David Carducci reports for BerniesInsiders.com that RB Jamel White has signed a four-year extension with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have confirmed the signing with a story on the team's official web site.
Getting White under contract is a major step for the Browns, who have working with White's agent to get a deal done this off-season. The team's interest was two-fold: the Browns desired both to limit White's 2003 cap figure and to provide insurance in case of an injury to RB William Green.
As a restricted free agent, White received a generous $1.3 million tender this past March. The payment was selected by the Browns in order to force any team signing White to compensate the team with a first-round draft pick. White signed the offer, but there were suggestions that White was somewhat unhappy with being limited from seeking a starting role with another club.
There has also been some grumbling during the process that the negotiation process was difficult. As of today, however, such concerns have been put behind both White and the team as the hard-working running back is now under contract until 2006.
Per usual, contract figures where not immediately disclosed by the team.
ESPN's John Clayton, however, is reporting that the deal is worth $6.5 million over four years and includes a $1.3 million signing bonus. Given the Browns needs to reduce the salary cap, BerniesInsiders.com is assuming that the contract is likely back-loaded to help lower the cap figure. We will report more precise yearly amounts and the corresponding cap impact as they become available.
- AB