured out how to eliminate most of the big mistakes.

This is (allegedly) similar to what they did with Schwartz, and what they should never do again.

No way.

Rosey has had 2 full days plus the combine.

The ONE thing that will change this is Washington firing the GM today and Pryor visiting tomorrow.

Snyder's an idiot that will give a NEW to the position WR 12M. Noone else wants to. Good riddance.

That is not smart.

So answer me this....why has TP not signed a big contract yet? Possibly because he seeks better, or possible because he isn't getting a better offer?

Both?

We have the best offer on the table
We have A LOT of momentum going for us this offseason
He's visiting the dumpster fire that is the Redskins right now


Just come home, TP.

Maybe so. At this point I wouldn't let him walk back. I'd lower the offer, just like last year

Something tells me if we lowered our offer, it would probably still be highest he's been presented with.

Why? We made him a good faith offer, that was ell below whet he wanted. Now he is out getting a taste of the reality of the NFL. If he wants to come back now, give him his deal, and keep the depth going. If it was a fair deal even after we signed Britt, then it's a fair deal today. It's not like we're running out of cap soace any day soon.

The front office has, I believe, earned some respect around the NFL. Don't cost yourself any of that by playing games that players, agents, and frankly, fans hate. It you can bring him back on the deal you left on the table for him, just do it.

Cool, I give him a 12 hours window, starting 5 hours ago.

But some bozos think that's a bad idea. We gave Rosey an offer. He had it over a week ago. We let him find his value on the open market. Our offer is the best.

I've said my peace. Screw Pryor. He don't wanna be here.

He'll be in Washington tomorrow. Hope he stays there. Snyder will give him a crazy deal.

I hope we resign TP, but we've already made the highest offer and he's off to Washington were Dan Snyder will overpay him if he likes him enough. Do we still get a chance to match the offer and will we?

I want him here as much as anyone, but if Snyder offers him a crazy deal we should let him go. Kills me to say that, but the ball is in his court and it seems our offer was fair after all.

I don't really understand why he didn't sign with us like earlier this afternoon. Must not want to be here. Where is the loyalty for the team and coach that essentially resurrected your career?

It's his first (and could be his last) Free Agency. Some guys never even get to experience this much before their career is over.

If Dan Snyder wants to fly him to D.C. and show him around, why not enjoy the experience a little? Go, check things out, have some fun.... and then come back home and sign the larger deal and play for the coach that gave you all of your breaks in this league so far.

Do we know for sure that our offer is the highest?

Do we KNOW that? No.

But that's what's been reported.

I don't think there is any way to be sure. All the reports I have read say we have the highest offer.

Terelle

Kenny took your money.

And, he'd like to thank Drew for making it all possible.

(Once I heard who his agent was, everything changed. I had a gut feeling it was not going to end well.)

Just trying to keep it real. Reading through these threads tonight and there is a lot of junk out there.

x2 I thought the exact same thing. And now hearing that he is going to Washington where they love to throw money at players that don't fit, even more so.

We might still have a chance at him if Washington makes an offer $10 mil or below, but Washington just loves to make headlines by breaking the bank.

He can do that, but in the meantime the Browns aren't just sitting around hoping. They have to build a team and if Pryor isn't signed then he isn't a Brown and they have to find guys to play. If that leaves a spot open for him to come back to then fine, but if they move on and find someone else Pryor is SOL. That's just business. Signing Britt may have been that move on move... I don't know. But if it was then Pryor will have to find another team.

Good point. If Pryor isn't signed than we have a hole at WR. The impression I'm getting from this FO between these 2 seasons is that, like it or not, this train is moving. Disagree with the conductor, the route, or who gets on board, but it's not slowing down for anyone.

I'm totally fine with Pryor looking around. But he has to realize that until he does there is a hole at WR for us. Yes he had a good year for us, but it wasn't so spectacular that this FO should pass up opportunities to sign talent they like (Britt) in hopes Pyror inks a deal with us.