The Indians take on the Dbacks at 4:05. Join cleveland.com's Zack Meisel for live updates and comments chat during the game.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the Indians continue Cactus League play against the host Arizona Diamondbacks. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m.
If you're viewing this on your mobile device, click here to get updates and comment.
Where to watch/listen: SportsTime Ohio and indians.com.
Nine conferences begin tournament play Wednesday, including basketball powers like the Big 12, Big East and ACC.
No offense to the mid-majors, but conference tournament week will rise to another level Wednesday when the big boys take the court. Nine conferences begin tournament play Wednesday, including basketball powers like the Big 12, Big East and ACC. Here's a look at some of the storylines dominating the national conversation as the major conferences prepare to tip off:
Big 12 Tournament
Kansas City, Mo.
Sprint Center
Kansas is suddenly a big question mark as the Big 12 tourney opens. While the Jayhawks have the resume to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, the news that freshman big man Joel Embiid could be out until the second week of the NCAA tournament with a back injury is a huge blow. The coming days in Kansas City will tell whether the Jayhawks can adjust to life without Embiid or if their national championship hopes are sunk, writes Scott Gleeson of USAToday.com:
The Big 12 Tournament will be telling. The Jayhawks could draw Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals. KU lost to OSU 72-65 on March 1 on the road, and the Cowboys are starting to look like the team that had high expectations ... before a seven-game losing streak during which Marcus Smart was suspended for an altercation with a fan.
Said coach Bill Self of Embiid's loss, "Our team will rally around this."
They'll need to.
Big East Tournament
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
This will be the first conference tournament for the "new" Big East. Can it fill Madison Square Garden with the same magic and drama it always has -- even without departed powers UConn, Syracuse, Louisville and Pitt? The new teams in the conference have a lot to live up to, writes Jim O'Connell of The Associated Press: (via Yahoo! Sports)
Creighton, Xavier and Butler joined seven basketball-only schools in the redesigned Big East.
This week we find out if that 10-team league can drum up the interest of the ''old'' Big East.
''I love the ambiance of it, the excitement of it, the stage it's on,'' Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. ''All that contributed to what it had been and it will continue. As a young coach, I thought of being with Jim Boeheim, Jim Calhoun, Rick Pitino, those sorts of guys and say I'm with the best, and now I think of Jay Wright and John Thompson III. It's OK to be respectful of what it has been and be thankful to people who have made this what it is.''
ACC Tournament
Greensboro, N.C.
Greensboro Coliseum
Syracuse, part of that exodus from the Big East, is the big wild card here in its first ACC tourney. The Orange bolted out of the gate and looked destined to finish the season undefeated, until injuries and a late slump lowered expectations. The return of Jerami Grant for the regular-season finale seemed to right the ship, but it's clear Syracuse still has weaknesses. Will the Orange be the same team that opened the year 25-0? Or will their offensive struggles down the stretch in ACC matchups carry into the postseason? Raphielle Johnson of CollegeBasketballTalk.com expects a return to form for SU:
Syracuse's defense is why they were able to hang around in most of those games, and it's been a strength all season long. Opponents are shooting 40.8% from the field against the Orange in ACC play, and they're also second in the conference in defensive efficiency. The defense has largely been there for Syracuse, and the combination of that and an offense bolstered by the return of Grant may be enough to push the Orange to the ACC crown.
Watch Jordan Cornette of Campus Insiders explain why the prospect of a Syracuse-Duke rubber match alone makes the ACC tournament a must-watch event:
Pac 12 Tournament
Las Vegas, Nev.
MGM Grand - Garden Arena
While No. 4 Arizona is the favorite here, CBSSports.com's Matt Norlander likes coach Steve Alford's UCLA Bruins to come out on top:
I very much like their talent. It goes way beyond [Jordan] Adams and [Kyle] Anderson. Zach LaVine is like a fawn learning the lay of the land -- and man can he jump. The Wear twins are now seniors, big guys that can get up and down. Norman Powell is a terrific glue guy. Alford's team -- at its core, at its best -- is top-15-in-the-country good. Let's see if they opt to show that in Vegas.
SEC Tournament
Atlanta, Ga.
Georgia Dome
While Florida remains the No. 1 team in the land, the SEC has otherwise been maddeningly inconsistent and generally underwhelming. The question here is if bubble teams Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri can make a statement and salvage a decent NCAA tournament showing for the SEC as a whole, writes ESPN.com's Dana O'Neil:
To avoid an uncomfortable viewing party on Sunday, all three need to make sure they don't have any more awful losses, not just for themselves but for the sake of their league.
The football kingpin SEC continues to promise an improved product on the hardwood but, season after season, coach after coach, struggles to make it happen. It's time the teams helped the league office out.
Other conference tournaments starting Wednesday: AAC (Memphis), Atlantic 10 (Brooklyn), Mountain West (Las Vegas), Southland (Katy, Texas).
Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving said he's going to keep repeating the same mantra for the rest of the season: 'It's a great test. Great will. Means a lot.'
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – Asked yet again just how important the next few games are for his Cavaliers, whether this is the moment that could determine what path Cleveland will take toward the season's end, Kyrie Irving took a deep breath Tuesday and sighed.
"I'm honestly getting tired of talking to you guys about this," he said, "because every game is meaningful at this point. It's going to be the same answer: It's a great test. Great will. Means a lot. You're probably going to get those three answers over the next five weeks."
Take comfort, Kyrie: In truth, the Cavaliers' fate likely will be decided before the final game of the season, and there's a good chance it will be determined after this three-game West Coast trip.
The same questions won't be coming for that much longer.
Cleveland faces Phoenix, Golden State and the L.A. Clippers – all teams that either have firm grasps on playoff spots (the Warriors and Clippers), or are right in the hunt for one (the Suns).
