The past week has seen lot’s of water cooler talk about Browns’ WR Dennis Northcutt being traded to Denver, probably for Denver’s ‘04 3rd round pick – and the Browns have already “refused” to trade Northcutt to Baltimore for Baltimore’s ‘04 4th (or 5th) and 7th rounders.
I don’t see it.
Northcutt might be worth a 3rd rounder. I don’t think he is, but he could be. However, on top of that, Denver would have to rework his contract or be faced with him throwing another tantrum and holding out.
Pat Bowlen, more than Mike Shannahan, cited the fact that superstar RB Clinton Portis had not played out his contract, as a reason -- if not the primary reason -- for refusing to renegotiate the deal, and thus for working the Portis / Bailey trade.
Northcutt has, I believe, 3 years left on his deal with the Browns and he damn sure is not a superstar.
Add to that the fact the Denver only has about $2 million left under the cap (not including money for rookie signings).
Northcutt is also pulling an Owens, saying he wants to play for Baltimore and filing a grievance against the league because he and his agent were too stupid and / or too lazy to file the proper paperwork on time. That paperwork would have made him a legitimate free agent and none of this would even be an issue.
I CAN believe that Denver looked into this trade – Northcutt has value both as a third WR and as a return specialist. But, I have trouble believing that Bowlen would be willing to rework Northcutt’s contract or that Shanny wants to put up with Northcutt’s flakiness and selfishness, especially when he might come at the price of a 3rd round pick to start with.
So, my bet is that Northcutt does not become a Bronco . . .unless of course something extraordinary is worked out.
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