The Cleveland Browns lone unsigned draftee remains fourth-round pick, Perrion Winfrey. Before he can have an excellent rookie season, he needs to sign first.
Some of you may be wondering why Cleveland Browns newly drafted defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey from Oklahoma remains the lone holdout of the 2022 draft picks that haven’t signed their first contracts with the team.
The Browns have signed eight players so far. Winfrey was drafted in the fourth round along with the other fourth-round pick Cade York, the new placekicker for the team.
York signed his contract last month. There are actually still eight other fourth-round picks across the NFL that are still not signed. While most first-rounders and late-round picks are all signed there was a situation that arose this offseason that has affected this fourth round of players.
Mike Garafolo, of the NFL Network, reported that the Houston Texans decided to give an extra $25,000 to their fourth-round pick in running back Dameon Pierce out of Florida. That forced every other fourth-round pick to work with their agents to try and get more money out of their new teams.
Fourth-round picks have been the slowest to agree to deals, in large part because the #Texans have RB Dameone Pierce (second pick in the round) an extra $25k over the minimum, so now every agent behind him is asking for the same. Below pic: Number of signings as of yesterday. pic.twitter.com/pUTui1Um7g
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 9, 2022
So, while, it is a bit of a surprise at this point, with less than two weeks before training camp, hopefully, negotiations wrap up soon for Winfrey and the team.
It was just announced on the NFL Network that Winfrey and York were selected for their Preseason All-Rookie Team. It’s a nice acknowledgment of the potential that is there for both players.
Winfrey will certainly get his share of plays on the field and should be able to help in a position on the team that needs upgrades. York will be the new placekicker and should become a fan favorite if he can knock the football through the uprights on a regular basis.
If training camp starts and Winfrey hasn’t signed yet, that will certainly throw his chances off if he wants to start at defensive tackle.
The frustrating part is this issue with the fourth-rounders not signing yet looks to revolve around one player getting a very minimal extra payout.
Mr. Winfrey, let’s sign the new deal and start working to become the best Cleveland Brown.