The Browns picked Gilkey in the seventh round (No. 227 overall) of this year’s draft. He started 34 of the 37 games in which he appeared at Chadron State University, where he played left tackle. He received All-America honors and was one of three Division II players invited to the Senior Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Gilkey has been working at guard with the Browns during organized team activities.

Gilkey is the second member of this year’s draft class to sign his rookie contract with the Browns. Former Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, a sixth-round pick, also signed a four-year deal with the team this week.

Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (first round), cornerback Leon McFadden (third round) and defensive end Armonty Bryant (seventh round) have yet to sign.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ.

The Browns have signed rookie offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey to a four-year contract, the team announced today.

The Browns picked Gilkey in the seventh round (No. 227 overall) of this year’s draft. He started 34 of the 37 games in which he appeared at Chadron State University, where he played left tackle. He received All-America honors and was one of three Division II players invited to the Senior Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Gilkey has been working at guard with the Browns during organized team activities.

Gilkey is the second member of this year’s draft class to sign his rookie contract with the Browns. Former Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, a sixth-round pick, also signed a four-year deal with the team this week.

Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (first round), cornerback Leon McFadden (third round) and defensive end Armonty Bryant (seventh round) have yet to sign.

Well, Hoyer happens to agree, even though he has been a backup since he entered the league with the New England Patriots in 2009 as an undrafted free agent from Michigan State University.

“No doubt I think I have the capability to be a starting quarterback,” Hoyer said Thursday after the Browns completed their third and final practice of this week’s organized team activities.

Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, is third on the Browns’ depth chart behind incumbent starter Brandon Weeden, 29, and nine-year veteran Jason Campbell, 31. Practicing with his hometown team in front of the media for the first time since he signed a two-year deal reportedly worth $1.965 million on May 17, Hoyer worked primarily with the third-team offense.

But Hoyer also practiced a little bit with the second unit, a sign he’ll receive a legitimate chance to push for a promotion. He led the offense down the field and capped a drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Montario Hardesty during an 11-on-11 session.

In other words, he looked comfortable in familiar surroundings.

“I didn’t need directions on the first day of work,” said Hoyer, who used to watch practices at the team’s training facility.

Hoyer, 27, said his “phone was pretty busy” after he signed last week. Naturally, family and friends are giddy about his homecoming.

“Obviously when you’re a kid growing up and you dream about playing professional sports, you dream about playing for your hometown team,” Hoyer said. “It really is … a dream come true. I always grew up wanting to be Bernie Kosar and now to get a chance to play quarterback for the Browns, it’s definitely an exciting time.”

Hoyer has already received plenty of attention from the local media because of his Northeast Ohio roots, but it’s not the only reason. The bottom line is backup quarterbacks are routinely thrust into action in Cleveland, so it’s a good thing Hoyer is confident he can start. No Browns quarterback has played a full 16-game season since Tim Couch in 2001. In two of the past three seasons, third-string quarterbacks — Colt McCoy in 2010 and Thaddeus Lewis in 2012 — have started.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Hoyer is well aware of the team’s history. He grew up a die-hard Browns fan and attended the team’s final game in 1995 before the late Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore.

“My dad and I were there,” Hoyer said. “I just remember being scared because people were like ripping seats out. I’m just sad my team’s leaving and people are ripping seats out and stuff. Yeah, I was there.”

Eighteen years later, Hoyer is hoping to take the next step in his career with the Browns. He’s endured quite a journey as of late.

Hoyer pointed out he is learning his fourth offense in less than a year. After spending three seasons as Tom Brady’s backup with the Patriots, he wound up with the Pittsburgh Steelers in December and then landed with the Arizona Cardinals, playing in the final two games this past season. Hoyer has made one start in his career, completing 19-of-34 passes (55.9 percent) for 225 yards and one touchdown with an interception in the Cardinals’ 27-13, season-ending loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Hoyer said the Browns haven’t revealed their plans for him.

