The holdup on Weeden’s contract — and that of the three players picked behind him — is a fully guaranteed contract for all four years, league sources said Friday. It’s the same issue that caused Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor, the 21st pick last year, to hold out for the first four days of training camp. Weeden is set to receive a four-year deal worth about $8.1 million, but is intent on the fourth-year guarantee as opposed to the three that many players late in the round receive.
If the Browns decide not to budge on the guaranteed fourth year, Weeden will most likely have to settle for the combination guarantee/roster bonus that Taylor received.
The Browns still have almost a month to resolve the issue, and sources expect Weeden to be in on time, especially considering he’s set to be the starting quarterback.