Still no rookies; it's a problem

Finally the scoop is out on exactly why none of the Browns draft picks have signed; the team wants them to sign for 5 years. This is pretty much a first in NFL as far as I know. It is an atempt by the team to avoid the dreaded "restricted free agent" tag after players have been in the league a few years. This makes a lot of business sense for the Browns since they'd be taking almost no risk -- if the player doesn't pan out and gets released, only the signing bonus goes against the cap. But it's also completely understandable that the players are balking at this. Typically a veteran who survives 3-4 years in the NFL expects to make very good money. Under this approach they won't, and they aren't getting additional security in the deal. I think the Browns will either have to step back to get only 3 or 4 year deals, or will have to increase the amount of guaranteed money in the contracts. While I give the team credit for pursuing a potentially advantagous arrangement, we don't want to become the cheap-o Bengals either.

Another factor -- no more "voidable" years for 1st or 2nd round picks. I'm all for this, but again it's something that is a good deal for the player and the Browns may have to give a little. But this seems to be lesser of an issue than th 5-year deals for lower picks. I think when you pick a center and a line backer the team can dictate the terms of the deal.

Anyway, it's clear the team is reaching a situation now. It sounds like it will be Monday at the earliest before any of thee guys are on the practice field and this WILL affect the team's performance this year. Faine won't be an anchor, at least not the first month of the year; he's got a ton to learn as it is. Lehan and Crocker -- it seems like late-reporting DBs always struggle. Thompson supposedly has a lot to learn too, but if he is used only situationally perhaps he can overcome. Etc.