There goes Albert Haynesworth, heading from Mike Shanahan’s Redskins to Bill Belichick’s Patriots — where he will be joined by New England’s other big pickup Thursday: Chad Ochocinco.

AP FileChad Ochocinco will play for Bill Belichick in New England. That could get interesting.

There goes Albert Haynesworth, heading from Mike Shanahan’s Redskins to Bill Belichick’s Patriots — where he will be joined by New England’s other big pickup Thursday: Chad Ochocinco.

Reggie Bush? The Saints sent him to the Dolphins. And the Kevin Kolb saga ended the way pretty much everyone expected, with a trade from the Eagles to the Cardinals.

NFL clubs made a move a minute Thursday — and those big-name deals were only the beginning.

Day 3 of the compressed, post-lockout off-season also included more contract agreements and plenty of cuts, which teams were finally allowed to start announcing at 4:01 p.m. ET. Among the players getting released were Vince Young by the Titans and Nate Clements (Shaker Heights, Ohio State) by the 49ers.

In the first dramatic example of how the new labor deal’s rookie salary system will affect elite players, No. 2 overall draft pick Von Miller got $21 million guaranteed over four years from Denver. The No. 2 pick in 2010, Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, signed a five-year deal worth $40 million guaranteed and as much as $68 million overall.

The man widely regarded as the best available player in free agency, Nnamdi Asomugha, hasn’t picked a team yet. But another top cornerback, Johnathan Joseph, reportedly agreed to terms with Houston.

Belichick has had success reining in outspoken, do-it-my-way players such as receiver Randy Moss, and now New England’s coach gets two more guys who fit that description in defensive tackle Haynesworth and receiver Ochocinco.

All the Patriots gave up for Haynesworth was a 2013 fifth-round pick. By shipping the defensive tackle to New England, the Redskins rid themselves of a two-year distraction and fiasco of a free-agent signing.

A person with knowledge of the Ochocinco deal told the Associated Press he agreed to a new three-year contract with the Patriots. It was not known what the Bengals received in return.

In the Kolb deal, Philadelphia received cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick from Arizona, which was in need of a starting quarterback.

The Dolphins finalized their trade for Bush by negotiating a new two-year contract for nearly $10 million with the running back. New Orleans got reserve safety Jonathon Amaya in the swap, which also involved an exchange of draft picks.

Also Thursday:

Pittsburgh released tackle Max Starks and receiver Antwaan Randle El.

Buffalo agreed to a four-year contract worth about $15 million with Brad Smith, the versatile receiver-running back-kick returner who was a force in the wildcat formation with the Jets.

Dallas made official nine cuts, many of them leaked previously. Gone are tackle Marc Colombo, guard Leonard Davis, receiver Roy Williams, running back Marion Barber, place-kicker Kris Brown, offensive linemen Robert Brewster and Travis Bright, linebacker Kelvin Smith and receiver Troy Bergeron.

Five-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers agreed to a deal with San Francisco, leaving Philadelphia after 12 seasons.

Kansas City released five-time Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters.

Daryn Colledge, the starting left guard for the Super Bowl champion Packers, agreed to a five-year deal with the Cardinals.

Chicago traded tight end Greg Olsen to Carolina for an undisclosed 2012 draft choice.

Around the camps

Chargers: Tight end and former Kent State men’s basketball star Antonio Gates, recovering from plantar fasciitis, was an observer at the morning walkthrough.

Eagles: Receiver DeSean Jackson missed the first day of training camp, signaling the start of a holdout. Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl player, is slated to make $565,000 in base salary this season, the last on his four-year rookie deal.

"Looks like a good pickup. Antonetti has seemingly erased the Buck/Kearns platoon and Kearns will return to playing once a week, hopefully. If Kuroda can be had on the cheap in terms of prospects then let's pull the trigger." - jcublue

View full sizeAP Photo | Nam Y. HuhKosuke Fukudome will wear an Indians uniform beginning tonight.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians trade for Kosuke Fukudome; GM open to adding pitcher, another hitter, cleveland.com reader jcublue likes the addition of Fukudome. This reader writes,

"Looks like a good pickup. Antonetti has seemingly erased the Buck/Kearns platoon and Kearns will return to playing once a week, hopefully. If Kuroda can be had on the cheap in terms of prospects then let's pull the trigger."