“Nothing. I mean, for me, I’m just coming out here,” Hoyer said. “I’m so far behind these guys. I’m learning from Brandon and Jason and [offensive coordinator Norv] Turner. Obviously there’s a great coaching staff here, so I’ve been asking them a lot of questions and just trying to catch up. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to compete for a spot on this team. Wherever that goes, we’ll see. But I’m just trying to take it day by day right now, improve myself, and hopefully every day the plays get a little bit easier, the calls get a little bit easier and things like that.”

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said Weeden, Campbell and Hoyer will continue to take reps in that order. The Browns announced Thursday that they waived Lewis, and Chudzinski said the team needs only three quarterbacks for training camp.

“He’s had experience,” Chudzinski said of Hoyer. “He has a good arm and a good sense for playing. We are working him here, and we’ll get more of a look at him as we go.”

Perhaps Hoyer will impress Chudzinski and Co. partly because he learned from one of the best — Brady.

“For a guy like me, the situation how I came in the league, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to go,” Hoyer said. “In my opinion, he’s the best. I got to sit there with him day in and day out and just see how he approaches things, how he runs the team, how strict he is on himself and really holds himself to the highest standard. I’ve seen what it takes to be the best, and every time I go out on the field, I try to do the same.”

Hoyer, though, obviously isn’t Brady. And some believe he can’t possibly be any good because three teams have let him go.

“I don’t worry about critics,” Hoyer said. “I don’t read the media. I don’t watch the media. Once you start worrying about what those people say, I think your head’s in the wrong place.”

Unless, of course, one of those media personalities becomes your boss — and he thinks you have what it takes to become a starter.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

Q: How did the deal come together?

A: “They’ve shown interest in me, earlier in the year. It just kind of went away ‘cause I guess they were doing camp and everything. I just continued to work out. When I got that phone call, me and the family was excited just to come back up here, just to have an opportunity to prove why I should be on the field.”

Q: Even though you’re staying here, do you view this as a fresh start because of the new coaching staff?

A: “It is. It’s a fresh start. New number, new coaches, new offense. It’s a great opportunity for me to come in and show the coaches why I should be on the field.

Q: You’re wearing No. 27. Is there any significance to the new number?

A: “No, it’s just everything’s new. Twenty-nine was taken already, so everything’s new.”

Q: After you joined the Browns in 2011 as an unrestricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers, you suffered a season-ending toe injury in the preseason and then you played in just two games this past season. How hungry are you to get back into games?

A: “I’m starving right now. I’ve been out for two years. My last game, actual full game … I’ll go back to the Super Bowl game [with the Packers]. It’s tough not to play two years. It’s real tough. But I stayed focused, kept my strength in God, and now I’m blessed to have this opportunity to show up and show the coaches what I can do.”

— Nate Ulrich

Richardson sat out the final practice of this week’s organized team activities Thursday with a strained lower-leg muscle in his shin. Coach Rob Chudzinski said Richardson, the third overall pick in last year’s draft, might miss the team’s mandatory minicamp June 4-6 because of the injury.

“It’s precautionary,” Chudzinski said. “We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I’m not sure. We’ll just take it day by day.”

Richardson missed all four preseason games last year after undergoing surgery Aug. 9 to remove a piece of loose cartilage from his left knee, which he also had scoped about six months earlier. Still, Richardson made it back in time for the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

But in Week 6, two or three of Richardson’s ribs were broken when a Cincinnati Bengals defender rammed into him with his helmet. He was slowed by the injury for the rest of the season, but he played through it until a left high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos sidelined him for the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Richardson said he felt like a new man during minicamp April 17.

“I feel great, man, 100 percent,” said Richardson, who had 267 carries for 950 yards (3.6 average) and 11 touchdowns to go along with 51 catches for 367 yards and a touchdown last season. “I’m out there flying around. I finally feel skinny. I don’t have all this big padding on [my ribs] right now, so it’s much easier to breathe. I can sleep at night. I don’t feel anything wrong and I feel better than ever right now.”

Unfortunately for Richardson, that’s no longer the case.

Richardson did not speak to reporters Thursday. Chudzinski indicated Richardson suffered the leg injury during practice. The Browns also practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, but those sessions were not open to the media.

