This one just came out of left field.
Jeff Schudel of the News Herald is reporting that Cleveland Browns OL Ryan Tucker is contemplating retirement, rather than going through another full training camp. Schudel wouldn't be surprised to see Tucker on the field when training camp begins:
A Browns spokesman said he was unaware Tucker might walk away from football before the first practice of training camp on Saturday. Repeated calls Monday to Tucker's agent, Joe Colleta, were not returned.
As recently as minicamp last month, Tucker said he wants to play two more seasons, so it would be no surprise to see him stretching along with 79 teammates at 8:45 a.m. Saturday on the practice fields in Berea, but the rumor is out there nonetheless.
Personally, I'd put this one right up there with the rumors that Eric Steinbach would be a surprise training camp cut. Stranger things have happened though, and considering the games Tucker has missed the past few years, I suppose nothing is out of the question. If the Browns lose Tucker, then aren't at a complete loss, having added veteran linemen Floyd Womack, John St. Clair, and George Foster in the offseason, all of whom have starting experience.