"Excited to see this man play some football again. He was a tackling machine for a few years. Him and Fujita together? I like it." - mwheeland.wordpress.com

View full sizePDD'Qwell Jackson.

In response to the story Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is excited about his comeback and about the switch to a 4-3 defense: Browns insider, cleveland.com reader mwheeland.wordpress.com is excited to see Jackson on the field again. This reader writes,

"Excited to see this man play some football again. He was a tackling machine for a few years. Him and Fujita together? I like it."

"Brandon Jackson is added insurance. Is anyone comfortable that Hardesty will hold up and make it through an entire year? I have my doubts. The Browns have to have someone that can give Hillis a breather once in a while." - nkypete

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerThe Browns have added running back Brandon Jackson, formerly of Green Bay.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns reach agreements with Jabaal Sheard, Greg Little, Usama Young, Brandon Jackson, cleveland.com reader nkypete thinks Brandon Jackson will help. This reader writes,

"Brandon Jackson is added insurance. Is anyone comfortable that Hardesty will hold up and make it through an entire year? I have my doubts. The Browns have to have someone that can give Hillis a breather once in a while."

Training camp opens Sunday in Berea. Which player would you try to have sign something?

T.J. Ward signs autographs for fans during Cleveland Browns training camp last summer in Berea.

The Cleveland Browns have announced their 2011 training camp schedule. Starting Sunday, fans will be able to head out to Berea and watch their favorite players going through the paces.

With that in mind, which Browns player would you most like to get an autograph from this summer? Plenty of veterans return, including running back Peyton Hillis, who was voted onto the cover of the Madden 12 video game coming out soon. And the new draft picks are bringing hope for better days ahead at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The deadline to enter the tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron is 5 p.m. tonight.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerTiger Woods officially entered next week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational this morning. Woods will compete for the first time since May 12 when he withdrew from The Players Championship because of injury.

AKRON, Ohio - Tiger Woods this morning officially committed to play in next week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, tournament officials announced.

Woods, who announced his intention to play Thursday night on his website, will compete for the first time since May 12 when he withdrew from The Players Championship after nine holes after straining his left knee and aggravating a strained left Achilles tendon. The 11-week layoff is the third-longest of his career.

The tournament is Aug. 3-7 at Firestone Country Club.

Woods has won seven times in 12 appearances at Firestone.

"Tiger Woods' record here at the Bridgestone Invitational truly speaks for itself, and we're excited he has joined what is shaping up to be an incredible field," executive director Don Padgett III said in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming our fans to Firestone Country Club and those from around the world through our international television partners for what promises to be a memorable and thrilling week of competition."

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. today. The field includes Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Nick Watney, K.J. Choi, Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan and Dustin Johnson.

Depending on how much they want to spend, there are plenty of CBs left in the free agent market.

APShaker Heights native Nate Clements: A good fit for Browns?

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns didn't expect to be in the free agent market for cornerbacks until Eric Wright accepted an offer from the Detroit Lions.

Now what?

First they have to decide if they want to pursue a starter better than their own Sheldon Brown, or a third cornerback, which was the role Wright projected with them.

The market for cornerbacks has been hot. Taken off already have been Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph (to Houston), Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh) and Drayton Florence (Buffalo).

But there are dozens of free agent cornerbacks still available, including high-priced starters such as Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, the Jets' Antonio Cromartie and Washington's Carlos Rogers.

An obvious choice would be native Clevelander Nate Clements, who was recently released by San Francisco because of a huge contract signed in 2007. Clements is 30 and would certainly challenge as a starter with the Browns.

Richard Marshall of Carolina is an interesting option. He's 26 and still on the rise as a player. Agent Drew Rosenhaus is said to be banking on a big contract for Marshall, and the Panthers already have spent aggressively this week to retain defensive end Charles Johnson, linebacker Jon Beason and running back DeAngelo Williams.