The Cavaliers still believe they have a shot at the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite their four-game losing streak that has seen them fall to four games back from the No. 8 seed Atlanta.
Losing three on the road -- and returning home to face Miami, Oklahoma City and Houston – could mean the end of all playoff hopes, officially.
Irving missed Monday's practice with illness and said Tuesday that he needed I.V. fluids to help with dehydration. Meanwhile, C.J. Miles, who practiced Monday and said he expected to return from a sprained left ankle on this road trip, participated in Tuesday's practice in a limited fashion.
Even when not at full strength – Anthony Bennett is out for three weeks with a knee injury, and Anderson Varejao is on a minutes limit as he returns from a sore back – the Cavaliers still have faith that this road trip will yield positive returns toward their playoff goal.
"End of the season, 18 games left, every game matters," Irving said. "I mean, this is as close to meaningful basketball that I've played in the last three years. It matters a lot to me and it should matter to all of us, and I know it does. It's a great test and we've just got to will through this."
The Cavaliers' problem in the last two losses came in an inability to close the deal, as they were outscored a combined 55-39 by Charlotte and New York in the fourth quarter.
Strange as it might sound, this is precisely the time when Cavaliers coach Mike Brown doesn't want to put pressure on his young team to understand the importance of winning the remaining games by securing contests in final quarter.
"I've had to step back a little bit, as crazy as that sounds, and let them breathe some," Brown said. "I think the younger your team is, you do have to coach them and help them grow, but if you're always on top of them, they're going to be afraid to make mistakes. The only way you grow throughout the game of basketball and just life in general, raising kids, in your business or whatever, the only way you're going to grow is be able to make mistakes, play through them and grow through them."
They're growing and learning, even if they're getting tired of answering the same questions. And they're going to keep trying for that final playoff spot until someone tells them it's officially over.
"I'm never going to stop believing," Irving said. "I'm never going to stop playing like this season is over. Every game like it's my last. I'm going to do anything to make this playoff push. Anything coach needs me to do, anything my teammates need me to do, I'm willing to do."
Cavaliers vs. Suns
Time: 10 p.m. Wednesday at U.S. Airways Center.
TV/Radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100.
Notable: This is the first game of a three-game West Coast swing for the Cavaliers. ... The last time these teams faced off, Cleveland fell 99-90 after a six-point third quarter allowed Phoenix to overturn a 20-point deficit. ... The Suns have lost their last two games, are battling Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Talk Browns and NFL Free Agency at 7 p.m.
The Cleveland Browns have made a big splash on the first day of NFL Free Agency. Talk about the news with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, Mary Kay Cabot, Tom Reed and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff.
Join our crew tonight at 7 p.m. to talk about the latest free agency news and how this impacts the Browns in 2014.
You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to hosts' remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in MP3 format.
The Cardinals linebacker was a target of the Browns as they entered free agency Tuesday afternoon.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, 32, is a member of the Cleveland Browns, a report says.
He'll receive a four-year deal worth $24 million, including $10 million the first year and $14 million guaranteed, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it's a done deal.
Cleveland.com reported Tuesday that the Browns would pursue the 11th-year pro. That means the Browns are set to upgrade their defense with both Dansby and ninth-year safety Donte Whitner, the Cleveland native, who joined the Browns shortly after 4 p.m.
Dansby, 32, replaces D'Qwell Jackson, who was released by Cleveland and signed a four-year deal with the Colts last week. The Browns were also unsatisfied with the play of inside 'backer Craig Robertson in 2013.
The Browns are also interested in trading for former Jets and current Tampa Bay cornerback Darrelle Revis, considered the best shutdown corner in the game, according to nfl.com.
If the Browns land all three, it would be a blockbuster day for the wheeling and dealing club.
Dansby, a second-team All-Pro in 2013, started all 16 games last year, recording 113 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions -- including two returned for touchdowns -- 19 passes defensed a forced fumble and a recovery.
Dansby recently rejected a two-year offer from the Cardinals worth $10 million to $12 million a year, according to Somers. He signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals last year worth $2.25 million. Dansby would provide new Browns coach Mike Pettine with a force in the middle of his 3-4, hybrid defense.
Last year, the Browns also broke the bank on defense in free agency, signing linebackers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves, and defensive end Desmond Bryant.
The Browns headed into the day with a fistful of about $43 million in cash to spend and weren't bashful about it.
Shortly after the clock hit 4 p.m. and the new league year opened, the Browns reached deals with two new members of their defense, safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Karlos Dansby.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Shortly after the clock hit 4 p.m. and the new league year opened, the Browns reportedly reached deals with two new members of their defense, safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Karlos Dansby.
Whitner, who spent his high school days playing football at Glenville before moving onto Ohio State, is coming off back-to-back trips to the Pro Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.
Dansby, 32, is expected to replace linebacker D'Qwell Jackson on the field while at the same time serving as the veteran leader for new head coach Mike Pettine's aggressive defense.
Here are the best tweets from fans and media members reacting to the Browns early spending spree.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the wake of Saturday's hockey state championship resulting in a 1-1 tie between St. Ignatius and Sylvania Northview, discussion continues about the rules concerning how multiple overtime games are handled in high school hockey. Many hockey fans immediately took to social media, some wanting to know why the game could not simply go to a...
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the wake of Saturday's hockey state championship resulting in a 1-1 tie between St. Ignatius and Sylvania Northview, discussion continues about the rules concerning how multiple overtime games are handled in high school hockey.
Many hockey fans immediately took to social media, some wanting to know why the game could not simply go to a shootout to decide a winner.
Just after Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner Dr. Dan Ross announced the decision to end the game with co-state champions, the official OHSAA Twitter account released the following:
#OHSAA HOCKEY: Northview & St. Ignatius teams both agreed to end title game for player safety. Shootouts not allowed per NATIONAL rule
— OHSAA Sports (@OHSAASports) March 9, 2014The National Federation of State High School Associations discusses overtime in its hockey rulebook but nowhere does the word shootout appear. State associations are free to add their own policies governing overtime games, including shootouts, but Ohio has not done that. Ohio does not permit shootouts in regular season games or in the playoffs.
