Browns sign RB Richardson, now focus on Weeden

Associated Press

cleveland

One high-profile draft pick signed, one to go.

On the eve of Cleveland’s rookies reporting to training camp, the Browns signed running back Trent Richardson to a four-year, $20.5 million contract and can now turn their attention to getting a deal done with quarterback Brandon Weeden.

A person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Monday night that Richardson’s agent Jimmy Sexton and the Browns completed the deal, which includes a $13.3 million signing bonus. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the signing. Richardson’s deal reportedly doesn’t contain any offset language, a provision that protects the Browns from having to pay him the full amount of his contract if he is released before the deal expires and signs elsewhere.

The Browns traded up in April’s draft to select Richardson with the No. 3 pick. The former Alabama star will report to training camp today and be on the field Wednesday with Cleveland’s other first-year players and some select veterans. Richardson is expected to have an immediate impact on Cleveland’s running game, which never got going last season. Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty dealt with injuries, and Brandon Jackson sustained a season-ending foot injury in camp.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert recently said he expected both Richardson and Weeden to be in camp from the outset.

However, the sides might have to hurry to get Weeden into camp on time. The only obstacle to a deal being finalized appears to be the No. 22 overall pick wants to have all four years of his contract guaranteed. Typically, players taken later in the first round get only three years of guaranteed money.

The Browns intend to start the 28-year-old Weeden this season and would like to have him in camp from the start so he can get the possible practice time with the first-team offense.

Cleveland’s veterans are due to report to camp on Thursday and will have their first practice on Friday.

49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

San Francisco signed cornerback Darcel McBath to a one-year contract. McBath was a second-round draft pick by Denver in 2009. He played 20 games for the Broncos and started once. He had 28 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed.

Dolphins

MIAMI

Chad Ochocinco is officially no more. The Dolphins wide receiver has changed his name back to the original Chad Johnson. Johnson legally changed his name Monday in an appearance at the Broward County Courthouse. The change he announced via Twitter quickly follows his July Fourth marriage to Evelyn Lozada of TV’s “Basketball Wives” fame.