Richardson, though, wasn’t the only projected starter who sat out with an injury Thursday. Tight end Jordan Cameron was sidelined with a strained groin muscle.

Richardson and Cameron were on the field doing light exercises on the sidelines and watching practice. Running back Chris Ogbonnaya and tight end Gary Barnidge filled in for them most of the time with the first-team offense.

Ready for new role

It would have been understandable if Jabaal Sheard felt threatened — or even like the odd man out — after the Browns drafted Barkevious Mingo sixth overall last month.

But Sheard insists he doesn’t have such concerns as he continues his transition from a 4-3 defensive end to an outside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4, multi-front scheme. Sheard said there are plenty of snaps to be divided between him, Mingo and fellow outside linebackers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves, and he believes all four of them will have prominent roles during the upcoming season.

“It’s a long game, and you’re going to need a rotation throughout, and it’s a long season as well,” Sheard said. “So definitely we’re going to need to share snaps and split it up amongst the four of us. You’ve got to stay healthy throughout the whole season, so I think that’s going to play a big part in how our rotation works.”

Sheard and Kruger have served as the first-team outside linebackers during OTAs. Thursday, Sheard played on the left side and Kruger on the right. Last week, it was the opposite.

“Nobody has a guaranteed position yet,” Sheard said. “So I think Coach is just figuring out where guys play better, where guys fit, how it’s going to work out.”

Last week, Horton said Sheard was “doing great” as he adjusted to his new position. Sheard, a 2011 second-round pick who has 15½ sacks the past two seasons, is convinced it’s a challenge he can conquer.

“I’m getting more and more comfortable every day at the position,” Sheard said. … “The [dropping back in] coverage part is kicking in and becoming a lot easier.”

Aiming to start

The Browns continued to experiment with their top guards Thursday, placing John Greco on the right side and Jason Pinkston on the left with the first-team offense. Shawn Lauvao, the starting right guard the past two seasons, worked on the left side with the second unit.

No matter how it all shakes out, Greco is determined to stay in the starting lineup.

“I’m hungry for a starting spot, no matter where it is, no matter what position it is,” Greco said.

Greco started 10 games at left guard this past season because Pinkston was placed on injured reserve with a blood clot in his lung. In his first four NFL seasons, Greco had only four starts.

“He came in and did a really nice job last season,” Chudzinski said. “He’s smart and he can handle a lot of different things. We’ve been working him on both sides and he is a valuable guy.”

Extra points

Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said the team is experimenting with Buster Skrine and Johnson Bademosi as kickoff return men. Tabor also said Dion Lewis is in the mix, and he acknowledged Travis Benjamin is the leading candidate to return punts. … Defensive end Desmond Bryant was not at practice Thursday because he was tending to a legal matter, Chudzinski said. Bryant was arrested in February and charged with criminal mischief, and he is being sued by a North Miami Beach family for allegedly trying to storm into their house while intoxicated and incoherent. Billy Winn replaced Bryant with the first-team defense. … Quarterback Brandon Weeden completed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Benjamin, who beat the coverage of Skrine. Chudzinski said he has seen progression from Weeden throughout OTAs. … Rookie safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles), wide receivers David Nelson (knee), Jordan Norwood (unknown) and Perez Ashford (unknown) and offensive lineman Ryan Miller (unknown) did not practice. Rookie offensive tackle Chris Faulk (knee) worked out on an exercise bike at the beginning of practice and later stood on the field while wearing a helmet as the team conducted a walk-through. … Rookie cornerback Leon McFadden, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, practiced after sitting out last week because he was still in school. McFadden worked with the second-team defense. Skrine practiced with the first-team defense opposite cornerback Joe Haden. In the nickel package, Skrine moved to the slot, and Chris Owens played on the outside. … The Browns signed wide receiver Tori Gurley to fill the roster spot created by waiving fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. Gurley signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 1 and was waived on May 13. Last season, he spent time on the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings (three weeks), Oakland Raiders (one week), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (two weeks) and San Diego Chargers (three weeks).

