The Browns have not "shopped" quarterback Brady Quinn or wide receiver Braylon Edwards on the trade market, GM George Kokinis said Monday at the NFL's annual meetings
Kokinis sat down during a lunch break and addressed many issues related to the Browns — including trade rumors surrounding Quinn and Edwards.
Asked specifically if he had shopped Quinn and Edwards, Kokinis said no.
He did say the team will sign free agent receiver David Patten soon. Patten fits a category of other free agent signings, which bring experienced veterans who can provide leadership, Kokinis said. Patten played for the Browns in 2000.
Regarding trades, Kokinis said he had talked with Giants GM Jerry Reese at the scouting combine about his team's roster, but said he had no specific talks about trading Edwards to New York.
He said he expects Quinn and Derek Anderson to be on the team come training camp, and he's eager to see which one adapts best to the new offense.
The team will await legal results on the status of wide receiver Donte Stallworth before making a decision his status. Stallworth hit and killed a pedestrian on Miami Beach while driving his Bentley; results of blood tests taken on Stallworth at the scene have yet to be released. Kokinis said the Browns let him return to the team last week because it provided him some stability.
Finally, Kokinis said the disagreement with defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is on the way toward working itself out, and he said Rogers would fulfill all the requirements of his contract. That sounds like Rogers will be at the mandatory minicamps, but might miss the remainder of the voluntary offseason workout program.
Kokinis said he did not demand Rogers lose weight, that Rogers dominated at his weight last season. He indicated the team's strength coach might have suggester Rogers lose weight, but no demand was made from Kokinis.
More from this interview during the day … and in Tuesday's Beacon Journal.
i'd like to hear the answer to this question:
"so george, how is it having your every dingleberry examined under a microscope by the most cult-like, brainwashed, inferiority complex ridden football town in the u.s.?"
I'd like the intrepid columnist to be far more direct with his questions. Define "shopped."
I just came back from Kroger after buying a carton of generic eggs and a jar of generic pepper rings, then went right through the express line for 15 items or less. In and out faster than Paris Hilton going through the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys. If you asked me if I went "shopping," I'd tell you "no." Because really, I didn't. I didn't go through each aisle patiently waiting to make my move on a sale. I already knew what I wanted. I went in, bought my lousy-tasting cheap free agents, and went on my way. But it doesn't mean I haven't been keeping a sharp eye out for ads for current and future sales and availability, and even made a few calls relative to those ads.
Whether or not Kokonis is lying, which of course he probably is, the word "shopped" is shelter for a neighborhood of weasel room.
"Has the name "Edwards" or "Quinn" *ever* been raised in *any* trade discussion since the day you accepted the Browns position?" He'd still dance and lie, but at least the question is better.
terje, there's some weasel room there. Define "dingleberry."
Lerner does have a direction and I think it's the obvious alternative at this point. I believe he's deliberately brought in people with no emotional ties with Cleveland and has given them deliberate instruction to run this team with cold objectivism. That was the significance of tearing down the mural of legends. With few exceptions, local investments have busted since the Browns' return.
Joe, precisely what "emotional ties" did any of the prior regimes have to Cleveland? Did Carmen Policy spend his childhood harvesting the urine for his Cabernet from Lake Erie?