Champ trying to help get Courtney Brown
 

http://www.washtimes.com/sports/2005...0346-1590r.htm

Brown mulls bids from Redskins, Broncos


By Jody Foldesy
THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Defensive end Courtney Brown departed Washington and returned to the Cleveland area as scheduled yesterday to mull his options in free agency. He appeared likely to take his decision at least into next week.
The Redskins received a visit from Brown on Thursday, four days after he was cut by the Browns and was visited in Cleveland by Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and defensive line coach Greg Blache.
The Redskins remained interested in the 2000 draft's No. 1 overall pick following his physical examination Thursday, indicating that nothing unexpected or too ominous surfaced. However, in discussing Brown, Gibbs has shown Washington isn't being cavalier about his lengthy history of injuries.
Brown's other top option is the Denver Broncos, who likely would offer a starting position. In Washington, Brown would be expected to rotate at defensive end with veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, a Redskin from 1999 to 2003, apparently made a sales pitch over the phone for Brown to sign with Denver. Bailey wasn't pleased with Washington when he departed and likely didn't have good things to say about the Redskins' operations.
At Redskin Park on Thursday, Brown received counterpitches from defensive tackle Brandon Noble, Brown's teammate at Penn State in 1997, and Daniels. Noble tried to sell Brown on the quality of the Redskins' coaching staff and how a rotation with Daniels and Wynn wouldn't tax Brown too severely as he returns from a torn ligament in his foot.
Brown still could visit other teams, but nothing seemed imminent. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks both would like to take a closer look at him.

Here is another article concerning Brown

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2005Mar18.html

Redskins Extend Offer to Brown
Defensive End Also Considering Denver

By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2005; Page D03

The Washington Redskins offered a contract to defensive end Courtney Brown during his visit to Redskins Park on Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Brown is mulling the offer over the weekend before making a decision.

The Redskins have competition from the Denver Broncos, where Brown made his first visit Tuesday as an unrestricted free agent. And according to two sources who requested anonymity, the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder will decide by Monday between Washington and Denver.

Courtney Brown, 27, was the top overall pick in the 2000 draft but has been plagued by injuries. (2001 Photo Tony Dejak -- AP)

The Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers had scheduled visits for Brown next week, sources said. But yesterday, the 27-year-old was expected to inform those teams that he is now considering only the Broncos or Redskins.

Brown's departure from Redskins Park on Thursday night without accepting Washington's offer was a mild surprise, considering owner Daniel Snyder and Coach Joe Gibbs's track record: Once the team persuades a free agent to visit Redskins Park, signing is usually a formality.

Although Gibbs played down that reputation Thursday, Redskins defensive tackle Brandon Noble -- who appeared at Redskins Park to meet with Brown -- said: "Whether or not they let him fly out without signing will be interesting. They've been known to lock people up until they sign."

Brown flew out Friday morning after informing the club that he wanted to mull his options, sources said. And Thursday, Gibbs said, "I don't think there's anything imminent."

Noble said he got the impression that Brown wouldn't make a snap decision. Noble -- who played with Brown at Penn State in 1996 -- and defensive end Phillip Daniels made their pitches to Brown during his visit.

The Broncos were about $1 million under the salary cap but are believed to be creating cap space in the hopes of signing Brown. The Redskins are about $2 million under the cap. A club source declined to reveal the team's offer, but said it has significant incentives tied to Brown's health.

Washington has an edge over Denver in intangibles: Brown, the top overall pick in the 2000 draft, is a former teammate of linebacker LaVar Arrington; and the two remain good friends. This week, the Redskins signed reserve safety Pierson Prioleau -- a stellar special-teams player -- who happens to be Brown's cousin.

One reason Denver appeals to Brown is that its defensive line coach is Andre Patterson, who had the same position in Cleveland and formed a rapport with him. Washington's Greg Blache, however, is considered one of the NFL's best defensive line coaches.

Brown also would be ensured a starting spot in Denver. Washington's starting defensive ends are Renaldo Wynn and Daniels. If Brown joins, Blache is expected to heavily rotate the threesome.

Hours after Brown was released on Monday, Gibbs and Blache flew to Cleveland for a dinner meeting with Brown and his wife, Candace. The trip was a preemptive move since Brown had scheduled a visit with Denver for Tuesday, which was extended to Wednesday morning.

Brown hasn't fully rehabilitated from surgery last fall to repair a torn Lisfranc ligament in his left foot. Brown reportedly failed a season-ending physical with the Browns.

However, sources said that the Redskins were satisfied with his condition after a physical. One source said that team doctors cleared Washington to assume the risks inherent with Brown's medical history.

Gibbs, who was unavailable to comment yesterday, said after Brown's visit: "We brought Courtney in and we gave him a physical so that we understand everything about his situation."

Redskins Note: Vice President Vinny Cerrato's wife, Rebecca, last week gave birth to their second child, Charles. . . .

