CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey, Mary Kay!
Hey, Adam: When first-round picks remain unsigned, it usually deals with offset language in the contract. Peppers' representatives are likely trying to avoid offset language, which would mean that if he signs with another team before his four-year deal is up here, he'd still make his fully guaranteed money from the Browns plus whatever the new team pays him. Offset language enables the original team to pay only the difference.
The Browns do not want to include offset language. No. 1 pick Myles Garrett did not receive it on his $30.4 million contract. That tight end David Njoku signed recently means he probably also did not secure an offset clause. The numbers for Peppers, the No. 25 pick, are pretty well set at about $10.3 million with about a $5.6 million signing bonus. The Browns are of course hoping they can reach a deal before the start of training camp July 27th.
Hey, Tha Post Office: As of right now, I'd say the defensive line with the addition of Garrett. The Browns believe that he can be a generational player who transforms the team. In addition, the Browns also have Desmond Bryant back from his torn pectoral muscle. But if rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer can step in and win some games, QB could move up into "most improved'' status.
Hey, Red: Some areas such as the defensive line are improved, and some I'm not so sure about yet. The quarterback play will be better this year and the defensive front is much improved. But the receiving corps looks like it could use some help, especially if Corey Coleman is nagged by a hamstring issue. With a better running game and upgraded defense, the Browns should be able to win some games this year, but I doubt they'll reach .500.
Hey, Mary Kay: We've seen Derek Carr, Teddy Bridgewater and Carson Wentz just to name a few in recent history as rookie QBs come in and be successful. Reports coming out this offseason are that DeShone Kizer is headed in that direction. In your assessment what does he have to do to put himself in position to do just that? -- Carl, Cleveland, Ohio
Hey, Carl: Kizer has to come back for camp knowing the offense inside and out so he can call the plays without thinking as much. He also has to study film and know his defensive keys. He'll be blitzed a lot in camp, which will help prepare him. He'll also have to minimize interceptions, because Hue Jackson has no tolerance for those. If he can move the ball effectively on this defense and in preseason games, he'll be right in the mix for the opening day start.
Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think that Brock Osweiler going into training camp as the highest-paid player on the roster can or will be a problem with the other players? Especially considering he's not a starter? -- David Johnson, Lorain, Ohio
Hey, David: I don't think it will be a factor. I think most players understand that Osweiler was initially a throw-in on the "purchase'' of a 2018 second-round pick for $16 million.
Depending on how Kizer and Cody Kessler look in camp, I think the Browns would still welcome some relief on that $16 million guaranteed salary in the form of a trade. Of course, they'd have to creatively finance the deal and still pay a large portion of it themselves. But I'm sure they don't want a $16 million player on the bench.