Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Brady Quinn Ends Holdout, Signs with Browns [David Stefanini]

Brady Quinn has ended his holdout. Today he signed a 5 year deal with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him 22nd in this years NFL Draft. Here is ESPN.com with more:

Brady Quinn has agreed to a five-year contact with the Cleveland Browns worth $20.2 million, with $7.75 million guaranteed, ending his holdout.

The deal could grow to $30 million over five years with incentives. Quinn, who was on his way to Cleveland to join his teammates on Tuesday, had been working out at an athletic training facility in Arizona while his contract was being negotiated.

Having missed the first 10 days of training camp, Quinn, 22, faces a considerable catch-up period at a position where the learning curve is already difficult. Although he performed in a sophisticated offense at Notre Dame, and under the tutelage of coach Charlie Weis, who is famous for developing quarterbacks, Quinn struggled in the spring workouts and minicamps.

Quinn likely has lost his chance to open the season as the Browns' starter but, given the continuing uncertainty at the position, could still challenge for playing time as the year progresses, particularly if the Cleveland offense sputters. Given the steep price the Browns paid to acquire Quinn, surrendering their first-round choice in the 2008 draft, he must be viewed as the franchise's long-term quarterback hope.

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