After Marshall, the market drops off. Among the cornerbacks unsigned are:

Chris Carr and Fabian Washington of Baltimore, former Eagle Lito Sheppard of Minnesota, Leigh Torrence of New Orleans and William Gay of Pittsburgh.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter talks about Wright's departure and answers your questions in his weekly Hey, Tony! show. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough.

The Cleveland Browns have announced their 2011 training camp schedule, and fans, as always, are invited to attend. Which player's autograph would you most like to get this year? That's the questions in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi, who has thoughts on that topic. He also discusses the departure of Browns CB Eric Wright to the Detroit Lions, a development that left the team scrambing to fill a hole it didn't think it had.

Tony also answers some fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. Those include questions about whether the Browns have interest in linebackers Nick Barnett or Joey Porter; and why people say the owners came out on the losing end of the recent NFL lockout.

SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff talking about the Indians after Sunday's MLB trade deadline.

Will Kosuke Fukudome help the Indians offense? What are some of the things to watch for as the Browns open training camp? Waitingfornextyear.com's DP and Scott Sargent answered those question and more in a podcast with cleveland.com on Friday.

View full sizeAP Photo | Morry GashThe Indians hope Kosuke Fukudome will help their defense as well as their offense.

Will Kosuke Fukudome help the Indians offense? What are some of the things to watch for as the Browns open training camp?

Waitingfornextyear.com's DP and Scott Sargent answered those question and more in a podcast with cleveland.com on Friday.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will the Indians make another move and what type of move do you expect it to be?

• Which prospects do you consider untouchable in a trade?

• Do you like the conservative approach the Browns have taken in free agency so far?

• Are there any free agents still available that you would like to see the Browns sign?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

**

Also from WFNY:

On second thought, I love the Kosuke Fukudome Trade 

Contrary to Perception, the Fate of Ohio State Football is Yet to be Determined 

The Bizarre Link Between Bernie Kosar and Terrelle Pryor

The former Germany striker's first game in charge will be a friendly against archrival Mexico in Philadelphia on Aug. 10.

APJuergen Klinsmann

CHICAGO -- U.S. Soccer appointed Juergen Klinsmann as its new national coach today, a day after firing Bob Bradley.

The former Germany coach will be a familiar face to American fans, given that he nearly got the job after the 2006 World Cup and then again last year before Bradley was given what turned out to be a short-lived contract extension to 2014.

The former Germany striker's first game in charge will be a friendly against archrival Mexico in Philadelphia on Aug. 10. Qualifying for the next 2014 World Cup in Brazil begins next year.

"We are excited to have Juergen as the head coach of our Men's National Team," U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a statement. "He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program. Juergen has had success in many different areas of the game, and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field."

Klinsmann will be formally introduced Monday at a news conference in New York.

"I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team," Klinsmann said. "I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I'm excited about the challenge ahead. I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Although the U.S. federation discussed the job with Klinsmann in the past, the coach's desire for extensive authority over the entire U.S. program was considered a point of contention.

Klinsmann, who turns 47 on Saturday, has a considerable World Cup pedigree.

As a player, he scored 11 goals in three World Cups, 1990, 1994 and 1998. That ties him for sixth on the all-time scoring list, just behind Pele.

Klinsmann was a key cog for West Germany's 1990 World Cup-winning team and the German team's captain from 1994 to 1998. He retired in 1998 and moved to the United States shortly afterward.

Bradley's dismissal after five years in charge came as a surprise on Thursday.

He led the U.S. team to considerable success and several big moments. But the U.S. seemed to take a step backward this summer, and a stinging 4-2 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final last month -- when the U.S. blew a 2-0 lead -- appears to have convinced U.S. Soccer officials it was time to make a change.

If the Cleveland Indians' performance over the previous week wasn't enough of a cry for offensive help, their latest effort at the plate certainly did the trick. They're hoping Kosuke Fukudome can provide a spark.

Kosuke Fukudome makes his Indians debut tonight. (AP Photo)

Cleveland, Ohio -- If the Cleveland Indians' performance over the previous week wasn't enough of a cry for offensive help, their latest effort at the plate certainly did the trick.

