Cliff Lee, Scott Lewis Light Up Opposition
August 5, 2008You Are The GM…..For Andy Marte
August 5, 2008I had a feeling that the whole Devin Hester sideshow would somehow come back to haunt us. First, it was the Buffalo Bills that extended their return man, Roscoe Parrish, during the end of last season to the tune of three years, $12.3 million. Then Hester got a new deal thrown his way, but one that is considerably larger: four years, $40 million with $15 million guaranteed.
Even though Cribbs signed a six-year contract just last year, he apparently is none too pleased with the fact that he signed a deal that brought him about $1 million per year.
Since then Cribbs has led the NFL in total return yards, in addition to leading the Browns in special teams tackles last year. Now, according to sources, Cribbs and his representation are seeking a pay increase and recently approached the Browns about their desire for a new deal. […]
It’s unknown at this point what type of deal Cribbs is seeking. But based on his production, it’s likely Cribbs wants a contract comparable to Hester’s in terms of guaranteed money.
Just to backtrack a bit, Hester’s guaranteed money is more than the amount of Cribbs’ entire six-year compensation. And to reiterate, this compensation plan was signed off by Cribbs just last year.
James Walker reminds us all that we have recently allocated a substantial amount of money to Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis and Shaun Rodgers. Couple this with the fact that Kellen Winslow will likely be due a new deal if he stays healthy this season, and the front office may need to tell Cribbs to “get in line.”
Sure, NFL deals are not guaranteed, so the team could cut him just as easy had he not lived up to his contract. But simply because other teams are willing to shell out late first-round draft choice money to their return men does not necessarily mean that we should be doing the same. Do I think Cribbs is underpaid at his current level of pay? Sure I do. But do I think he’ll be getting $15 million guaranteed? That’s a different story.
Sources: Browns KR Cribbs looking to restructure current deal [ESPN]
10 Comments
I would restructure his deal…I don’t have an issue there. If Cribbs can become a dangerous receiver then I can even see giving him something close to 15 mil guaranteed. But, as of now, I would just incentive the heck out of his new deal
i agree. give him a new deal, but make the guaranteed $ for a lower amount and fill up the difference with incentives. as long as he keeps playing at his level, he’ll get his money. but then we’re not stuck with a heavy contract should he start playing crummy for some reason.
I’ll believe this story when I see it on the next edition of “Josh’s Cribbs” on FSN.
I agree with macnip and gabriel but I think if they were to restructure it they need to wait for the next offseason, and even tell him so. Like Scott said, Winslow is due for a restructured contract and Cribbs just signed this deal last year. He should wait in line and at least get the first 2 years of his current contract over with.
I believe The Browns should tell #16 that they are open to conversations about restructuring his deal after he delivers a 2008 season which closely mimics his 2007 season. Prove your worth it to us, Josh (again).
I’m a huge fan of Cribbs and hope he doesn’t lose sight of the sweet situation he’s in in Cleveland.
I agree that Cribbs might be due a restructured deal. however, there is an order to keep in mind. I believe Braylon Edwards’ contract will be up in the off season and hes due a rather large payday, as well as Sean Jones who will request top 5 safety money, a la Ed Reed and Polumalu money. As well as Winslow wanting a new deal. So he might just have to wait a year or two.
Brian stole my thunder… it’s not just Winslow in that line… Jones and Edwards are up first.
Tell Cribbs to go out and do his thing, and they’ll revisit it in the off-season. I like the idea of incentives, but then again, I would also like the idea of playing for a million a year regardless.
Step 1) Get a new deal done for Braylon
Step 2) Get a new deal done for K2
Step 3) Get a new deal done for Sean Jones
………
Step 43) Get a new deal done for Cribbs
Josh Cribbs is definitely one of the most important players to this team. He is alos without a doubt insanely underpaid. But you know what? That’s his own fault. I couldn’t believe the deal he signed at the time. I knew he was going to regret it, and now he does. I don’t blame him for being upset, either. Well, I mean, I do blame him because it’s his own fault, but I also understand why he’s upset and I feel bad for him. But until the Browns take care of those first 3 and then any other pressing needs, they simply can’t worry about a guy with 5 years left on his contract. Sorry Josh.
The only problem the Browns will have is “IF” (and its a big if) they can keep sean jones.
I have a feeling he may walk to get max money.
[…] this time last season, Cribbs was relatively unhappywith his recently signed six-year, $6 million deal. We touched on it briefly, but both sides […]