Greedy Williams is happy to be participating in training camp without any restrictions. (TheLandOnDemand)
Greedy Williams says Browns believe in him ‘100 percent’
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Takeaways from Day 8 of Browns training camp …
Greedy Williams considered it a milestone to make it through three consecutive days of practice with full pads.
The third-year cornerback said all systems are go in his comeback from a lost 2020 season due to a nerve condition in his right shoulder.
“Just coming out here and being able to do everything 100 percent makes me happy,” Williams said.
The big test will come when Williams has to wrap up and make a tackle on a charging ball-carrier. So far, the Browns have not had any live tackling to the ground.
“Extremely happy for him,” Coach Kevin Stefanski said. “You remember last year. He is in the training room, there is a lot of uncertainty and he is trying and trying and doing everything he could. That was a lot on him – physically and mentally – so for him to get back out here with the pads on and compete with his guys, yeah, I am really proud of him.”
During the height of Williams’ lonely rehab, which he shared a lot of time with former LSU teammate Grant Delpit, Williams watched on TV as the Browns drafted his training camp competitor, Greg Newsome from Northwestern.
His thoughts?
“Great pick … we need depth.”
Newsome and Williams have been alternating with the first-team defense. Williams does not feel he’s at a disadvantage because this regime has not seen him play in a game live.
“They trusted me,” he said. “I think they believe in me … what they see on rookie film. They love the tackling, they love everything else. I feel like they believe in me 100 percent.”
Cha-ching
The big winner of the day was Baker Mayfield, who had to feel good about Josh Allen agreeing to a six-year contract extension with the Bills reportedly worth $258 million.
The $43 million per year average in new money most certainly will impact negotiations for a contract extension between Mayfield and the Browns.
So far, the Browns have dragged their feet – and it may cost them millions in the long run.
On an appearance on the Next Level on 850 ESPN Cleveland, Browns GM Andrew Berry tried to downplay the effect of Allen’s deal on Mayfield’s inevitable next deal.
“I think, really, for any player or any positional market, we’re always aware of the deals that have been done over the past couple years and certainly any new deals that come up over the next couple weeks because we realize that it impacts the market to some degree,” Berry said.
“But at the same time with any player that we’re considering extending we really deal with it on a case by case and individual level and really operate within the parameters that we think make sense for our organization and our team and that’s what we’ll continue to do across positions.”
Allen’s deal may motivate the Browns to start talking seriously with Mayfield’s agents, Jack Mills and son Tom Mills.
In June, Jack Mills told TheLandOnDemand that he was not opposed to doing a deal this summer and did not intend to wait for Allen or Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson to sign first to set the market.
By dragging their feet, the Browns may have to pay more to secure Mayfield to a new deal.
That is, unless there is disagreement in their building about when to make an offer and for how much.
Brownie bits
It was another highlight day for receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. This time he ran past Williams for a long TD. Prior to practice, Williams said of DPJ, “He’s having a great camp. Catching a lot of contested balls. Got great releases. DPJ’s one of those guys we are definitely going to depend on.” …
With the offensive roster so loaded, is it possible the luxury of carrying a fullback could be over? Stefanski had a curious answer to the question. “I think we feel strongly about the position,” he said. “We have to see how it shakes out. We like our two fullbacks we have. It’s a competitive group. Those type of discussions occur over time.” …
Defensive end Takk McKinley, who missed three practices because of illness, was excused for personal reasons, Stefanski said …
Rookie receiver Anthony Schwartz missed another day with a hamstring issue and safety Grant Delpit (Achilles) was held out again. Others out were safety Ronnie Harrison (hamstring), linebacker Anthony Walker (knee), safety Sheldrick Redwine (ankle), linebacker Tony Fields (foot) ...
The Browns signed running back Corey Taylor, undrafted from Tulsa, to take the roster spot running back Tre Harbison, who was waived/injured.