"There is a note that allows for state association adoption," said Dan Schuster, editor of the ice hockey rulebook at the NFHS.
The issue the OHSAA faced during the state title game is there is nothing in its rulebook that regulates how a shootout should be handled.
"You only have that opportunity if it's written in their rules," Schuster said. "If it's not somewhere in writing, they're not going to be able to just go to a shootout if they don't have language for it."
During a video interview with the Northeast Ohio Media Group on Monday, Ross said he is in favor of meeting with hockey coaches around the state and other officials to discuss procedures for how to handle similar situations that may arise in the future.
Schuster said this year does not mark the first time a state championship ended in a tie, mentioning the 2008 title game in Michigan as an example.
"I hope that the decision of Dr. Dan Ross will be a teachable moment for all people involved," Schuster said. "I hope when things calm down, people will realize that the decision was made was the right one."
Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.
It's the first day of NFL free agency. Follow along and get updates from throughout the day on who the Browns might target.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- New coaches. New front office regime. Time for the Cleveland Browns to tackle the first day of NFL free agency.
Bills free-agent S Jairus Byrd is on his way to New Orleans to visit the Saints, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014Here in CLE, told Brian Hoyer ahead of schedule. Will compete for starting job. Prob not w/ rookie. Brass not in LOVE w/ any prospect.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 11, 2014
Broncos are signing former Browns S TJ Ward, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014#Browns safety T.J. Ward's deal with #Broncos is worth average of $5.5 million a year, source tells http://t.co/AxL2Mqzjbd.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 11, 2014
Source tells PFT the Raiders are not pursuing Darrelle Revis, but the Browns are.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 11, 2014
From inside Ravens HQ: The Ravens and LT Eugene Monroe have officially agreed on a new deal.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 11, 2014
OT Eugene Monroe's deal with #Ravens is for five years, $37.5M.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 11, 2014
Check out this awesome photo of a young @DonteWhitner when he was with Glenville (second in pic) #Browns: pic.twitter.com/qmRDhT2RLj
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) March 11, 2014
Former Browns G Shawn Lauvao reached agreement on a 4-yr, $17M deal with the Washington Redskins, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
"I'm coming home!,'' Donte Whitner told http://t.co/2S6wzTZ9Xo
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 11, 2014
Donte Whitner to http://t.co/AxL2Mqzjbd: "I want to come back and help turn team and city around. I love Cleveland. It's my responsibilty''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 11, 2014
O-H-.......
— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) March 11, 2014
Donte Whitner becomes the 41st former Ohio State player to join the Cleveland Browns pic.twitter.com/kkipSRW178
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) March 11, 2014
Here we go!
— Alec Scheiner (@scheiner_alec) March 11, 2014
Former 49ers S Donte Whitner reached agreement on a four-year, $28 million deal with the Browns, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
Former Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby reached agreement on a 4-yr, $24M deal including $14M gtd with Cleveland, per ESPN sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
When TJ Ward was born, Donte Whitner was already a whopping 16 months old.
— Anthony Lima (@AnthonyLimaFAN) March 11, 2014
People laugh at the Browns, but I would love to be running that team right now. Talent. Money. Cap room. And draft picks.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) March 11, 2014
Dansby, a second-team All-Pro in 2013, started all 16 games last year, recording 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns, 19 passes defensed a forced fumble and a recovery.
Dansby recently rejected a two-year offer from the Cardinals worth $10 million to $12 million a year, according to Somers. He signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals last year worth $2.25 million. Dansby would provide new Browns coach Mike Pettine with a force in the middle of his 3-4, hybrid defense.
Last year, the Browns also broke the bank on defense in free agency, signing linebackers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves, and defensive end Desmond Bryant.
The Browns headed into the day with a fistful of about $43 million in cap space to spend.
Dansby filled up the stat sheet for Arizona in 2013, notching 122 tackles, defending 19 passes, recording 6.5 sacks and intercepting four passes. He returned a pair of picks for scores.
Dansby checks in at No. 23 on PFT’s Free Agent Hot 100. He is the top-ranked inside linebacker in free agency.
T.J. Ward and D'Qwell Jackson were leaders on a defense that couldn't make a big stop when game was on the line; time for new meat. #Browns
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) March 11, 2014
Julian Edelman will indeed the free agent market. The Patriots' offer fell short of his expectations, so the market will now dictate things.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 11, 2014
don't know if this has been out there since twitter broke. hearing Dansby to Browns, 4yrs/$24m. $10m year 1, $14m guaranteed.
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) March 11, 2014
Very excited & grateful for the opportunity to return to my team & be a part of chasing the quest for six! Go niners! #itsgood
— Phil Dawson (@phil_dawson_4) March 11, 2014
Sources say it will be between the Eagles or The Redskins for Jairus Byrd #NFLFreeAgency
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) March 11, 201449ers safety Donte Whitner expects to sign with his hometown Cleveland Browns shortly after 4 p.m. today, a source close to Whitner told cleveland.com.
If all goes as planned, Whitner will agree to a deal with the Browns right way, say farewell to the 49ers and their fans and head back home to Cleveland.
Whitner, 28, is expected to replace Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward, who figures to be lost in free agency. The 49ers were interested in re-signing their two-time Pro Bowler, but Whitner is set to come home instead.
The #Browns have emerged as the team to beat for Karlos Dansby, per source. #Titans, #Cardinals feel they are out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014Browns D taking shape. Buzz inside HQ is things are getting close w/ S Donte Whitner and former Buff LB Arthur Moats
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 11, 2014If Browns sign Donte Whitner and let T.J. Ward walk, I don't like it.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) March 11, 201410 yrs ago this week the Browns signed Jeff Garcia. A guy waved a flag outside Berea yelling "Super Bowl." Cars drove by honking all day.