Players are due back Monday at Redskins Park for the start of offseason workouts. . . .

Gibbs plans to attend the NFL's annual owners meetings, which take place Sunday through Wednesday in Maui, Hawaii. . . .

Last week, Gibbs said that the team had reached an agreement to re-sign offensive lineman Ray Brown. However, the 42-year-old still hasn't officially signed.

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, a Redskin from 1999 to 2003, apparently made a sales pitch over the phone for Brown to sign with Denver. Bailey wasn't pleased with Washington when he departed and likely didn't have good things to say about the Redskins' operations.

That a boy, Champ! Spill the beans! :thumbsup:

yep i saw that on PFT today. good job champ.

I don't believe anything until our 'inside' sources confirm it.

Well, with these items:

1) A club source declined to reveal the team's offer, but said it has significant incentives tied to Brown's health. (I would guess that means the 'Skins didn't toss the bank at him in a foolish way that made it a deal he couldn't refuse.)

2) One reason Denver appeals to Brown is that its defensive line coach is Andre Patterson, who had the same position in Cleveland and formed a rapport with him. (Always a big advantage.)

3) Brown also would be ensured a starting spot in Denver. Washington's starting defensive ends are Renaldo Wynn and Daniels. If Brown joins, it is expected to heavily rotate the threesome. (Being an outright starter is a plus to sell, but Denver rotates as much as anyone too.)

4) LaVar Arrington; the two remain good friends. (Maybe ol' LaVar will let it slip that the 'Skins and he had an issue about the total amount of the contract he signed, which ruffled some major feathers.)

5) Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, a Redskin from 1999 to 2003, apparently made a sales pitch over the phone for Brown to sign with Denver. Bailey wasn't pleased with Washington when he departed and likely didn't have good things to say about the Redskins' operations. (Maybe Champ tells some major horror stories that gives Brown the creeps)

6) Jake gives Denver more cap room, so now the offer should be better. (Every little bit might help.)

When Brown was released and Denver had interest, I figured there was no chance since the 'Skins were ready with boners erect to sign him up. Now, at least it might be a fair fight.

Good job Champ. If CB wants playing time, he could start here assuming he's healthy, but there is more to a decision than that.

I think fans are getting Woody's over Brown because we are desparate for help on DL and not looking at the reality he is fragile who misses alot of games. If we land him I hope for the best if he signs in Washington (Which I truly expect) I won't be upset.

I think he will end up there too...

I otfen wondered how many times at these dinner meetings that the coach or owner would bring a suit cash full of cash to slip the player.

I'm not saying that was done here but I wonder how many times it has happened.

All things considered, I think I'd rather have Pryce back.

I want Pryce back too. Just keep him. Pryce, Warren and Brown or Palopeoi or Luther Ellis, or Ellis Johnson at the other end. Then Denver should go into the draft and get a CB in the first round. Denver is going to need some CBs to play the Faiders this year.

That's pretty dangerous turf. I'm not saying it hasn't happened, but love is fleeting. :twokisses

If we get Brown, i would keep Pryce, then our dLine would be a strength not a weekness. We would have a strong dline, the fastest linebackers in the universe and the only thing we would need to work on would be our secondary and another WR and we can do that in the draft.

Another reason to not want Courtney Brown on this team, I have something against guys with the same first name as an ex-girlfriend of mine.

Why are you guys so excited about this dude? BUST!

Is that why you want Trevor gone, too?

Or maybe BOOM!?

He's a talented player with injury issues.

You know, just like Kendrell Bell.

I actually believe Brown been on the field more then Bell.

Pfft. Brown has never been as successful as Bell in any of his seasons. Certainly was never anything close to rookie of the year.

Nope.

Brown has been a active player when healthy. Of course, thats been far and few in-between.

Still, I hope we land him but don't throw an insane ammount of money at him. I still think he can resurrect his career. Sometimes it takes these injuries a few years to really smooth out.

I'm still a fan of keeping Pryce. People now are just trying to strangle us to death for a deal and are going to wait us out. I say keep him if we can't get value for him. Besides, as somebody else said... our DLine is a major concern in terms of depth right now. If we sign Brown, bring Pryce back we have a pretty potent front four with Pryce, Brown, Warren and either E. Johnson, L. Ellis, or D. Davis. Instantly it turns from a joke into a formidable combination if we can stay healthy.

The guy came out of college at what 260 and now weights 290. He needs to drop that 30 pounds and hope that he can regain some of his speed.

Lets just say for arguements sake that Denver is no longer really planning on letting Trevor go. Say we are just letting that "thought" remain amongst league owners and GM's so that they don't actively pursue other DE's b/c they THINK Pryce will be available sooner or later. I wouldn't be too suprised to see Pryce playing with the Broncos this season and then getting traded for major draft picks in 06!!!