Browns Not Planning on Trading LB Matt Roth

Despite the “give me a new deal or trade me” ultimatum that linebacker Matt Roth gave to the Browns on Monday, GM Tom Heckert and the rest of the organization pretty much offered Roth the equivalent of laughing right into his face by saying “it’s not going to happen.”

Heckert also went on to say in this cleveland.com article that “Normally when guys aren’t happy with their contracts, the first thing that comes out of their mouths is, ‘give me a new deal or trade me.” Thankfully, Heckert isn’t going to take the bait; plus, he has very clearly laid out his reasoning for not automatically signing these players to new deals. Simply put, this new front office has not seen much of these players in person.

In order to make an informed decision, they would have to see these players out on the field, like, say, at the OTAs that are going on right now. Instead, the players would rather sit back and skip these voluntary workouts to complain about not getting paid.

I’m really loving the way Heckert is handling this situation.

On another note regarding Matt Roth, he is currently the man wearing one of the greatest numbers in Browns history: #53. Why is that such an important number, you ask? It belonged to special teams extraordinaire Mason Unck, one of my favorite Browns players since the team’s return in 1999.

– Kicker Phil Dawson was also a no-show at the organized team activities, most likely in protest of his current contract situation. He is in the last year of his deal and it is unclear whether or not the Browns will re-sign him.

– Count the Browns out as potential suitors for wide receiver Terrell Owens. “That’s not the direction we’re headed,” said Tom Heckert, according to Tony Grossi.