Verba agrees to repay bonus to be released from Browns
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The paperwork was processed on Wednesday to effect the release of left tackle Ross Verba from the Browns.
Verba wanted out so badly that he agreed to return a $465,000 roster bonus paid by the club in March in to gain his release.
After the formality of a 24-hour period on waivers, Verba, 31, will seek to find a new team as a free agent. As a vested NFL veteran, Verba can reject a waiver claim and opt for free agency.
"If we're successful in attracting a multiyear deal, I assume he's going to want to make visits and talk to coaches," agent Tom Condon said. "We're certainly cognizant of teams that look to have a need at the position and we hit them off the bat. We also go through the remainder of the other 31 teams."
Verba vocalized his desire to be released when the club reacted coolly to his demand for a new contract and then signed free agent L.J. Shelton to replace him. He had two years left at a $2.9 million annual salary.
Verba is the 20th player who made at least one start for the Browns in 2004 to leave the club since Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel took over football operations for Butch Davis in February.
Of those who left through free agency, trade or release, only Verba and safety Robert Griffith started all 16 games.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The paperwork was processed on Wednesday to effect the release of left tackle Ross Verba from the Browns.
Verba wanted out so badly that he agreed to return a $465,000 roster bonus paid by the club in March in to gain his release.
After the formality of a 24-hour period on waivers, Verba, 31, will seek to find a new team as a free agent. As a vested NFL veteran, Verba can reject a waiver claim and opt for free agency.
"If we're successful in attracting a multiyear deal, I assume he's going to want to make visits and talk to coaches," agent Tom Condon said. "We're certainly cognizant of teams that look to have a need at the position and we hit them off the bat. We also go through the remainder of the other 31 teams."
Verba vocalized his desire to be released when the club reacted coolly to his demand for a new contract and then signed free agent L.J. Shelton to replace him. He had two years left at a $2.9 million annual salary.
Verba is the 20th player who made at least one start for the Browns in 2004 to leave the club since Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel took over football operations for Butch Davis in February.
Of those who left through free agency, trade or release, only Verba and safety Robert Griffith started all 16 games.
