Kellen Winslow Jr. Signs

[Humpzilla]

8/11/2004
BEREA, Ohio (AP) - Kellen Winslow Jr. can begin his pursuit of eclipsing his father's Hall of Fame career.

He's already made more money without catching a pass.

Winslow signed a six-year contract Wednesday morning with the Cleveland Browns and was attending his first practice, wearing a No. 11 jersey, team spokeswoman Julia Payne said.

A team source told The Associated Press the deal has a base salary of $29 million US and could be worth up to $40 million if Winslow reaches all his incentives. It also includes a $16.5-million signing bonus, according to the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The 6-4, 250-pound Winslow is the son of Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow Sr. and calls himself The Chosen One.

Winslow Jr. says he expects to exceed his father's accomplishments. Winslow Sr. says that at this point, his son is even better than he was.

The Browns have not had a tight end with Winslow Jr.'s combination of size, speed and athleticism since Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in the 1980s.

The Browns moved up one spot in April's draft to select the former Miami star with the sixth selection, sending the seventh overall pick and a second-round pick to Detroit.

The team and Winslow's agent, Kevin Poston, were reportedly $12 million to $22 million apart during the negotiations, with Poston seeking a contract similar to the six-year, $54.6-million deal that he negotiated for wideout Charles Rogers last year with Detroit.

But a series of talks that began over the weekend between Poston and Browns president John Collins culminated in a deal Tuesday night.

Poston is a renowned tough negotiator who along with his brother, Carl, represents other prominent NFL clients currently in contract holdouts.

Winslow began his 12-day holdout on July 30 when Poston rejected the Browns' initial offer - a six-year, $40-million deal that matched what Washington gave safety Sean Taylor, the No. 5 selection.

The deal Winslow agreed to is for the same amount but includes a higher signing bonus and base salary.

Last week, Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia implored Winslow to get to camp, saying, ``You are going to get your riches no matter what, but you need to think about the team.''

Garcia, a former CFL star, said he and Winslow have traded phone messages in which the rookie said he was frustrated with negotiations.

Winslow has a reputation as a fiery competitor, which has caused him problems in the past.

In his final season with the Hurricanes, he made headlines for a postgame tirade following a loss to Tennessee in which he called himself a soldier and compared the game to being at war. He later apologized.

[1PUNCHKO]

Fuk him and his fatigues.

[ewen21]

Wouldn't if be sweet if his ACL gave out?

[8BostonRocker24]

I can't wait for the First Winslow vs. Ray Lewis game.

I mean Browns vs. Ravens. Yeah, Browns vs. Ravens.

[CairnsisGod]

Originally Posted by ewen21

Wouldn't if be sweet if his ACL gave out?

Man I wish I could give you rep points for that.

[Vandenbussche]

I guess I am in the minority here, but this kid is really good. So what if he held out for a bit, he has signed now and so he will be ready for the start of the season. To me, this kid will help the Browns out a lot.

[8BostonRocker24]

Originally Posted by Vandenbussche

I guess I am in the minority here, but this kid is really good. So what if he held out for a bit, he has signed now and so he will be ready for the start of the season. To me, this kid will help the Browns out a lot.

I love his style. He might be the best player in this draft. He could go down in NFL history as the best Tight End EVER!

I just don't like the god complex. I hope he gets laid out by Ray "I kill men in my free time" Lewis.

[Vandenbussche]

Originally Posted by 8BostonRocker24

I love his style. He might be the best player in this draft. He could go down in NFL history as the best Tight End EVER!

I just don't like the god complex. I hope he gets laid out by Ray "I kill men in my free time" Lewis.

I agree with you on the getting hit by Lewis, that will only help him out as he needs to learn how to protect himself now that he playing against the big boys.

[D Y B FLYERS]

he is a ***, i cant stand him. I hope he gets blasted by ray lewis or joey porter.

[BM24]

Originally Posted by 8BostonRocker24

I can't wait for the First Winslow vs. Ray Lewis game.

I mean Browns vs. Ravens. Yeah, Browns vs. Ravens.

Relax on the Ray Lewis love train every football thread i see your saying how you can't wait for Terrell Owens, now Kellen Winslow Jr to go in his territory. Lewis is a good hitter, but cmon, he doesn't end careers whenever someone steps in the middle.

[HordiBrusk29]

I'd take Shockey over him....

[1PUNCHKO]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

I'd take Shockey over him....

I think id take Heap also

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by 1PUNCHKO

I think id take Heap also

Can't argue there...

[8BostonRocker24]

Originally Posted by BM24

Relax on the Ray Lewis love train every football thread i see your saying how you can't wait for Terrell Owens, now Kellen Winslow Jr to go in his territory. Lewis is a good hitter, but cmon, he doesn't end careers whenever someone steps in the middle.

I'm not a Ray Lewis fan, Unless he was on The Patriots. (Maybe I am mistaken) This is the first time I have posted anything about Lewis.

Lewis comes up in both cases becasue 1. The Browns play the Ravens week One. 2. Owens was to be trade to Baltimore, Everyone on that team wants a piece of Owens.

For my money, Give me Mike Vrabal or Richard Seymore.

[8BostonRocker24]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

I'd take Shockey over him....

Over rated. He does too many passes. The New York Post made this guy larger then life.

I'd take Tony Gonzo, and Todd Heap over him. But I think Winslo will be better then all three in 2 years. The Bowns Have NOTHING.