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski met with reporters today after an organized team activity practice. Here is a transcript from the news conference:

(Opening statement)- “We had a good week. I’m pleased with what we got done. A lot of it we focused on situational work again and this week we got more into red zone, two minute situations. We worked that really all week long was red zone. We got a lot of work there. Then the last two days we have worked two minute situations and have done that. I feel good about the progress we are making. We are covering a lot. The energy has been great. We are making our way.”

(On what made them bring Brian Hoyer in)- “He was available and we decided to bring him in. He is a guy who has had experience. He has been around. With our situation right now, you don’t have enough reps to split, they are split a lot of different ways. Having a guy who has had some experience and knows how to play and has been on NFL teams helps.”

(On how Hoyer has looked this week)- “It’s early. He has picked things up quickly and he has a good feel.”

(On if Hoyer’s skill set fits what they wanted)- “Again, he’s had experience. He has a good arm and a good sense for playing. We are working him here and we’ll get more of a look at him as we go.”

(On if the reps will be taken by Brandon Weeden-one, Jason Campbell-two and Brian Hoyer-three and then whatever happens happens)- “That’s how we will have them. We will have them 1-2-3. We are getting some extra reps with the young guys and really working that so Brian has been able to get some extra reps with the threes.”

(On if they didn’t need a fourth quarterback for training camp)- “We don’t necessarily need a fourth. It’s not the worst thing to have a fourth and that’s traditionally what has been done, but we need reps and guys to get reps, especially with a new offense right now so three is a good number for us.”

(On Dion Lewis)- “Dion has done a nice job. He had a couple nice runs out here. He has shown some quickness, can catch the ball and has some skills.”

(On if he likes Lewis’ pass catching ability)- “I do. I’ve liked what I’ve seen.”

(On if Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard switched sides from last week)- “We are working them a little bit on both sides. You have probably seen that with a lot of players out here. We are working them multiple sides. It gives us a chance to work them there in case you need to down the road and just to see guys from different sides”

(On if a player could be more comfortable on one side than another)- “I haven’t noticed it. It would be too early to tell. Where they have been playing and how they have been playing has looked pretty good to me.”

(On why Desmond Bryant wasn’t at practice today)- “He has a legal matter that he is taking care of today.”

(On if Johnson Bademosi is now the leader of the special teams unit)- “I’ve been pleased with him. He has taken that type of role, special teams wise. Obviously, he is learning a new position and playing some safety. His approach has been great and I have been pleased with his progress.”

(On is it an experiment or if Bademosi is a safety until further notice)- "I think he looks pretty good at safety right now. We'll keep playing him there and we'll also get him some work at corner and see how that goes."

(On Brandon Weeden looking better this week an practice than last week and his improvement over the course of OTAs)- "You guys are out here one day a week so sometimes you might see one thing one day and the next day you are out. I've seen a progression with Brandon. With all the guys, some days are better than others and that's the thing working with these guys and these quarterbacks. It's not going to be about what a guy does in one day. We're looking over the course of time and they are doing a good job. They are learning what we are doing. Again, we are really working different situations. Next week, we'll work in different situations, get into backed up, get into some four-minute and some of those types of situations. We’ll continue to throw different things at them."

(On if John Greco being a versatile lineman)- "John is able to play a lot of different positions. He came in and did a really nice job last season. He's smart and he can handle a lot of different things. We've been working him on both sides and he is a valuable guy."

(On the competition at the wide receiver position)- "It's pretty open right now and there are a lot of guys there. Again, here, there is no press coverage and there are some things that will make it a little easier for the offense and the receivers particularly. Once we get into training camp that'll play itself out."

(On Josh Cooper)- "He has done a nice job. He has had some nice plays out there. He's a versatile guy who has played in the slot and he has some quickness. He has caught the ball well this spring."

(On Brandon Jackson returning)- "With Brandon, I always felt like you can't have enough good running backs. He's a proven guy who has had production in the league. He has been able to have good production catching the ball as well. Just bringing in another guy who was available at that position from my experience, you can never have enough good running backs."