They're hoping Kosuke Fukudome can provide a spark.

The Indians traded for the veteran outfielder less than 24 hours after getting no-hit, an addition they'd love to see drag them out of their offensive rut starting with Friday night's series opener against the visiting Kansas City Royals.

Dealing with injuries to outfielders Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland's offense has gone in a mid-July funk.

The Indians (52-50) totaled 12 runs and 36 hits in losing five of six heading into Wednesday's finale against the Los Angeles Angels, and it only got worse. Angels starter Ervin Santana gave up an unearned run in the first inning but nothing else, no-hitting Cleveland in a 3-1 victory.

"Regardless of how our lineup is doing, you can't take credit away from him," manager Manny Acta said, adding that Thursday's off day came at a critical time for his scuffling offense. "These guys are young. The first or second batter on Friday gets a hit, and we'll forget about this."

Acta could have a new first or second hitter when he fills out Friday's lineup card. General manager Chris Antonetti pulled the trigger Thursday on a deal that sent two prospects to the Chicago Cubs for Fukudome, who had a .374 on-base percentage while primarily batting leadoff and playing right field.

Fukudome, however, only hit .214 away from Wrigley Field.

"We're a better team than we were yesterday," Antonetti said. "Kosuke helps us offensively and defensively. Our goal is to improve our run scoring and run prevention and we will continue to pursue all avenues."

Fukudome will likely be in right field at least until Choo returns from thumb surgery - he could then move to center - but there's little chance he'll be leading off. Cleveland's Michael Brantley is hitting .295 with five homers batting first, but he's batting .218 anywhere else in the order.

Brantley has especially provided a spark against the Royals (44-61), who can only hope the Indians don't perk up once they see Kansas City's pitching again. Cleveland has scored 70 runs in taking seven of nine meetings this year, with 45 of their 105 hits going for extra bases.

Brantley reached in 18 of his 38 plate appearances.

The Royals gave up 25 runs in back-to-back losses to the Red Sox after winning the opener 3-1 in 14 innings at Fenway Park on Monday, but they again stifled Boston's intimidating lineup Thursday. Luke Hochevar pitched seven strong innings and Billy Butler's three-run homer was the key hit in a 4-3 win.

Jeff Francis (3-11, 4.65 ERA) gets the ball Friday for Kansas City looking to snap a seven-start winless streak. He gave up three runs over five innings in Saturday's 5-4, 10-inning victory over the Rays.

Francis is 1-6 with a 6.11 ERA on the road, and he surrendered six runs while lasting three innings in a 7-2 loss at Progressive Field on April 27.

Fukudome is 1 for 1 with a walk against the left-hander.

Carlos Carrasco (8-8, 4.25) counters for the Indians hoping to shake his struggles at home. He has a 6.10 ERA at Progressive Field compared to a 2.73 road ERA.

The right-hander yielded three runs over 6 1-3 innings last Friday in a 3-0 loss to the visiting White Sox, falling to 0-4 with a 7.52 ERA in July.

Carrasco is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts versus Kansas City in 2011.

Carlos Baerga, Sam McDowell and other former Cleveland Indians discuss their playing careers and what they're doing now. Watch video

A lineup of former Indians returned to Northeast Ohio for the team's annual charity golf outing on July 28, 2011 at Quail Hollow in Concord Township. Several, including Carlos Baerga, "Sudden" Sam McDowell, Jim "Mudcat" Grant and Paul Shuey, took time to reflect on their careers in Cleveland and to update Tribe fans on what they're doing now.

Ohio State's new head coach said Jim Tressel was much less invovled in the playcalling in recent years.

Associated PressLuke Fickell

CHICAGO - Quick hits from Friday's Big Ten football meetings, focusing on Ohio State head coach Luke Fickell's extended interview session:

* LESS TRESS THAN YOU THOUGHT: Fickell, with his background in defense, said he plans to let the offensive coaches do their jobs and mostly stay out of their way. He said former coach Jim Tressel never came to defensive meetings.

