Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Dolphins among teams angling for Browns TB

Although he has started only six games over the past two seasons, Cleveland tailback James Jackson is garnering interest on the trade front, and league sources confirmed the Browns will consider dealing the fourth-year veteran for the right price.

It is believed several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, initiated contact with the Browns about Jackson's availability. Recent reports indicated that Miami is also seeking one of the Browns' young wide receivers, but Cleveland is much more likely to part with Jackson than one of its pass-catchers.

Despite rumors to the contrary, holdout defensive end Adewale Ogunleye of Miami, the leading sacker in the AFC in 2003, has not been a part of any trade discussions with the Browns. Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Ogunleye, suggested again to ESPN.com on Wednesday that the most likely scenario still has his client returning to Miami under a long-term contract.

Rosenhaus emphasized that an agreement with the Dolphins is not imminent, but said he has made a new contract proposal to Miami officials. Part of that proposal, Rosenhaus said, was a two-tiered signing bonus similar to the structure the Dolphins employed in the recent contract extension struck with wide receiver Chris Chambers.

"We haven't heard a word about [a trade] being close for 'Wale,' and we would have to know, since his new team would have to negotiate a contract with us," Rosenhaus said.

Miami is seeking a power-type back to help compensate for the sudden retirement of Ricky Williams three weeks ago. Toward that end, Dolphins personnel officials have been assessing tailbacks around the league they feel might be available via trade, and Jackson is one of the runners about whom Miami has inquired.

But league sources noted the Dolphins are not the lone team interested in Jackson, who is third on the Cleveland depth chart behind Lee Suggs and Will Green. Cleveland is said to be seeking a draft choice in return but is in no hurry to deal Jackson, feeling his value could increase as the preseason moves forward.

Jackson, 28, was the Browns' third-round choice in the 2001 draft. The former University of Miami standout, a native of Belle Glade, Fla., started 10 games as a rookie, rushing for 554 yards and two touchdowns on 195 carries.
In the past two seasons, however, Jackson saw his playing time reduced, and he totaled just 114 carries for 436 yards and three touchdowns.