Already nearing a mega-deal to re-sign linebacker Jamie Collins, the Browns are also trying to lock up running back Isaiah Crowell, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The two sides engaged in “heavy talks” during the season, but they’re currently at a “stalemate” and could meet again next week, tweets Rapoport.
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Unlike Collins, who will become an unrestricted free agent in March if Cleveland doesn’t re-sign him, Crowell will remain under the team’s control even if it doesn’t re-up him before free agency opens. The 24-year-old will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Browns will be able to offer him a first-round tender (worth around $3.8MM), a second-round tender (~$2.75MM) or a right-of-first-refusal tender (~$1.75MM).
The rebuilding Browns would surely place a high-round tender on Crowell, who was among their few legitimate bright spots in a one-win 2016. The three-year veteran, an undrafted free agent from Alabama State in 2014, broke out with 952 yards on 198 carries – good for a robust 4.8 YPC – and seven scores on the ground. He added 40 receptions and 319 more yards as a pass-catching option.
Along with Crowell, wide receiver Terrelle Pryor – a fellow serious threat on offense – is also without a contract heading into 2017. He’ll be unrestricted, but given the Browns’ boatload of cap space (an NFL-high $109MM-plus), they should be able to keep their top unsigned performers in the fold this offseason.
Go Browns go
Browns are doing exactly what the Raiders did with the roster purge. Unfortunately that means they would also have to draft well, getting extremely lucky on some big time core picks like the Raiders did with Carr, Mack, Jackson, and Cooper, just to name a few. Idk about this whole power ball thing, but it’s easy to see that they need to go BPA, regardless of stats. RM key’d in on “good football players”, both on and off the field. Carr, our QB, is a devout Christian who initiates prayer circles with the opposing team before game time. He had a wife and 2 children, probably the best role model the Raiders have in their locker room. Mack is 100% pro about everything, and Cooper is the calm cool type who rarely smiles. Changing the culture of the locker room is just as important as adding talent. Hopefully the Browns start drafting keepers, they’ve been bad longer than the Raiders and their fan base deserves some wins.
*has a wife and 2 children
Don’t know the Pats cap situation, but I wouldn’t mind them signing Pryor. He’s a good receiver, and he wasn’t a horrible quarterback. Belichick and McDaniels could work wonders with some trick plays.