UPDATE: As reported exclusively last night on the OBR radio program, the Browns and Wimbley's representative met on Tuesday to begin contract talks. The two sides exchanged numbers and began the discussion. No agreement was reached at this early date, of course, but the two sides will continue discussions in the coming days.
Cleveland Browns first-round pick OLB Kamerion Wimbley's agent Joe Linta
told scout.com Monday that he will be traveling to Cleveland
on Tuesday to get the ball rolling on contract negotiations with the team.
Linta is expected to meet with Browns' contract negotiator Trip MacCracken.
The Browns and Linta will be challenged to agree on a contract quickly,
since only top pick Mario Williams (Houston Texans) has agreed to a deal,
giving both the team and agent few reference points to help in negotiations.
The early start is a positive sign, however, and another Linta client,
Steelers fourth-round pick Willie Colon, has already agreed to terms with
the Browns AFC North rival.
Wimbley has also said that he would like to be under contract prior to
training camp.
“I don’t think there will be any holdout,” Wimbley told reporters during
draft weekend, “I am looking forward to getting into camp as soon as
possible. I don’t see any reason why I would be holding out.”
Wimbley may also be learning from the experience of 2005 top pick Braylon Edwards, who held out of training camp for two weeks prior to signing with
the team on August 10th. Edwards did not merit a start in head coach Romeo
Crennel's eyes until late November, against the Dolphins.
In 2004, TE Kellen Winslow held out of training camp for twelve days, but
was quickly pulled into action by then-head coach Butch Davis.