Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson heads for training camp after signing four-year deal – NFL News
A breakthrough is finally reported in the deal negotiations between the Cleveland Browns and running back Trent Richardson as the team gave up its demand to include offset language in the RB’s contract to financially secure them in the event of an unexpected
or premature release of the player.
Both parties have agreed to terms on the player’s contract, which has been signed by the stakeholders.
A section of media has quoted anonymous sources citing value of the deal at $20.4 million. All four years – the tenure of the contract – are fully guaranteed and the player has also been committed $13.341 million as the signing bonus.
The deal has come well in time for training camp, which is due to start later this week. Earlier, emergence of some differences between the stakeholders over offset language had temporarily stalled the talks.
Browns reportedly were insisting for inclusion of the offset language in terms of the deal but the player did not like the idea. No other team has so far relied on the language to seek additional protection in their rookies' signing.
The National Football League (NFL), under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), has allowed teams to have extra protection against signing of the players, especially those vulnerable or troubled at the outset of their pro careers. The relaxation
has not been made a part of the contract by any team so far.
The Miami Dolphins in addition to the Browns are the only team reportedly insisted for inclusion of the language.
The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins have signed their top QB picks without such a condition. Those signings were seen as a benchmark, setting tone for signing of other rookies without any problem. This was not the case though, as a couple of aforementioned
teams did try to opt for the language. It has not worked for them, at least for the Browns so far.
After signing the contract with the Browns, Richardson is expected to hit training camp straightaway. The team expects his inclusion will boost their rushing. Their former RB Peyton Hillis could only manage four touchdowns last year and the Browns are hoping
to avoid this in the future.
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