Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Browns to make Winslow highest paid TE in history

There is the odd exception, but still you are always hearing about peopl who are sitting out for a better contract, or goin to arbitration over half a million dollars. I'd say that for the most part, money is all they care about later on when they turn pro.

Kellen Winslow Jr. rejected a contract offer, potentially worth at least $40 million, from the Cleveland Browns that would have made him the highest paid tight end in NFL history. Winslow, the No. 6 overall pick in the April draft, was not on the field as the Browns opened training camp.

Winslow is concerned about another number not related to money. He was issued No. 11 by the Browns during mini-camp but wants No. 80 — the number his father wore during his Hall of Fame career for San Diego.

However, No. 80 belongs to Aaron Shea, who will only give it up for the right price.

In an unusual move designed to put pressure on Winslow's agent, Kevin Poston, Browns president John Collins released a statement before the club opened camp to announce that the Browns made their "best offer" to Winslow.

Collins said the Browns proposed a deal that matched the one safety Sean Taylor, the No. 5 pick and Winslow's college teammate, signed this week with Washington.

The Browns' negotiating tactic is unusual because teams almost never disclose contract figures — even after a deal is done. But the Browns, who earlier this week said they would keep talks private, publicly provided the framework for negotiations.

news.yahoo.com.../ap/20040731/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_nfl_camps_rdp_31


How in the world do you turn down a contract that will make you the highest paid at your position EVER and have never taken an NFL snap??? We've seen how holdouts affect players before, let alone a rookie who is going to have to adapt to the next level and learn the system. And he's crying about his number as well, play a few years and then start demanding things, huh? This kid's head sounds like it's the size of Cleveland.

I'm wondering, could they retain his rights and let the greedy bugger rot? If so, for how long? Gotta give him the # though, that's a legacy.