OT Thomas, Browns agree to deal

7/27/2007

CLEVELAND - Offensive tackle Joe Thomas agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Cleveland Browns late last night, ensuring the No. 3 overall pick will be at the opening of training camp.

The club also reached agreement on a four-year deal with cornerback Eric Wright, a second-round pick, leaving quarterback Brady Quinn as the team's only unsigned draft pick.

Thomas' agent, Peter Schaffer, who also represents Wright along with partner Lamont Smith, had been "grinding" through contract language with the Browns all day. Cleveland avoided a holdout by Thomas, the highest selected player to come to terms this summer.

"The deals for Joe and Eric are a culmination of three months of constant, good-faith, arms-length negotiations by myself, my partner and the Browns," Schaffer said.

Thomas and Wright will be on the practice field this afternoon when the Browns have their first workout with their veterans.

Suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was denied his request by the NFL to join the Tennessee Titans in training camp. ... St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, who is seeking a new contract, was a no-show for a mandatory team meeting the day before the start of training camp. ... Odell Thurman's petition for reinstatement was denied by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who decided that the Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker should miss another season because of his ongoing problems. ... The Buccaneers released Simeon Rice and signed his replacement, first-round draft pick Gaines Adams, to a six-year, $46 million contract.