|
Browns near new deal with linebacker Thompson |
|
|
|
|
Written by Tony Grossi; Plain Dealer Reporter
|
|
Thursday, 13 March 2008 |
 Nearly tapped out in free-agency spending without having added any linebackers, the Browns are focusing on re-signing Chaun Thompson.
They have begun negotiating to bring back the defensive role player and special teams contributor, and hope to have a two-year deal done today. Thompson, a second-round draft choice of the Browns in 2003, has not visited any other teams.
The Browns did visit on Wednesday with former Denver Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, who has not played since 2006 because of neck injuries. Wilson was cleared to return in January by a back specialist.
The Browns gave Wilson a physical exam Wednesday, but a team source indicated there was nothing further to report.
Wilson, 30, made the Pro Bowl five times in eight years with the Broncos before suffering a neck injury while colliding with teammate Gerard Warren, a former Brown, in the final month of the 2006 season. The Broncos released him in April 2007. He had a base salary of $5.2 million at the time.
If the Browns pass on Wilson, their options at linebacker are dwindling.
They elected not to offer contracts to Tennessee's Travis LaBoy, who signed with Arizona, and Arizona's Darryl Blackstock, who signed with Cincinnati. They also passed on Baltimore's Nick Greisen.
The Browns have not visited with Pittsburgh's Clark Haggans, a team source said. They also have no apparent interest in Takeo Spikes, the former Eagle, Bill and Bengal. Spikes' agent said the Browns have not contacted him. Spikes, 31, made his first visit to San Francisco on Wednesday. |