— Zac Jackson (@FSOhioZJackson) March 11, 2014Revis (5-11, 198) and fellow cornerback Joe Haden would give the the Browns the best cornerback tandem in the NFL and enable Pettine to run is press man-cover scheme effectively.
Revis, who sat out of most of 2012 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was traded to the Bucs last season and signed to a six-year deal through 2018 worth $96 million. He's due to make $13 million in 2014, but his base salary can be converted into a signing bonus and spread out over the life of the contract.
Do not believe everything you read right now folks. Some of this is silllllly!
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) March 11, 2014Maybe Ray Farmer plans on playing fantasy football today #Browns
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) March 11, 2014Andre Roberts off table, Julian Edelman may be too. Browns' next move? Told by someone close to Andrew Hawkins, CLE showing "major interest"
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 11, 2014#Bucs are receiving interest in a Revis trade from teams with cap space. One team to watch: #Browns. Same system as Revis had with #Jets
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014Interesting subplot: While #Ravens wait for LT Eugene Monroe to take their deal, they plot a backup plan. It’s making a play for Alex Mack.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014If Monroe doesn't sign with Ravens, @RapSheet says 'do not be surprised' if Baltimore offers more money to sign Browns center Alex Mack.
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL) March 11, 2014More specifics: Sources: DE Michael Johnson has agreed to a 5-year, $43.75M deal with 24M guaranteed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 11, 2014#Patriots offered WR Julian Edelman a three-year deal, per source. Would like an answer by the start of free agency. They want to keep him
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014With Andre Roberts now a Redskin, as @MikeJonesWaPo reported, Browns will be in on PIT WR Emmanuel Sanders as underneath guy
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2014As of yesterday, here’s amount of salary cap space each team possessed (as provided by @NFLNetwork’s researchers): pic.twitter.com/akwgzvBjIC
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 11, 2014Another hot name to come off the board quick: Branden Albert and the #Dolphins. Bonus: He lives in Miami. Likely just drive over.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014Colts re-signed veteran K Adam Vinatieri to a two-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014If the Patriots, Steelers and Packers are the league's poster boys for stability and tradition, the Browns are the NFL's poster boys for futility. In February, the team fired yet another GM, and in January, they hired yet another head coach (third coach in 13 months). Ray Farmer (the new GM) and Mike Pettine (the new head coach) actually have a ton of young talent on the roster (Josh Gordon, Joe Haden and Joe Thomas are three of the best players at their respective positions). With close to $50 million to spend this offseason, they could (gulp) finally be ready to compete in the AFC North in 2014. A few savvy signings this week would be steps in the right direction.
Late Monday, Mack’s agent, Marvin Demoff, told me he thinks he could write a deal that would be tough for the Browns to match. He also said he has not spoken with any teams about Mack, in compliance with the rules that say players who get transition-tagged cannot speak to any interested teams until the free-agent signing period opens.
“I’m confident we can come up with a structure that would have a reasonable likelihood to not be matched by the Browns—and would be in full compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement,’’ Demoff said by phone from his Los Angeles office.
RB Peyton Hillis will be taking his physical with the Giants as soon as today. Re-signing there. Revived his career in NY last season
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2014A second-team All-Pro in 2013, Dansby started all 16 games last year, recording 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns, 19 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a recovery.
Dansby recently rejected a two-year offer from the Cardinals worth $10 million to $12 million a year, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. An 11th-year pro, Dansby signed a one-year deal with Arizona last year worth $2.25 million.
The Browns also need help at cornerback. In a league with a serious pass fetish, you can’t have enough capable defensive backs. Here are the Browns under contract: Haden, Buster Skrine, Leon McFadden, Julian Posey, Royce Adams, T.J. Heath and Brandon Hughes.
One of my favorite days of the year - along with Opening Day, Super Bowl Sunday and Draft Day.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014Alex Mack's transition status is an invitation to test the free agent market. Don't hold it against him. The Browns invited him to look around.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Alex Mack’s agent either believes or pretends to believe he can find a contract on the open market that will make the Browns swallow hard if not throw up their hands and walk away.
“I'm confident we can come up with a structure that would have a reasonable likelihood to not be matched by the Browns -- and would be in full compliance with the collective bargaining agreement," Marvin Demoff told TheMMQB.com on the eve of free agency.
While it seems a slim possibility given the “poison pill” contract clause is a thing of the past, the Browns invited that possibility by giving Mack the transition tag instead of the franchise tag.
All’s fair in love and contract negotiations.
To that I’d add, especially for NFL players.
I begrudge NFL players nothing.
Not when they play a game that leaves so many of them concussed and hobbled.
Not when they sign disposable contracts, front loaded with a signing bonus and amounting to Monopoly money they’ll never cash on the back end.
They should make as much money as they can for as long a possible. Every year they’re challenged to show they deserve to keep their jobs. Some of them every day, every practice.
If they’re good and lucky enough to someday show their age, they’re moved out or asked to take a pay cut.
The majority of pro athletes have brief careers. The careers of NFL players are shorter yet and far more debilitating.
Mack has been a rock in his five years with the Browns. He’s played well despite the chaos around him precipitating changes at head coach, coordinator and in the front office.
Jimmy Haslam, his second owner, was in the Welcome Wagon party that visited Mack in California where latest head coach Mike Pettine and most recent GM Ray Farmer laid out their plans in an attempt to sell Mack on their vision.
We assume Pettine’s vision is the same as Farmer’s vision. But to be fair, Farmer wasn’t involved in hiring him so we can only take their words for it.
The next day the Browns hit Mack with the transition tag, meaning he’ll make $10 million for the 2014 season if he signs the tender. In the meantime, he can entertain offers. The Browns have the right to match.
