Richardson deal leaves Weeden on the clock
July, 23, 2012
7/23/12
10:49
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
In news that should surprise no one, Browns running back Trent Richardson agreed to a four-year, $20.4 million fully guaranteed contract that includes a $13.6 million signing bonus, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
It was only a matter of time before Richardson signed after the draft's top two picks (Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III) and the sixth and seventh overall picks (Morris Claiborne and Mark Barron) all avoided offset language in their contracts. Offset language allows the team to save some money if the drafted player is released and signs with another team.
This allows the Browns to put all of their energy in getting quarterback Brandon Weeden into training camp on time. Rookies are scheduled to report Tuesday, but the real deadline is Friday, when the first full-team practice takes place.
The total money of the deal is set at $8.1 million over four years. The sticking point is Weeden wanting all four years of his rookie contract guaranteed. It's unlikely to happen considering the picks around Weeden, who was selected 22nd overall, received only part of their fourth year guaranteed. Weeden is one of six unsigned first-round picks in the NFL.
It was only a matter of time before Richardson signed after the draft's top two picks (Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III) and the sixth and seventh overall picks (Morris Claiborne and Mark Barron) all avoided offset language in their contracts. Offset language allows the team to save some money if the drafted player is released and signs with another team.
This allows the Browns to put all of their energy in getting quarterback Brandon Weeden into training camp on time. Rookies are scheduled to report Tuesday, but the real deadline is Friday, when the first full-team practice takes place.
The total money of the deal is set at $8.1 million over four years. The sticking point is Weeden wanting all four years of his rookie contract guaranteed. It's unlikely to happen considering the picks around Weeden, who was selected 22nd overall, received only part of their fourth year guaranteed. Weeden is one of six unsigned first-round picks in the NFL.


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