Posted at 11:40 a.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Browns' Quinn focused on everything but contract
Associated Press
BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Brady Quinn is too busy learning a new playbook and offensive system, and getting familiar with his teammates to worry about the possibility of a holdout when training camp starts in July.Quinn, talking today after the morning practice of minicamp two-a-days, said he has yet to discuss contract negotiations with his agent, Tom Condon.
"That's between him and the Browns," Quinn said. "I'm just trying to work hard, make a name for myself here on the Browns and hopefully help our team."
Quinn was expected to go in the top five, and his slide to No. 22 was the story of April's draft. The Browns gave Dallas a first-round pick in 2008 to move back into the opening round to take the former Notre Dame star.
Browns general manager Phil Savage said last week the team made an opening offer to all the draft picks, but he expected the negotiations with Quinn would drag on toward training camp.
"On the surface, you'd like to think he's the 22nd pick in the draft so it's going to be stair-stepped," Savage said. "Wait for 21, wait for 23 and 22 slots in there. But his side is going to think that there is going to be a premium with the quarterback position. There's going to be a natural argument built in to this negotiation.
"We know this, but we're trying to get out in front of it, get in front of his people and say this is what our thinking is."
Quinn is competing for the starting spot with Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, both of whom started multiple games in 2006. A holdout would be a significant setback for Quinn, especially in the eyes of coach Romeo Crennel, who's open about his preference for experience.
Quinn was asked if he's prepared for a holdout.
"At this point, I really haven't played the scenario out in my head," he said. "I'm just trying to take it day by day. Especially in a situation where it's so competitive, I can't look ahead toward things. We've still got practices. And they're all very competitive."