Leaving offensive coordinator Jim Bollman to lead the way shouldn't be a problem, because Fickell said Tressel was less involved in the offensive playcalling in recent years than the public knew. The way Fickell made it sound, the head coach responsibilities away from the actual game were making Tressel love his job a little less.

"Coach (Tressel) actually didn't do as much as people would think," Fickell said. "That's probably what made him not enjoy it nearly as much because it was always (assistants saying), 'Let's get Coach more involved because we want him to love coaching. We want him to stay.'"

Want him to love coaching? It's an interesting look as to what Tressel's future may have been had NCAA violations not forced his resignation.

Not only are the Buckeyes missing Tressel, they also lost receivers coach Darrell Hazell, who became the Kent State head coach. Fickell said he'd like to see tight ends John Peterson do a little more, particularly in coaching the offensive tackles, which he started to do in recent years, so Bollman can be free to coordinate more.

Fickell expects new receivers coach Stan Drayton, who came from Florida, to bring new ideas to the offense. But it will be Bollman's offense, which apparently it has been for a while. 

"Coach Tress called a lot early on (in his OSU career) and probably didn't do as much in the last three years," Fickell said. 

* ROSTER MOVES: Fickell said linebacker Jonathan Newsome is dealing with academic issues and it doesn't seem that he'll be part of the preseason camp roster, though that hasn't been finalized. Linebacker Dorian Bell, already suspended for the season, hasn't been taking summer school classes and won't be on the preseason camp roster, but Fickell isn't sure of his standing for the future. Both must be considered transfer possibilities.

Several players returning from injury are fine and will be ready for the start of camp, including safeties Corey Brown and C.J. Barnett.

* FICKELL'S MOVING DAY: Fickell said it took nearly two weeks for him to decide to move into Tressel's former office. The maintenance people at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center were asking when he wanted to move, but Fickell wanted to hold off.

And then one night in June around 11 p.m., Fickell went into the office, put some folders under the heavy desk in Tressel's former hangout so it would slide, and started taking over the place.

"I'm not saying we revamped and it was a whole complete change," Fickell said. "But I know there needed to be little changes.

"It allowed me to say, this is the way it is, we're moving forward. And that was the desk."  

When he was done, the maintenance staff how he'd moved the desk. Fickell just said, "It was something I had to do."

* SUSPENSION PLANS: There's a plan in place for receiver DeVier Posey, running back Dan Herron, left tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas, who are suspended for the first five games of the season, though Fickell said it hasn't been put to paper and made officials yet.

Fickell said that plan will include those veterans working with the scout team in practice, at times, and not automatically getting back their starting jobs - Posey, Herron and Adams are veteran starters - when they return.

"They will earn everything they get," Fickell said. "It's how they handle everything and how the team comes together."

What he doesn't want is the players they replace looking over their shoulders, assuming everything will change in week six. Fickell said the ideal scenario is for players like left tackle Andrew Norwell and receiver Corey "Philly" Brown to play so well that there's some controversy about who should play when everyone is back.

* CARTER'S SIZE: Defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins was the largest player on the OSU roster a year ago. But with Hankins dropping weight to down around 335 pounds, he's way behind the new biggest Buckeye. Fickell said incoming freshman Chris Carter reported to Ohio State in June at 379 pounds and after summer workouts has somehow gained weight, with the offensive lineman up to 390 pounds.

"Big Hank used to be Big Hank, but now you look at him and say, 'Is Hank losing weight or is he just standing next to Chris Carter?" Fickell said.

As far as Fickell knows, Carter has been following his summer workout plan, so the coach isn't sure what's happening.

"I don't know what calorie consumption is needed to go from 380 to 390 with the workouts we do," Fickell said. "So I'll be curious to see him in camp."

* TRADITION DISCUSSION?: Fickell said he'll talk to several of the veteran players about some of the traditions that Tressel brought to Ohio State, like the walk through the crowd from the team hotel to the Skull Session and then to Ohio Stadium at home games, and the singing of Carmen, Ohio, after games.

"It's, 'What do the kids believe in?'" Fickell said.

Fickell doesn't believe in change for change sake in areas like this and isn't worried about making a "stamp" on the program by shaking things up.

