Browns still talking future with unhappy Northcutt

BEREA (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns and Dennis Northcutt may still be friends after all.
After saying he would never again play for Cleveland when the Browns wouldn't allow him to become a free agent, Northcutt may have reversed his field.
During Saturday's NFL draft, Browns coach Butch Davis said he and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie have had favorable conversations recently with the wide receiver/punt returner.
"We're trying to keep all options open and see where this goes," Davis said. "When he and I talked, we had a pretty good understanding and relationship. He knows we're being very honest and forthright."
Arguably the Browns' top playmaker the past two seasons, Northcutt was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2003 season. However, his agent, Jerome Stanley, missed a Feb. 19 deadline to void the last three years of his contract.
Files grievance
Northcutt and Stanley have filed a grievance against the Browns, claiming the team did not bargain in good faith and breached the player's contract.
The Browns have denied the claims.
The team gave Stanley permission to seek a trade with the stipulation he not deal within the AFC North.
Meanwhile, Northcutt is still on Cleveland's roster and may not get traded as had been expected. Davis said the club has not made any decisions and is keeping its options open.
"Sometimes things happen for a reason and that's why you never say never and you never close doors or burn bridges," Davis said. "You keep trying to do the right thing."
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.