Columbus, Ohio officials and Browns executives are working towards an agreement that would make the city the home to the organization’s training camp, reports Tom Reed of Cleveland.com. The team had it’s largest turnout for a practice in nearly a decade at Ohio Stadium on Friday, as about 50,000 fans packed the venue. This expectedly made Browns owner Jimmy Haslam very enthused.
“It’s not there yet, but I think we’re getting closer,” Haslam said. “(I) had dinner with (Ohio State athletic director) Gene Smith (Thursday) night and that was positive.
“Columbus has been great to deal with. I think it has been good for our guys to get away from Berea for a couple days. A little different scenario. And to play in front of 45, 50 thousand people is fun whether you’re a veteran or a young person. So, it has been a great two days at Ohio State and the city of Columbus has been great to work with.”
Reed had reported earlier in the week that Columbus was seeking a five- to ten-year agreement from the organization, with a plan to build a facility backed by public and private money. Such a venue wouldn’t be ready until 2017, but Reed notes that the team could still practice in a temporary home until then.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the league…
- Even with Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy seeing his suspension reduced last month, Rand Getlin of the NFL Network tweets that the NFLPA is still considering whether they should seek “further reduction” in court.
- Following Arian Foster‘s injury, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle tweets that the Texans are hoping to add another running back. The team’s current core includes Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes, Chris Polk and Kenny Hilliard.
- Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says the Steelers are trying to determine whether former fourth-round pick Landry Jones can be Ben Roethlisberger‘s long-term backup. The former Oklahoma standout will get his chance during Sunday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, where he’s expected to play most of the game. “He has had his moments before, but none more definitive than this in this part of his career,” said quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner. “He is getting a whole lot of work with (first string), the (second string) and now is the time to let this all come together.”