So what if Mack called Haslam a “good owner” and described the meeting as “cool.” He probably means it. But the Browns gave him the opportunity to gauge his worth.
Heck, if I’m Mack, I pay for billboards in front of every other team’s headquarters advertising my availability.
I use Google Maps to find every owner’s home address, rent a truck and a megaphone and tell them what I can do for them.
This strategic posturing by Mack’s people doesn’t make Mack an ingrate, a bad apple, or a guy who needs to move along now because it shows he isn’t all in with the new regime.
Please. Stop.
It just makes Mack and his people good businessmen.
Demoff alerting all other teams that a creative restructuring could land his client qualifies as an agent doing his job. That job entails making the Browns’ reach deep and match the offer if they dare.
Mack looking around and trying to break the bank isn’t a sign that he's mentally checked out of playing for the Browns next season. It's not an indication that he doesn't want to be here.
But -- c'mon now -- who could blame him if he didn’t?
Hold the “Super Bowl” chants, at least until training camp opens and the keg is tapped…
The Browns acquired good talent in free agency Tuesday, replacing the good talent they allowed to leave.
Getting older, as they did at inside linebacker and safety, is a curious approach.
Karlos Dansby is an upgrade over D’Qwell Jackson.
The same goes for Donte Whitner over T.J. Ward, if only from a durability standpoint. The downside is he has a lot more miles on him.
Are they improved with these moves? Yes. Significantly? Not really.
The Browns have filled two holes they created.
GM Ray Farmer will make his reputation on May 8, not March 11.
SPINOFFS
• It’s easy to see why the Browns would want Texans quarterback Matt Schaub.
Provided Jake Delhomme isn’t available.
• In the hours leading up to the 4 p.m. Tuesday start of free agency the Browns were linked via Twitter to every major target they desire except Jim Harbaugh.
Is this a good time to mention that the best teams dabble in free agency only sparingly?
• The Pacers announced Tuesday that Andrew Bynum would make his first start against the Boston Celtics.
On a four-game losing streak, Indiana was said to be looking for an “emotional jolt.”
All reports say Bynum is on his best behavior with the Pacers.
So the over/under on when he’d launch his first 40-footer using a well-practiced bowling motion was the two-minute mark of the second quarter.
• Barry Bonds showed up at San Francisco’s spring training site to work as a hitting instructor. He was said to look “considerably thinner,” the story noting that he is now an “avid cyclist.”
Yep that must be it.
• Bonds didn’t try to make a case for himself as a Hall of Famer. His message to the voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America: “I think you guys are all adults. I have no advice for you.”
Translation: you childish fools are hopeless.
• Given the immediate weight loss so obvious in retired NFL players, the sport of cycling is sweeping the country.
• Dennis Rodman says he went to North Korea simply to “do good things,” and still doesn’t understand the criticism levied against him for singing “Happy Birthday” to dictator Kim Jong-Un.
But Rodman says if people don’t want him to go to North Korea again, he won’t go.
That will satisfy some. Just not those who don’t have a problem with him going to Korea again, just with him insisting on coming back.
• Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton says Johnny Manziel is “the closest I’ve seen to myself.”
And Tarkenton’s era – when a quarterback could run around without facing near death experiences – could not be any further removed from what Manziel will face.
• Asked to name the best all-around player in the NFL, Devon Hester said, “Me.”
“I can go play corner, can go and play receiver, I can play running back and I can play a little safety as well as kickoff and punt returns,” he told 106.3 FM in West Palm Beach.
And really excel at two of them.
• Minnesota Rep. Pat Garofalo can’t understand the backlash after he Tweeted, the following:
Let's be honest, 70% of teams in NBA could fold tomorrow + nobody would notice a difference w/ possible exception of increase in streetcrime
— Rep. Pat Garofalo (@PatGarofalo) March 9, 2014Garofalo explained that pro athletes believe they are above the law.
“(That’s) the problem, not people like me pointing that problem out.”
It must be a burden being such a truth teller.
Not to mention physically demanding to wield such a big, broad brush.
• We can only assume Pat Garofalo will next shine his spotlight of truth on congressmen, Wall Street bankers and white-collar crime.
• For the second consecutive game, LeBron James did not shoot a free throw in Miami’s 99-90 win over Washington.
What’s it going to take to prove to refs he’s getting hammered on drives to the basket?
Besides his usual penchant of dying like a cowboy in a bad western upon contact?
• Tiger Woods, who has dealt with a bad back the past two weeks, plans on receiving treatment and playing this week at Bay Hill. His problems go back to last season as this video shows:
At this rate, he is expected to topple Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors only in his fuzzy nursing home recollections.
YOU SAID IT
(The Expanded Midweek Edition)
Bud: I'm always dumbfounded at Cleveland's (with the print and TV media serving as midwives) obsession with the Browns, as if there weren't other things to absorb readers interest with the NFL season six months away – Bill
True. With baseball just around the corner I’ve found myself wondering what Indians’ manager Terry Francona thinks the Browns should do at quarterback.
Hey Bud: It seems America has been very accepting of gay athletes coming out of the closet of late. When do you think America will be ready for shut ins to come out of their mom’s basement – Devin, Concord
For the sake of “You Said It,” I hope no time soon.
Bud: What are the chances of "Twelve Years A Browns' Fan" winning an Academy award? – Michael Sarro
I believe the movie is called “Draft Day.”
Bud: NBA basketball in Cleveland is FANtastic ! – Joe S
Dan Gilbert would like to give you a loan on some swamp land.
Bud: Will the Indians shake things up and shoot bobbleheads and tall-boys into the stands this year – Aunt Mil
I was just about to say how dangerous that could be, then I looked at MLB attendance figures for 2013.
