Romeo Crennel, Browns to Discuss New Deal

Filed under: Browns, NFL Fans, NFL Coaching

This much we know: Romeo Crennel, who just wrapped up his third year in Cleveland, is looking for a raise. We also know that the Browns are interested in extending Crennel’s contract, particularly on the heels of a 10-6 season that came one win short of the playoffs. Now everybody just needs to decide on a number.

Crennel, who has two years left on his original five-year deal at about $2.4 million a year, likely will end up with a three- or four-year extension.

It will be interesting to see if the new contract for Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett impacts the talks with Crennel. Garrett is believed to have received about $3 million a year, making him the highest-paid NFL assistant. He’s also now making about the same as head coach Wade Phillips.

You’d have to think an extension would be for more than what Garrett now makes because a) he’s an assistant coach, and b) going through all the trouble of extending Crennel’s contract for three or four years seems like a lot of work for just a $600,000 raise.

(Yes, there are few professions where a salary bump of 600 grand might be considered a slap in the face. This is one of them.)

Whatever, it’s the right move for the Browns. Crennel took over a team that was in pretty bad shape, and along with general manager Phil Savage, stocked the roster with good young players. Cleveland is still a player or three away from solidifying the defense, but the offense and special teams are among the best in the AFC. That ought to be worth more than $600,000.

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