Browns shoot down report of swap for Titans

Akron Beacon Journal

PHOENIX

The Browns have shot down a report suggesting owner Jimmy Haslam could possibly trade his ownership of the franchise to become the owner of the Tennessee Titans.

During the NFL owners meetings Monday at the Arizona Biltmore resort, a Browns spokesman called the report “100 percent false.” The spokesman added, “There is no truth to the careless speculation from the reporter.”

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Monday there are rumblings about Haslam swapping franchises to gain ownership of the Titans. The rumor is rooted in Haslam being a Tennessee native who aspired to buy the Titans before he purchased the Browns instead for $1.05 billion in 2012. Haslam’s younger brother, Bill, is the governor of Tennessee.

Haslam is scheduled to speak to reporters today at the owners meeting.

La Canfora reported some league insiders view Dave Tepper as the front-runner to buy the Titans in the aftermath of former owner Bud Adams’ death in October 2013. FedEx founder Fred Smith has been viewed as a top suitor as well, but La Canfora reported family members have told confidants Smith is more or less out of the running now.