Hi Bud: Why do the Cavs hang their retired player's number banners in front of all their NBA Championship banners? – Jim, Parma Heights
First-time “You Said It” winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.
Hey Bud: As a parting gift for Joe Banner, did the Browns let him cut D'Qwell? -- Pat
Repeat winners get a pink slip.
Bud: Did E Gordon Gee declare the Ohio high school hockey championship game the greatest victory in St. Ignatius history? -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike
Repeat winners get a tie.
Whitner is coming home to Cleveland after eight years with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Glenville High and Ohio State star Donte Whitner is headed back to Cleveland to play for his beloved hometown team, Whitner told cleveland.com.
"I'm coming home,'' Whitner said.
Whitner, 28, will replace safety T.J. Ward, who is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency. Whitner signed a four-year deal worth $28 million for an average of about $7 million a year.
• Read a 2013 feature about the car accident that changed Whitner's life when he was 6
"I'm very excited,'' said Whitner, who has played for San Francisco the past three seasons. "It's a very surreal feeling. It's a dream come true. Everyone dreams about playing for their hometown team and now I have that chance.''
He said his whole family, including his mom, Deborah, is overjoyed.
"She's excited but also a little nervous,'' said Whitner.
In Whitner, the Browns are getting a hard-hitting two-time Pro Bowler, one who has made the all-star squad in each of the past two seasons.
He's set to be joined by former Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, who has agreed to a four-year, $24 million deal with the Browns.
"I want to come back to Cleveland and help turn the team and the city around,'' said Whitner, entering his ninth NFL season. "In San Francisco, I went to the NFC Championship game once and to the Super Bowl. I know what it takes to win, and I know what it takes to prepare to win. I can share that with my teammates. We need to instill the culture of winning.''
Whitner said he also wants to give back to the community and to Glenville High.
"I want to set an example for the kids of Cleveland,'' he said. "I want them to know that they can be successful. I feel it's my responsibility to help make Cleveland a place that people want to live and be proud of.''
Whitner would also fill the leadership void left by D'Qwell Jackson, who was released by the Browns and signed with Indianapolis.
Whitner was drafted No. 8 overall by the Bills in 2006 when he was only 20 years old, the youngest player to be drafted at the time. He spent his first five seasons with the Bills and signed with the 49ers as a free agent in 2011, inking a three-year deal worth $11.75 million. Since then, he's been to three NFC Championship games and the Super Bowl.
Whitner, who has contemplated changing his last name to "Hitner,'' is known for his ferocious collisions. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl this season after finishing the year with 73 tackles, 12 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Whitner will pair with free safety Tashaun Gipson.
The 32-year-old backup is reportedly due a $250,000 roster bonus on Thursday.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns cut one quarterback Wednesday and could release another within the next 24 hours.
The Browns owe Jason Campbell a $250,000 roster bonus on Thursday, according to Pro Football Talk, and he's scheduled to make a base salary of $3 million for the upcoming season.
With the club expected to draft a quarterback and rumored to have interest in Houston’s Matt Schaub -- if he’s released -- it would surprise few to see the Browns cut Campbell. The team already parted ways with Brandon Weeden on Wednesday.
“Right now, I'm just anxious to know what the Browns are going to do,” Campbell told ESPN. “If I'm going to be back, I'd like to be able to prepare for that. If I'm not returning, my agent can get to work on my next move.”
Brian Hoyer likely will compete for the starter’s job with whomever the Browns sign or draft.
Campbell finished last season 1-7 as a starter after Hoyer injured his knee and Weeden couldn’t capitalize on a second chance. He completed 180-of-317 passes for 2,015 yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions.
His lone victory was a celebrated one as the Browns outlasted Baltimore, 24-18, on Nov. 3 to end an 11-game losing streak to the Ravens. Campbell threw three TDs in the win. He also registered strong starts in road losses at Kansas City (22-of-36 for 293 yards, 2 TDs) and New England (29-of-44 for 391 yards, 3 TDs).
But Campbell was mostly ineffective and banged up in the stretch run, dealing with a concussion and bruised ribs.
The Tribe will play host to the Padres starting just after 4 p.m. EDT today in Goodyear.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the
Indians continue Cactus League play host to the San Diego Padres in Goodyear. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel
in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m. EDT.
If you're viewing this on your mobile device, click here to get updates and comment.
Where to watch/listen: SportsTime Ohio and indians.com.
The Cavaliers hope to avoid a rerun of their horrible third quarter against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 26 in Cleveland.
PHOENIX -- You couldn't blame Cavaliers coach Mike Brown if he skipped showing his team clips from the last third quarter it played against the Phoenix Suns.
After all, the Suns outscored the Cavs in the third quarter on Jan. 26 at The Q, 25-6, tying their franchise record for fewest points in a quarter. Cleveland made just 2 of 22 shots in the third quarter -- 9 percent -- while coughing up a 20-point first half lead en route to a 99-90 loss.
But Brown showed the clips anyway as the Cavs prepared for tonight's rematch at the U.S. Airways Center.
"Just because we lost or got hit in the mouth pretty hard in that third quarter, that's not the only reason we do it,'' Brown said. "Whenever we played a team before, we would try to take as many clips as we can from that last game to use as teaching points.''
The teaching points are easy: Don't do that again.
The Suns present a host of defensive problems. They lead the league in fast-break points with 19 a game and are third in 3-pointers, averaging 9.4 a game. The Cavs held them to just five fast break points in the first game, but they made 9 of 27 3-pointers, including five in the third quarter.
"In the second half they came out and hit four or five it seemed like right off the bat,'' Brown said. "So we've got to defend the 3-point line, know who we're closing out to and how to close out to the different shooters they have.
Probable starting lineups: Cavs -- F Luol Deng, F Tristan Thompson, C Spencer Hawes, G Jarrett Jack, G Kyrie Irving. Suns -- F Marcus Morris, F Channing Frye, C Miles Plumlee, G Gerald Green, G Goran Dragic.
