Brady Quinn Still Absent From Browns’ Camp

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The major sticking point in negotiations between the Cleveland Browns and Brady Quinn and his agent Tom Condon are escalator clauses based on playing time. Brady’s proposal would allow him to get a $5 million increase in the final two years of a potential five-year deal if he takes 55% of the snaps in any two of the first three years or 70% in any one of the first three. The Browns, naturally, would prefer if the triggers were tougher to reach. Nevertheless, the sides are only (only?) $500,000 apart in guaranteed money. Brady is seeking somewhere in the neighborhood of $8 million, roughly the same amount that CB Aaron Ross, the #20 pick, got from the New York Giants.

Brady is missing valuable time with Rob Chudzinski’s new offense in Cleveland. His mini-camp performances proved he wasn’t comfortable with what was happening. He’s a rookie. That’s understandable. But then again, neither were the other QBs in camp — Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson. So, the Browns have a little problem. Brady won’t be able to make-up for lost time, assuming he does eventually sign. He’ll just have to do the best he can. Like Oakland Raiders first-round Draft pick JaMarcus Russell, missing time as a rookie QB is far more costly than at any other position. Both of these players are expected to be the future leaders of their respective teams and will be in no position to accept that role with all this missed camp time. Aside from Brady and JaMarcus, the only other first-round Draft pick not signed is N.Y. Jets CB Darrelle Revis.