BROWNS Disgruntled receiver Northcutt settles on three-year extension

Contract details have not been released.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Wide receiver Dennis Northcutt, who was denied free agency when his agent missed a deadline this winter, agreed to terms on a new, three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Financial terms were not immediately known, but Northcutt had been seeking a deal worth more than $3 million per season.
He had been scheduled to make about $700,000 per season over the next three years.
Cleveland's top playmaker the past two seasons, Northcutt expected to be a free agent in March.
But his agent, Jerome Stanley, failed to file the proper paperwork in February that would have voided the final three years of Northcutt's original seven-year contract with the Browns.
After weeks of negotiations, the sides finally reached a deal on Saturday.
Pleased coach
"I am very pleased that we have been able to resolve Dennis Northcutt's contract situation and have him return to the team," Browns coach Butch Davis said in a statement. "Dennis is a versatile player who is a threat to make great things happen every time he touches the ball on offense and as a punt returner."
Northcutt will sign his deal Monday and then be on the field when the Browns resume their four-week voluntary quarterback school. He missed last week's practices and was excused from the team's recent minicamp.
After months of sometimes nasty dialogue between him and the Browns, Northcutt was relieved things worked out so well.
"Words cannot express how happy I am to get this matter behind me," said Northcutt, who has been working out at home in Los Angeles. "The last three months have been very difficult, but all is well that ends well.
"The fans in Cleveland are so loyal and special, and I want everyone to know that I am proud to be a member of this franchise. I have a lot of respect for my coaches and teammates, and I can't wait to step on the field again this Monday."
Northcutt had a team- and career-high 62 receptions for 729 yards and two touchdowns last season. The four-year veteran also averaged 8.2 yards on punt returns, but didn't take one all the way back after having two punt returns for TDs in 2002.
The Browns tried to trade the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder during the off-season and nearly had a deal done with Baltimore, but Davis decided against making a deal to an AFC North rival.
At one point, a frustrated Stanley insisted Northcutt would never play for the Browns again.
Stanley also filed a grievance against the club with the National Football League Players Association, saying the Browns did not bargain with Northcutt in good faith and had breached his contract.
However, the NFLPA never supported Northcutt's claims.
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