Injuries: Cavs -- C.J. Miles (sprained left ankle) and Carrick Felix (left knee stress fracture) are out. Suns -- Emeka Okafor (back) and Leandro Barbosa (fractured left hand) are out. (P.J. Tucker suspended one game for elbowing Clippers' Blake Griffin on Monday.)
Officials: Tony Brothers, Kane Fitzgerald, Eli Roe.
Up next for Cavs: At Golden State on Friday.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week's edition of the Pick-and-Roll podcast features Division II Final Four finalist St. Vincent-St. Mary.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week's edition of the Pick-and-Roll podcast features Division II Final Four finalist St. Vincent-St. Mary.
0:00-5:42 Introduction and regional recap
Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) and Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) spoke with coach Joe Jakubick and senior guards Kiley May and Cassie Jakubick about the Irish's spot at state. The Irish arrived in Columbus on Wednesday and went for a shoot-around at Dublin Coffman.
The Pick-and-Roll is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from Kuzydym and Kern, as well as discussions with area players and coaches. We’ll have a promo post each week inviting you to share questions you have for our guests.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the high school basketball season and engaging with you throughout the year.
Revis' large contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made him the topic of trade talks.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released cornerback Darrelle Revis on Wednesday afternoon, opening the door for the Browns and other teams to sign him as a free agent.
Browns had reportedly shown "significant'' interest in trading for Revis, but the Patriots might now also make a strong push to sign him.
The Patriots lost cornerback Aqib Talib to the Broncos on Tuesday night, and are in the market for a premier corner to replace him. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots might make a move for Revis after losing Talib, whom they were reportedly close to signing.
Schefter reported that Talib signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Broncos, including $26 million guaranteed.
Revis was due a $1.5 million roster bonus from the Bucs, which is one reason they released him Wednesday afternoon. Now, Revis is free to sign with any team.
The five-time Pro Bowler played for Browns coach Mike Pettine for four seasons when he was defensive coordinator of the Jets under Rex Ryan. Revis, the premier shutdown corner in the NFL, made three of his five Pro Bowls with Pettine as his coordinator.
Pairing Revis (5-11, 198) with Pro Bowler Joe Haden would give the Browns the best cornerback tandem in the NFL and enable Pettine to run his press man-cover scheme effectively.
After sitting out most of 2012 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Revis was traded to the Bucs last season and signed to a six-year deal through 2018 worth $96 million. He was due to make $13 million in 2014.
Cornerback is a high priority for the Browns in free agency, a league source told cleveland.com. But some of the best ones are already off the market, including Green Bay's Sam Shields, Talib and Alterraun Verner, who signed with Tampa Bay and made Revis expendable.
Another possible option for the Browns -- and Patriots -- is three-time Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie, who played for Pettine for three seasons with the Jets. The Jets released Cromartie, 29, on Sunday. In his eight seasons, he has 28 interceptions.
Justin Masterson gets his third straight opening day assignment for the Indians.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Manager Terry Francona on Tuesday named Justin Masterson as the Indians opening day starter. It will be his third straight opening day assignment for the Tribe.
In talking about his start against Oakland on March 31 at O.co Coliseum, Masterson dropped a hint about his mindset concerning his contract negotiations with the Indians. Editor’s note, the hint doesn’t come until the end of the story.
“It’s exciting. It’s really cool,” said Masterson. “Again, I want to try and be the leader of the staff and set the tone. As I always say, it’s just the first game of the year. The biggest part is just setting that tone for the rest of the staff because as the season goes on, you’re getting out there every five days, and we need everybody.
“So this just happens to be the first game of the year. You take that and have some fun with that.”
In his previous two opening day starts, Masterson has pitched well. In each game, he faced Toronto.
On April 5, 2012, Masterson left with a 4-1 lead after eight innings at Progressive Field. He allowed one earned run with 10 strikeouts and a walk only to have Chris Perez blow the save in the ninth inning. The Indians lost, 4-3, in 16 innings.
Last year on April 2, Masterson went six innings, allowing one run with five strikeouts, in a 4-1 victory at Rogers Centre.
Masterson said he never really thought about being an opening day starter in the big leagues.
“You always strive to be the best,” said Masterson. “You don’t really think I’m going to get opening day. You just think I’m going to go out there, I’m going to compete I’m going to do well.
“You don’t think about this part of it. But, wow, it’s kind of neat to get out there and start it off and hopefully it will be for years to come.”
Masterson paused for a moment and said, “Did you get that . . .for years to come.”
The Indians and Masterson are trying to reach a deal on a multiyear deal that will keep him in Cleveland. He can be a free agent at the end of the year.
Former first-round pick failed to become a consistent winner with the Browns.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns put an end to the failed Brandon Weeden experiment on Wednesday by cutting the 2012 first-round pick.
General Manager Ray Farmer made the announcement just before 4 p.m. and issued a statement through the team.
“First and foremost, the Browns would like to thank Brandon and his agent for being true professionals. The circumstances in which he found himself were not easy for him or the team. After discussions with Brandon and his agent, we’d like to give him the ability to pursue other opportunities.”
Last month, Farmer said a decision on Weeden would be coming "in time.''
About 35 minutes after the Browns cut Weeden, they dumped 10-year veteran quarterback Jason Campbell too. He was due a $250,000 roster bonus on Thursday.
Sources told NFL Network's Michael Silver Feb. 11 that Weeden wanted out of Cleveland and would like a change of scenery because of all the turmoil with the Browns. He also cited a lack of support from the front office, which didn't draft Weeden.
Weeden, 30, went 5-15 in his two years with the Browns, but learned two different systems and didn't have much of a supporting cast as a rookie, when he went 5-10.
