Free Agent Browner Still In Boston, Cancels Visit With Redskins
BOSTON (CBS) -- Early Thursday night, it looked like defensive back Brandon Browner was about to join the New England Patriots.
While those rumors were shot down by Browner's agent, the free agent is still in Boston as of early Friday morning.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported via Twitter shortly after 7pm that the Patriots agreed to terms with the free-agent on a two-year deal.
Source: Ex-#Seahawks CB Brandon Browner has reached a two-year agreement with the #Patriots. Must serve 4-game suspension to start 2014
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2014
Brandon Browner has spread the word to those close to him that he has agreed with the #Patriots. Thus, my report that he has agreed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2014
But Browner's agent, Peter Schaffer, said not so fast, and wasn't very happy that Rapoport's report interrupted his recreational hockey game.
"It's 100 percent untrue," Schaffer told Pro Football Talk shortly after Rapoport Tweeted the news. "I've got four teams to negotiate with. I've got irresponsible journalists who don't check their facts putting this stuff out there, and my phone is blowing up when I'm trying to play hockey."
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"I've got very little patience for irresponsible journalists who put this stuff out and ruin my night," he said. "My phone is going nuts. I just wanna play hockey."
It's pretty entertaining to hear about an agent getting upset over a recreational hockey game, but chances are Schaffer was more upset with potentially losing some negotiating leverage with New England.
Browner is still a free agent as of Friday morning, though it appears his visit with at least one other team has been cancelled.
That visit Brandon Browner had with the #Redskins? It was cancelled last night, per source. @AlbertBreer says Browner is not in town
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2014
Source: CB Brandon Browner is still in the Boston-area as of this early morning, at this time.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 14, 2014
The Patriots are looking at Browner to help revamp their secondary. The 2011 Pro Bowler has 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery during his three-year NFL career. He went undrafted out of Oregon State in 2005 and signed with the Denver Broncos, but missed the entire 2005 season with a broken forearm. He played the next four years with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, winning a Grey Cup in 2008, before signing with Seattle in 2011.
Gresh & Zo: Browner Exactly What Belichick Has Been Waiting For At Safety
Browner was suspended for four games in 2012, and again for five games in 2013 for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and he will also have to sit the first four games of 2014.
The 6-4 defensive back would likely make the move to safety if he signs in New England.
UPDATE:
From me and @RapSheet: Per Redskins sources, Browner's visit to Ashburn -- called off as of this AM -- is now back on for this afternoon.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2014
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