"Some of the things we'll talk about with the seniors and see," Fickell said. "But there's some things I truly love. I love the idea of singing. That is an awesome tradition. It's something that I think not only the football program embraces, but our fans. I didn't know a word of Carmen, Ohio, when I was in school. I knew O-Hi-O. And now my 4-year-old can sing it."

* TRESSEL'S FUTURE: Fickell said he thinks if Tressel wants to coach again, he will.

"Somebody would be crazy not to have him" Fickell said. "But I'm not sure. I don't know that his passion won't continue to be helping others. I don't know."

The blooms are back on Lake Erie, and are just as destructive as in the 1960s when the most productive fishing lake in the world was declared dead. An overload of nutrients was the culprit a half-century ago. It is again, but from a different source.

D'Arcy Egan, the Plain DealerRecent rains have pushed a load of nutrients from the major rivers to Lake Erie, provoking algal blooms around the lake like this one in 2010 and causing low oxygen zones.

 HURON, OHIO

The blooms are back on Lake Erie, and are just as destructive as in the 1960s when the most productive fishing lake in the world was declared dead. An overload of nutrients was the culprit a half-century ago. It is again, but from a different source.

 Farmers from around the region are now being blamed.
 

"In the 1960s, we had an overload of nutrients from sewage treatment plants, industrial plants and phosphate-rich laundry detergent," said Jeff Tyson, the head of Lake Erie fishery management at the Lake Erie Research Unit in Sandusky. The walleye and whitefish populations plummeted and the popular blue pike became extinct. 

 "We managed to make changes starting in 1972 with the passage of the Great Lakes Water Quality Act, controlling the point source of phosphate pollution and banning phosphates in laundry detergent." 

 It worked.

Phosphate pollution declined, algal blooms subsided and walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass thrived. Lake Erie became the Walleye Capital of the World in the 1980s.

In recent years, farmers have been planting more corn to take advantage of high prices driven by the production of ethanol. They are loading fields with phosphate-rich fertilizer to enhance yields. As a result, silt, sediment and fertilizer are finding their way into the Lake Erie watershed. The problem is compounded by the U.S. Corps of Engineers dumping massive amounts of nutrient-rich sediment dredged from the Maumee River into Lake Erie

After a relatively dry summer, the rains over the last couple of weeks have resulted in major runoff from farm fields, triggering an algae-green cast to Western Lake Erie. Viewing satellite images of Lake Erie, the green waters are most evident near the mouth of the Maumee River, a major Lake Erie tributary. 

 "We fished just west of West Sister Island last week, and found low oxygen levels in that area," said Justin Chaffin, a PhD student at the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Center. "All of the walleye we caught were close to the surface, above the low oxygen layers caused by the bloom."

 Tyson said the waters east of Kelleys Island are suffering from low oxygen, as well.  

 "Because of the low oxygen levels the fish move out, or they move up," said Tyson. "Walleye and even yellow perch will suspend over the low oxygen areas, sometimes diving down to the bottom to feed."

 Anglers are finding large numbers of walleye in surprisingly shallow water from Huron to Vermilion where oxygen levels are normal, but not in deeper waters a few miles offshore, where catches had been very good a month ago. In some areas, anglers are finding yellow perch suspending well off the bottom, despite most of their preferred forage is found close to the lake bottom.

Eutrophication, when a body of water is inundated with an overload of nutrients that stimulate excessive plant and algae growth, is the biggest problem Lake Erie fisheries manager now face, said Tyson.

"Percids, the yellow perch and walleye, do not do well in a eutrophic lake," said Tyson. "We saw that in the 1960s, when their numbers crashed. It's happening again."

Unfortunately for Lake Erie anglers who favor perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, the species of fish that do well in eutrophic waters are sheepshead, channel catfish, white bass and white perch. The proliferation of white perch, a native of brackish water along the eastern U.S. coast that arrived in Lake Erie through the Welland Canal many years ago, is also impacting schools of yellow perch, said Tyson.

"There's no quick fix," said Tyson. "We have to make changes all around the watershed and limit the nutrients flowing into Lake Erie. We have to get the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio EPA on board. We must provoke a major change in farming practices."