He signed a four-year deal in 2012 worth $8.1 million, with $7.511 million guaranteed and a $4.318 million signing bonus. With his signing bonus and base salaries, he earned $5.465 million of his guaranteed money, meaning the Browns still owe him about $2.1 million. They'll have $4.2 million in dead money on their cap this year from the Weeden deal.
Weeden's release by the Browns comes as no surprise.
He told the Oklahoman last month that his tenure in Cleveland was a "roller coaster'' and " a “tough situation.”
He also said he wanted to play where it was enjoyable.
“I want to play football,” Weeden said during an appearance at OU Medical Center last month. "I don't care. I just want to play football and be at a place where it's enjoyable and we can compete and win games. That's really what it's all about.” Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick in 2012 out of Oklahoma State, went 5-15 in his two seasons, including 0-5 in 2013. He was also benched three times in 2013 by coach Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner.
Sources close to the previous staff said the offensive coaches were not sold on Weeden and that they weren't the reason the Browns kept him around in 2012. In fact, Turner had his eye on Matt Cassel, who signed with the Vikings last year and then re-signed with them last week. Turner is now the offensive coordinator of the Vikings.
The feeling among previous staffers was that Weeden had a big arm but no touch on the ball and very little feel for the game. He struggled with accuracy throughout his two seasons, completing only 55.9% of his passes with 23 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. His career rating was 71.8.
Weeden's departure means the first round of the 2012 draft was a wash. Former Browns CEO Joe Banner cut the Browns losses and traded slumping running back Trent Richardson to the Colts last season for a first-round pick, which proved to be No. 26 in the 2014 draft. The Browns not only selected Richardson with their top pick, they traded a fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round pick to move up from No. 4 to No. 3 to get him.
Former Browns coach Pat Shurmur threw Weeden into the starting lineup right away in 2012, and he struggled right out of the gate, throwing four interceptions in an opening day loss to the Eagles for a 5.1 rating. He lost his first five games and finished 5-10 that season.
The Browns left no stone unturned in the 2013 offseason trying to find an upgrade over Weeden, but opted to see how he would do in Turner's downfield scheme. They brought in quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer to compete with him, but intended to start him all along, especially after Hoyer took some time to adjust in preseason.
As for his future, he added in the Oklahoman interview: “I understand the business side of everything that's going on. It's kind of out of my control, because I'm still under contract. The ball's kind of in their court, depending on what they want to do and do with me going forward.
“I kind of have no control over it. It is what it is, and things will work out.”
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Members of the St. Ignatius and Sylvania Northview hockey teams, still celebrating their shared state championship, received an email Tuesday from Michael Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the Soviet Union for the gold medal. The email congratulated both teams and commended the determination and heart shown by players on both...
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Members of the St. Ignatius and Sylvania Northview hockey teams, still celebrating their shared state championship, received an email Tuesday from Michael Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the Soviet Union for the gold medal.
The email congratulated both teams and commended the determination and heart shown by players on both sides with the game ending in controversy in a 1-1 tie after seven overtimes.
"It took a while to sink in, but now I know that we are champions and even Mike Eruzione knows it," St. Ignatius senior captain Kevin Spellacy.
Here is the email Eruzione sent, which was shared by St. Ignatius coach Pat O'Rourke:
"Coach, just wanted to send a note to you and your team and congratulate you on a great season and an amazing last game. I hope you are not disappointed that there was no winner but when you look back and realize both teams won. It was an incredible moment of survival and you never wavered and never quit a true testament to a great team with great character and determination. Again, you must have a special group of players that you should be proud, wow what a story for them to tell their kids and someday their grandkids.
Good Luck, Mike Eruzione, captain 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team"
"Mike Eruzione is a pretty well known guy for all hockey players so it was a pretty big honor," said St. Ignatius forward Beck Schultz. "It tells us that we are unique and we did a unique thing. In our hearts we are true state champs and no one can take that away from us. This is something that we'll be telling our family and friends and further down the road, our kids."
Schultz said the team often gains inspiration on long road trips by watching the movie "Miracle," which depicts the story of how the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team upset the Soviet Union, proving many skeptics wrong in the process. Eruzione was a key component of that team.
"We must have watched that movie three or four times, just this season," said Spellacy.
St. Ignatius coach Pat O'Rourke was so taken aback by Eruzione's email that, initially, he didn't think it was real.
"I thought it was a joke, at first," O'Rourke said. "I couldn't believe he took the time to reach out like that. It's not every day you get an email from him."
The Cavaliers have signed forward Shane Edwards to a 10-day contract and released Arize Onuaku from his second 10-day contract that would have expired on March 13.
PHOENIX -- The Cavaliers have signed forward Shane Edwards from the Canton Charge to a 10-day contract, acting general manager David Griffin announced Wednesday. To create the roster spot for Edwards, the team released forward Arinze Onuaku from his second 10-day contract that was set to expire on March 13.
Edwards, who played at Arkansas-Little Rock, has played in 40 games (32 starts) for the Charge this season, averaging 13.3 points on .547 shooting and 5.5 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game. The 6-7, 220-pound forward has scored 15 or more points 15 times, including nine in his last 11 games.
Edwards will wear No. 24 and be available for tonight’s game against the Suns.
Campbell took over as the starter in 2013 before concussions hindered his season.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns released 10th-year quarterback Jason Campbell on Wednesday, shortly after they said farewell to Brandon Weeden.
“We appreciate Jason’s contributions to the Browns in 2013,'' general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement. "He’s a respected veteran player in this league. "We felt like at this time, early in the free-agency period, we would give him a better opportunity to move forward. We wish Jason the best in his future endeavors.”
Campbell, signed to a two-year deal last offseason, was due a $250,000 roster bonus on Thursday.
Campbell said at the end of the season that he still feels he's a starter and wants to continue playing. However, he went 1-7 with the Browns in his lone season.
The Browns still have Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney on the roster.
