The Cleveland Browns continue to mull a long-term extension for pass rusher Jabaal Sheard.
"What I can say is we've done some back and forth, so we've had some extensive negotiations," agent Drew Rosenhaus told reporters Thursday at Joe Haden's charity softball game, per The Plain Dealer. "But I wouldn't say anything is close at this time."
Sheard said last month that the team had reached out about re-upping on the rookie contract that will pay the edge rusher $994,125 this season. The 2011 second-round pick has emerged as a favorite of new coach Mike Pettine and one of Cleveland's more versatile defensive chess pieces.
Pettine is on record claiming that the Browns have "big plans" for the 6-foot-2, 255-pound veteran. Set to play the Mario Williams role in Cleveland's multiple-look 3-4 scheme, we've tabbed Sheard as a "Making the Leap" entry and a candidate for double-digit sacks in 2014.
He stands the chance of earning much more if he waits until after a possible career season to cash in, but that also might lead to the franchise tag. We expect a new deal to come sooner rather than later.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" invites Bucky Brooks in-studio for a team-by-team AFC training camp preview.
