BROWNS Team still uncertain about starting quarterback

Kelly Holcomb had shoulder surgery and Tim Couch needs a new contract .
BEREA (AP) -- As of now, the Cleveland Browns aren't sure who their quarterback will be this season.
Sound familiar?
The team's never-ending soap opera at quarterback has a new twist. Actually, there's a tear.
Kelly Holcomb had surgery last week to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and will need four to six months of rehab. It's an unexpected development for the Browns just as they're trying to restructure Tim Couch's contract.
On Tuesday during a "State of the Team" address, Browns president Carmen Policy and coach Butch Davis spoke in vague terms about Couch's future.
Couch, who lost his starting job to Holcomb in training camp only to get it back, is due to make $7.6 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2005.
Want to redo contract
The Browns want him to redo his deal so they'll have more flexibility in upcoming free agency and to sign other players.
"There's things that have to be done on [his] side of the table," Policy said. "If it appears that we're able to give Tim what he needs and he's able to do for us what we need, then it's a whole different situation."
Policy met with Couch last weekend in Florida and had "candid but not confrontational" discussions about reworking the former No. 1 draft pick's contract.
Before the meeting, Policy was optimistic the sides would reach an agreement and Couch would return. Policy remains confident things will be worked out.
"Based upon what I'm hearing behind closed doors and based upon my conversation with Tim, I'm going to stand by my suggestion that there is a very strong possibility that Tim will be back," Policy said.
Davis noncommittal
Davis, however, intimated that there may be more than money keeping Couch from coming back for a sixth season in Cleveland. Davis was noncommittal when asked if he expected Couch to be his starting quarterback in 2004.
"I think I'd have to hedge my bets and say, let's see exactly what Tim's going to do," Davis said. "As soon as he makes that commitment as to what he wants to do, the next commitment is that he and I have to sit down and talk.
"There are some issues we need to talk about. I don't think they are going to be insurmountable issues. Whatever issues have gone under the bridge over the last year, those have got to be resolved."
The Browns want to have Couch's situation resolved before free agency begins March 3.
Has more leverage now
Holcomb's injury would appear to give Couch more leverage in contract talks. If Couch doesn't agree to have his salary cut, the Browns would be forced to trade him, release him, sign a free agent QB or draft one.
Policy denied that the Browns were interested in restructuring Couch's deal solely to trade him.
Holcomb had been bothered by soreness in the shoulder for some time, Policy said, but the 30-year-old decided to have the operation recently when the pain became intolerable.
The Browns also revealed that defensive end Courtney Brown, whose NFL career has been hampered by injuries, underwent surgery on his right knee two weeks ago. Last winter, Brown had microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Brown, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 draft, missed Cleveland's final three games last season with a torn biceps muscle. He hasn't played a full season since he was a rookie.