The Cleveland Browns released defensive end Courtney Brown yesterday, yet another former first-round pick who failed to make it with the...
The Cleveland Browns released defensive end Courtney Brown yesterday, yet another former first-round pick who failed to make it with the team.
Brown, the first overall pick in 2000, was due to receive a $2.5 million roster bonus today. With Brown out, the first three No. 1 picks that Cleveland took after it returned to the league in 1999 are gone.
He joins quarterback Tim Couch, the first overall pick in 1999, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren, No. 3 overall in 2001, as ex-Browns. Couch was released last June, and Warren was traded to Denver on March 2 for a fourth-round draft pick.
The team also has given running back William Green, its first-round pick in 2002, permission to seek a trade.
Brown, who has been troubled by injuries throughout his career, could be back — for less money.
“We’re hoping this is a temporary situation and Courtney chooses to continue his career with the Browns,” general manager Phil Savage said.
The move was just the latest in the team’s makeover. Savage, who came to Cleveland from Baltimore, is the architect of all the changes, along with new coach Romeo Crennel.
In addition to letting Brown go yesterday, Cleveland signed veteran defensive lineman Jason Fisk.
Notes
• The Miami Dolphins agreed on a contract with QB Gus Frerotte and cut FB Rob Konrad. Frerotte, who was the No. 2 quarterback in Minnesota for the last two seasons, joined former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan with the Dolphins.
• The Vikings, meanwhile, worked out QB Brad Johnson, who played for the team from 1994 to 1998. Johnson, 36, was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this month.
• Jeff Garcia, Detroit’s new backup quarterback, said he has accepted his role behind Joey Harrington.
“I’m not there to create any friction. I’m not there to create any controversy,” Garcia said two days after agreeing to a one-year, $2 million deal. “I’m just there to add strength to the position.”
• Michael Strahan, the New York Giants’ All-Pro defensive end, filed for divorce from his wife yesterday as a judge issued a restraining order against her, Strahan’s spokesman said.
Jean Strahan was ordered to deposit into escrow more than $3 million she had removed from the couple’s bank account last week, the spokesman said.
On Thursday, Strahan was served with a temporary restraining order after he and his wife argued and she filed a harassment complaint against him.
• Tennessee LT Brad Hopkins was arrested in Franklin, Tenn., and charged with domestic assault against his wife. Hopkins is the third Titans starter to be arrested this offseason. Cornerback Samari Rolle was charged with domestic assault Feb. 15. He was later cut and signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Safety Tank Williams was arrested for driving under the influence.
• The Cincinnati Bengals signed DT Bryan Robinson to a three-year contract worth $6 million. The 296-pound Robinson played one year in St. Louis and six seasons with Chicago before spending last season in Miami.
• The Giants released DT Norman Hand, who had one season left on a two-year, $3 million contract. The 10-year veteran signed with the Giants last year and started the first 11 games before suffering a season-ending groin injury. Hand also had injury problems while with the Seahawks in 2003.
• The Buffalo Bills released Pierson Prioleau after the backup safety rejected the team’s offer to restructure his contract. The Bills also re-signed backup TE Ryan Neufeld.