Written by Dave Kolonich

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Let’s just call today’s roundup for what it is – something easily consumed and then quickly forgotten.  Unlike yesterday, when the earth shook, today we’re just dealing with what will eventually become the leftovers of the league.

Speaking of which, a very unlikely source has echoed my year-long tirade against the contemporary worthlessness of NFL running backs.

ESPN – Clayton on Running Back Contracts

A team can ride a back like a horse for five years and banish him to the glue factory at the end of his rookie deal. 

From the team standpoint, giving a second contract to a six-year running back isn’t good business. The team is paying for a declining asset, and the back never lives up to the terms of the second deal.

 

History does show teams should look at running backs differently as far as contracts. From 2000 to 2004, 15 running backs were taken in the first round. Only six received second contracts with their teams: Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks, Jamal Lewis of the Ravens, Deuce McAllister of the Saints, LaDainian Tomlinson of the Chargers, Larry Johnson of the Chiefs and Steven Jackson of the Rams.

Five of the six never played out those contracts, and Jackson probably won’t be with the Rams when his contract runs out in 2013. As good a business deal as it is to hold a first-round running back to his five-year deal, the team usually makes a bad deal with the second contract. Usually, it’s not even offered.

It’s easier to franchise the back and squeeze out another year.

So,what does this article – which is primarily about Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, have to do with us?

How about this?

Harrison Reports to OTA’s

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said the team has discussed reducing the offers, but hopes to avoid doing so. The Browns have a mandatory minicamp June 10-12, but the unsigned RFAs won’t be penalized for not attending.

“I plan on playing football,” Harrison said when asked if he’ll sign the tender.

As for seeking a long-term deal, he said: “I just really like it in Cleveland. I like the fans. I like the people. I’ve built a lot of relationships with my teammates. That’s why I’m just going to keep playing football.”

Harrison was nothing short of electric last December.  However, it remains to be seen how effective he can be over the course of a season…especially considering how tenuous his overall career production has been.

Based on all the above, combined with Harrison’s current restricted contract squabble and Clayton’s earlier points seem all the more relevant. 

Or, in other words, do the Browns really want to invest a lot of money and years in Harrison?

The ideal scenario – for everyone but Harrison – would see the Browns commit to the sometimes dynamic back for the next 2-3 seasons.  Of course, this would prove nearly impossible to realize, considering that he will become a free agent after 2010. 

Yet, the point here is clear.  For a team that is again rebuilding, a huge contract – on a depreciating commodity – is the last thing the Browns need moving forward. 

Of course, a relatively inexpensive, and not yet broken down Harrison is ideal in the present. 

Or, in other words – let’s enjoy 2010 while we can.

And to revisit my 2010 mantra of Progress: Browns Edition…

Warfield Retires

Browns Hall of Fame receiver Paul Warfield, who had served as the Browns’ senior advisor to the general manager since 2004, has decided to retire from the Browns front office, the team announced.

That’s two Hall of Famers gone from the front office in recent days. Last week, Jim Brown had his title of executive advisor removed, but will remain active with the club in an unofficial capacity.

The Browns also promoted former Eagles scout John Spytek to Director of College Scouting. Spytek spent the previous five seasons with Philadelphia as a scout under current Browns general manager Tom Heckert.

As I’ve been screaming for years now – the Browns can never move forward until they distance themselves from the past.  With a front office and coaching staff that has very few natural Cleveland ties, evidence of this progress seems to be growing.

Add Warfield to the list.

Again – I’m not demeaning his contributions as a player, or as a local legend.  After all, coming from Warren, Ohio – I clearly understand the significance of Warfield’s Ohio roots.

However, at last the day has finally appeared when the Browns are transitioning into an actual functioning NFL franchise, rather than a glorified alumni association.

Speaking of alumni – of sorts – let’s end with this…

Revis Unhappy With Contract

The Jets All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis sat out during practice Thursday while he seeks a new contract. Revis was not on the field with the rest of the team during the voluntary session, the first time this off-season he missed a practice. Revis wants to be the highest-paid player at his position but was initially scheduled to make $1 million in the fourth season of his six-year rookie deal.

“We remain committed to trying to get something done within reason that’s good for Darrelle and good for the team,” General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “Hopefully he’ll be here not only for the short term, but the long term.”

In some tiny office cubicle in Manhattan, some big-name New York sportswriter just had the following thought:

“I don’t know how, but somehow this is Mangini’s fault.”

Then one footlong meatball hoagie later, the rest is history.