GM Savage Closer To Extension With Browns, Expected By Draft

By: Associated Press | NBC4i.com
Published: April 11, 2008

CLEVELAND -- Browns general manager Phil Savage won't have many picks on draft day. He will have a contract extension, though.

Savage and Cleveland owner Randy Lerner recently met and made progress toward an extension, which is expected to be completed before the April 26-27 NFL draft. The two men had informal, preliminary talks following Cleveland's season - a surprising 10-6 breakout by the Browns.

With Savage focused on the draft, and Lerner's travel schedule, they haven't been able to meet and finalize the multiyear package for the 43-year-old GM, who in three-plus years has completely dismantled and rebuilt the Browns.

Lerner has praised Savage's moves and patience in getting Cleveland turned around. Savage is currently signed through the 2009 season. His extension will be in line with coach Romeo Crennel, who received a two-year extension through the 2011 season in January.

Savage did manage to make a trip to London a few weeks ago and spent time with Lerner's Aston Villa soccer team in the English Premier League.

As for the draft, the Browns don't have a pick until Sunday's fourth round, the 122nd overall selection. During a radio interview on Thursday, Savage said it was unlikely that he would trade quarterback Derek Anderson or any other players to move up.

"To go up and try to get into the first day, it would have to be a player who would be very attractive to us," Savage said. "I don't think it would involve certainly any players we have on our current roster. It would probably involve more picks for next year, something in the future."

Although they don't have a first-day pick, the Browns have visited with players who will be taken in the early rounds. The club also has one pick in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.

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