KWII Rejects Browns Offer; First Look at CB.com Editorial Freedoms

It's not shocking that the Postons have rejected a contract offer from the Browns, and it's not really that surprising that the Browns offered to match the contract of #5 pick Sean Taylor since the Browns wanted to select Winslow in that spot anyway. But what is most interesting for the moment is Pat McManamon's story on the Browns web site, as this is the first test of whether or not CB.com is going to be a reasonably objective news source -- and this story doesn't make any bold journalistic statements.

Is the offer fair?

“Absolutely,’’ said one agent who has negotiated deals for several first-round picks. “If Winslow is asking for more, it’s hard to justify.’’

And that's about as hard hitting as it gets. While so far the Browns appear to be the "good guys" in the KWII negotiations, there isn't even an obligatory quote on or paraphrasing of the Postons position.

And this article on ESPN.com brought up the somewhat valid criticm that the Browns have gone back on their promise not to use the media in negotiations. That, it seems, is par for the course for Butchie and I'll be waiting for McManamon to address the long-standing and growing creditbility problem there. That is the kind of thing I'd still like to see from Pat McManamon (and I think it would, believe it or not, benefit the Browns organization financially).

One additional point -- kudos to the Browns on getting everyone else into camp, and for getting 5-year deals. This year there were a few articles about how the team was making enemies by doing this, but frankly I don't see that happening so much. Getting all those guys in on time would seem to refute that criticism.