Archives for March 5, 2005

‘Injuries hindered Holcomb in Cleveland. He beat out Tim Couch for the starting job in 2003 and probably would have kept the starting job for 2004. But he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder late in 2003, so the Browns turned to veteran Jeff Garcia. Holcomb started just two games last season.’

‘When it became apparent that there was no sense of urgency to sign Holcomb – and when news broke that the Browns had contingency plans including trading for Seattle’s Trent Dilfer – Bauer and Holcomb agreed it was best that he move on. “Kelly didn’t feel good at all about the way things were going in Cleveland,” said Bauer. “He felt the attitude was ‘if we get him, we get him, if we don’t, we don’t.’ “‘

‘Holcomb was initially expected to re-sign with the Browns after the team released starter Jeff Garcia after last season. Talks with Cleveland, however, broke down this week when rookie Browns coach Romeo Crennel suggested he was preparing other plans.’

‘Holcomb ended up settling for less than the Browns reportedly offered — $8 million over four years — to back up J.P. Losman in Buffalo. Holcomb would start if Losman flops or is injured in preseason.’

‘The Browns had reportedly offered $8 million over four years. According to a source, the two sides were only $250,000 apart in salary with some incentives also involved, but Holcomb didn’t feel comfortable with the Browns’ preparations for his departure and their lack of urgency to re-sign him.’

‘It looked like Holcomb was set to return to Cleveland, and maybe even have a shot at the starting job. Instead, he’s moved down the shore of Lake Erie after agreeing to a reported four-year deal worth 6.6 million dollars.’

‘As of Thursday the Browns were still negotiating with Holcomb trying to resign their free agent quarterback. However, head coach Romeo Crennel didn’t sound that confident saying, "I am prepared to lose anyone and everyone because in this game that is what happens,”’

‘A graduate of Notre Dame in 2000, Gandy finished his career with the Fighting Irish by starting 26 consecutive games before being drafted in the third round in 2001.’

‘Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Tampa Bay in 1995, the quarterback from Middle Tennessee St. spent time on Tampa Bay’s practice squad before being signed by Indianapolis in 1996. He spent five years as a backup quarterback for the Colts prior to signing with Cleveland in 2001.’

‘“We didn’t feel real comfortable with what’s going on in Cleveland,” Bauer said. “When someone tells you they want to think about it or revisit it, you better move because there’s something burning in the kitchen. … You never know if you wake up tomorrow morning and suddenly they have a quarterback and you’re hung out to dry.”’

‘After releasing Drew Bledsoe for salary cap purposes, Bills coach Mike Mularkey elevated Losman, the team’s first-round pick in 2004, to the starting job. But Mularkey also emphasized that he wanted a veteran with starter’s experience to serve as the backup.’

‘Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Tampa Bay in 1995, the quarterback from Middle Tennessee State spent time on Tampa Bay’s practice squad before being signed by Indianapolis in 1996. He spent five years as a backup quarterback for the Colts prior to signing with Cleveland in 2001.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran QB Kelly Holcomb to a four-year deal with a $2 million signing bonus.’

‘Holcomb spent four seasons with Cleveland.He started two games in 2004. He delivered a 413-yard, five-touchdown performance in the Browns 58-48 victory against Cincinnati.’

The Bills on Friday evening reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent Kelly Holcomb, who rebuffed persistent attempts by the Browns to retain him, and possibly give him the starting job. Holcomb, 31, will sign a four-year, $6.6 million contract that includes a $2 million signing bonus.