NFL Jamel White, Browns agree on new conract

The versatile running back signed a four-year deal with a $1.3 million bonus.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Jamel White can finally relax. He doesn't have to worry about being cut by the Cleveland Browns any longer.
The versatile running back, who figured he would be traded or released despite having his best season in 2002, signed a four-year contract Tuesday with the Browns.
The deal includes a $1.3 million signing bonus -- and peace of mind for White.
"It's great," the 26-year-old said. "It's also a sense of relief to have it off my back. I think I've paid my dues and played hard. I'm glad that it's done, so I can just play football."
Caught 63 passes
White made the most of his playing time last season, rushing for 470 yards and three touchdowns. He picked up another 452 receiving yards on a career-high 63 catches.
When rookie running back William Green was struggling early in the season, White gave the Browns' offense some much-needed speed and a breakaway threat.
The Browns signed the restricted free agent to a $1.3 million tender offer following the season, a move that convinced White he would be dealt on draft day.
Instead, the Browns kept White and began negotiating a long-term deal with him after the draft. His agent at the time, Josh Wright, turned down the club's initial offer, which included a $800,000 signing bonus.
White, who also expressed his disappointment at the club's first offer, recently replaced Wright with Neil Schwartz.
"This deal rewards Jamel for his accomplishments on and off the field," Browns coach Butch Davis said of White, one of Cleveland's most active players in the community. "Jamel's versatility has been a key asset for our offense the last two years.
"It was our intention all along to work something out with Jamel, because we want to retain the players who are productive and contribute to our success. Everything worked out exactly as we had hoped."
White's 63 receptions were the second-highest on the Browns last season, and the second most in club history by a running back. Greg Pruitt had 65 in 1981.
Still not satisfied
Despite his breakout season and his new contract, White says he isn't satisfied.
One of the team's hardest workers, he said he'll be the first player in the weight room Wednesday.
"I still want to be an everydown back," he said. "One day, I want to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, not 1,000 yards in three years. If anything, this [contract] has only made me hungrier because it's just given me a nibble of what I can get."
White admitted the contract talks were stressful.
"I'm glad that everything worked out," he said. "There were some trying and frustrating times over the last couple of months when we were working on a deal, but that is behind us now.
"It was just business, and I did not want anything that was said or written to give myself or the Browns organization a bad name. I just want to be a football player and go out and compete and help win a Super Bowl."