Browns cornerback Eric Wright could've made more money by staying in Cleveland and received a longer deal, but he opted for a one-year contract with the Lions.

Thomas Ondrey/The Plain DealerEric Wright is hoping to rebound from his poor 2010 season this year in Detroit.

CLEVELAND -- Browns cornerback Eric Wright, who had a tumultuous season here in 2010 and ultimately received death threats from fans, turned down more money and a longer deal from the Browns to sign a one-year contract with the Lions, a source told the Plain Dealer.

Wright tweeted today that he dealt with 12 teams during the free agency process.

Wright, 26, is hoping to land a starting job in Detroit. In Cleveland, he probably would've been the third cornerback again behind starters Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown.

Brown is coming off rotator cuff surgery, but said earlier this month that he'll be ready to practice full-go when he's needed. The Browns also have defensive back Mike Brown who can play corner or safety and drafted speedy corner Buster Skrine out of Chattanooga in the fifth round. Skrine signed his contract today and will be on the field Saturday for the first practice, which is closed to the public.

It's not yet known if the Browns are pursuing other free agent cornerbacks. In Detroit, Wright will be re-united with former Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald.

In other Browns news:

* The Browns never expressed interest in Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, his agent Doug Hendrickson said Friday. Edwards signed a five-year deal with the Falcons, according to Fox's Jay Glazer.

"Cleveland never reached out to us on Ray or ever returned our calls,'' said Hendrickson in an email.

* First-round pick Phil Taylor was still waiting for word Friday afternoon that his deal was done. He tweeted: "Dam. Lockout is over. Contract can't be that hard. Lol..''

* The Browns have signed fourth-round pick Owen Marecic.

 On twitter: @marykaycabot

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot discuss what the Cleveland Browns have done this week since the NFL came to terms with the players, ending the lock-out. Watch video

Eric Wright has left the Browns, while some of the better cornerbacks truly are "free" agents, not - at least publicly - yet leaning toward any one team.

Associated PressPanthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) breaks up a pass intended for Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) in a game last season. Marshall is one of the better free agent cornerbacks still available.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cornerback Eric Wright has left the Cleveland Browns to play for the Detroit Lions, as The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi reports.

Wright was a starter from his 2007 rookie season until the middle portion of last season, when he was replaced by then-rookie Joe Haden. Wright was in the midst of what was his worst season after being a solid cover corner his first three years.

Despite Wright's struggles in 2010, the Browns maintained some confidence in him, projecting him as their third cornerback.

So, the Browns are in the market for another cornerback. As Grossi points out, they can stick with veteran Sheldon Brown as the other starter with Haden, and go after a first backup. Or, they could pursue a player that they feel would be an upgrade over Brown as a starter, and slot Brown, 32, as the third corner.

Grossi, in another story, writes that the Browns have numerous options in their quest to add a cornerback.

Let's take a look at the current status, according to reports, of the specific players he mentions.

Grossi refers to Nnamdi Asomugha, who played for the Oakland Raiders in 2010, Antonio Cromartie (New York Jets) and Carlos Rogers (Washington Redskins) as "high-priced starters."

The Bleacher Report features a slideshow -- with text by Ted Johnson -- of what options Nnamdi Asomugha has. Many analysts believe there is no better cornerback in the NFL.

Rumors about where Antonio Cromartie might land. By Nick Dewitt for the Bleacher Report.

Carlos Rogers is apparently not yet linked to any one suitor in particular. The Redskins essentially dismissed their interest in him when they signed former Baltimore Raven Josh Wilson -- who might be a better player than Rogers, Mike Prada writes for SB Nation DC. Some reports, such as the one by Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun, indicate that Rogers might have an inflated opinion of his talents.

Grossi includes in his report Nate Clements, of Shaker Heights High School and Ohio State, and recently released by the San Francisco 49ers because, Grossi writes, "of a huge contract signed in 2007." And, writes Grossi, Clements "would challenge as a starter with the Browns."

