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- Values for the fifth-year option on Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward contracts now set (Browns Wire) - The NFL has released the official figures for the fifth-year option values on rookie contracts for the draft class of 2018. For the Browns, that includes quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward.
- Callie Brownson defies odds in NFL after being banned from high school football for being a girl (WKYC) - Browns’ Chief of Staff Callie Brownson talks making history and the future of women in the NFL on the 3 Things to Know with Stephanie Haney podcast.
- Do the Browns believe Donovan Peoples-Jones is ready to ascend? (The Athletic) - When it comes to Rashard Higgins and other decisions about the offense, Andrew Berry and company must decide if they think Donovan Peoples-Jones is really ready to take off or if he might need more experience before taking on a full-time role.
- By signing a big-name edge rusher and retaining talent, Browns can win NFL free agency (cleveland.com) - The best NFL teams aren’t built through free agency. Striving to win in March, when there isn’t a scoreboard or ball involved, sinks general managers. Chasing a big name because it signals on-paper progress usually sets a team back long term.
NFL:
- Chargers release CB Casey Hayward after five seasons (NFL.com) - The Los Angeles Chargers announced Saturday that the club has released multi-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward. The move saves L.A. about $9.75 million in cap space.
- Ron Rivera admits Dwayne Haskins’ work ethic, commitment were issues (PFT) - Ron Rivera finally said what everyone always knew: Dwayne Haskins’ work ethic and commitment were issues. Those issues factored into Haskins being benched and eventually released.
- Nobody comes for free in NFL free agency that begins Monday (Yahoo Sports) - The term in use these days is “legal tampering.” Doesn’t seem sensible, and some might call it the “cheating period” instead. Regardless, on Monday, two days before the NFL’s 2021 business year begins, the 32 teams and agents for the players will be making deals. Lots of deals, even if they aren’t official until Wednesday.
- The fire that drove Wally Triplett, the first drafted black player in the NFL (The Guardian) - Former Detroit Lion broke barriers at college and in the pros but less is known of his life than other pioneering athletes.