Mike Sando reports for ESPN.com on the reasons for Clements' release by the 49ers. With Clements' dismissal by the 49ers only within the last 36 hours or so, his discussions with other teams may only be in the early stages.

Cornerback Richard Marshall, who played with the Carolina Panthers last season, is, writes Grossi, "26 and still on the rise as a player." Reports from around the country -- such as one on Cincinnati.com -- are, as of now, simply mentioning Marshall as one of the better cornerbacks available. An NFL.com report that details how busy the Panthers have been mentions that Marshall has said he doesn't expect to be with Carolina in 2011.

Grossi writes that "after Marshall, the market drops off." The other cornerbacks of potential interest he lists are Chris Carr and Fabian Washington, who both played with the Baltimore Ravens last season; Lito Sheppard (Minnesota Vikings); Leigh Torrence (New Orleans Saints); William Gay (Pittsburgh Steelers).

The Ravens are trying to keep Chris Carr, who is also being courted by at least a couple other teams, writes Aaron Wilson for the Carroll County Times.

Nothing clear has surfaced regarding Fabian Washington, except that analysts are aware he could help a team. The Sarasota Herald Tribune, in fact, lists him among the 10 players who could help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The No. 1 player on the list, obviously, is no longer available.

The Minnesota Vikings apparently aren't going to keep Lito Sheppard, according to a report by 1500ESPN.com, covering the Vikings for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Leigh Torrence is staying with the New Orleans Saints, writes Doug Tatum, for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still haven't decided on whether they should keep William Gay, Mike Bires writes for the Beaver County Times. 

Team rep says league and team officials did everything possible to ensure players on the team from Kampala were qualified and had documentation.

APSite of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania -- A representative for the league affiliated with a youth baseball team from Uganda tells The Associated Press that players were denied visas to play in the Little League World Series because of discrepancies over their ages and birth dates.

Richard Stanley, of New York City, told The AP Friday that league and team officials did everything possible to ensure players on the team from Kampala were qualified and had documentation. Children who are 11 or 12 as of April 30 can play in the World Series, which is held each August.

Stanley says issues arose when birth dates listed on documentation didn't match ones offered by parents or guardians during interviews with U.S. visa officials.

A State Department spokesman says it's policy to not discuss visa cases publicly.

The Browns signed defensive end Jayme Mitchell to a two-year contract and penciled him in at left end.

APJayme Mitchell has signed a deal with the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns signed defensive end Jayme Mitchell to a two-year deal, a source confirmed for The Plain Dealer today.

Mitchell, an unrestricted free agent, first told Pro Football Weekly's Mike Wilkening of the signing. He cited "the direction of the program'' and the Browns' interest in him.

Mitchell (6-6, 285)  will play left end in the Browns' new 4-3 scheme. He was acquired in a trade with the Vikings last October, but didn't play in a game. For some reason, he was overlooked by Eric Mangini and his staff.

Mitchell has five career sacks in his five NFL seasons. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings out of Mississippi in 2006.

In other Browns news, the club has signed all of its draft picks except No. 1 pick Phil Taylor. It includes tight end Jordan Cameron, fullback Owen Marecic, Buster Skrine, Jason Pinkston and Eric Hagg.

The Browns were working hard to get Taylor signed in time to be on the field Saturday.

The Browns signed all of their draft picks on the eve of camp except for Phil Taylor -- but they were still hoping to get him under contract too for the first practice on Saturday.

AP The Browns were hoping to get Phil Taylor signed and in camp on time.

CLEVELAND -- On reporting at Browns training camp, the club has signed all of its draft picks so far except for first-round pick Phil Taylor.

And the two sides were working hard to get Taylor in on time too. Players were due to report Friday night and take the field for the first time on Saturday morning. The session is closed to the public.

On Friday, the Browns signed tight end Jordan Cameron, fullback Owen Marecic, cornerback Buster Skrine, offensive tackle Jason Pinkston and safety Eric Hagg. The team's two second-round picks, defensive end  Jabaal Sheard and receiver Greg Little, agreed to terms on Thursday.

Taylor kidded in a tweet: "Dam. Lockout is over. Contract can't be that hard. Lol.''