(On if pass catching is a high requirement for his running backs)- "You'd like to have somebody who can do everything. That's typically not what the case is so you look for different things from different guys. That's something that he obviously has shown that he can do."

(On Trent Richardson's injury)- "It's precautionary. We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."

(On Jordan Cameron's injury)- "Same thing. He has a groin that he has pulled. Again, we are being more cautionary with these type of things. We'll have to wait and see."

(On Tashaun Gipson)- "He has done a nice job and there are some young guys there, we’re giving them opportunities. That's going to be a competitive and fluid situation and we'll just keep working. Again, when we get into training camp, that'll really play itself out when we get into contact."

Quarterback Brian Hoyer didn’t need directions to the Browns’ training facility after he signed a two-year deal with the team May 17.

After all, Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, is home.

“Obviously when you’re a kid growing up and you dream about playing professional sports, you dream about playing for your hometown team,” Hoyer said this afternoon following a session of organized team activities. “It really is … a dream come true. I always grew up wanting to be Bernie Kosar and now to get a chance to play quarterback for the Browns, it’s definitely an exciting time.”

Hoyer is third on the Browns’ depth chart behind incumbent starter Brandon Weeden and nine-year veteran Jason Campbell. The majority of Hoyer’s reps were with the third-team offense, but he also worked a little bit with the second unit, completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Montario Hardesty during an 11-on-11 drill.

Still, Hoyer is confident he has the talent to ascend to a greater role.

“No doubt I think I have the capability to be a starting quarterback,” Hoyer said.

Hoyer pointed out he is learning his fourth offense in less than a year. After spending three seasons as Tom Brady’s backup with the New England Patriots, he wound up with the Pittsburgh Steelers in December and then the Arizona Cardinals for the final two games of this past season. Hoyer, 27, has made one start in his career, completing 19-of-34 passes (55.9 percent) for 225 yards and one touchdown with an interception in the Cardinals’ 27-13, season-ending loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.

“I’m so far behind these guys,” Hoyer said. “I’m learning from Brandon and Jason and [offensive coordinator Norv] Turner. Obviously there’s a great coaching staff here, so I’ve been asking them a lot of questions and just trying to catch up. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to compete for a spot on this team. Wherever that goes, we’ll see. But I’m just trying to take it day by day right now, improve myself, and hopefully every day the plays get a little bit easier, the calls get a little bit easier and things like that.”

Disaster relief

Weeden is planning to go back to his home state of Oklahoma this weekend to help in relief efforts after tornadoes recently ripped through it.

Weeden’s wife, Melanie, is from Moore, Okla., where a tornado killed 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes. None of her family members were injured, Weeden said.

“I’m going home this weekend to help out, volunteer, do as much as I can,” said Weeden, an Edmond, Okla., native and former Oklahoma State University standout. “I know it’s tough, there’s so much devastation. But just to do my part, I feel like it’s the right thing to do, especially when it hits close like that with your wife’s family. That’s my plan for the weekend.”

Attendance

Running back Trent Richardson sat out practice today with a strained lower-leg muscle in his shin, and he could be sidelined during the Browns’ mandatory minicamp June 4-6, coach Rob Chudzinski said. Chudzinski said holding Richardson out of practice was “precautionary.”

Tight end Jordan Cameron (strained groin muscle), rookie safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles), wide receivers David Nelson (knee), Jordan Norwood (unknown) and Perez Ashford (unknown) and offensive lineman Ryan Miller (unknown) did not practice, either.

Defensive end Desmond Bryant was not at practice because he was tending to a legal matter, Chudzinski said.

Rookie offensive tackle Chris Faulk (knee) worked out on an exercise bike at the beginning of practice and later stood on the field while wearing a helmet as the team conducted a walk through.

Highlight of day

Weeden completed a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who beat the coverage of cornerback Buster Skrine to catch the perfectly placed ball.

Chudzinski said he has seen progression from Weeden throughout OTAs.

Extra points

Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said the team would experiment with Johnson Bademosi and Buster Skrine as kick returners. … Jason Pinkston worked at left guard with the first-team offense. John Greco served as the first-string right guard, and Shawn Lauvao practiced at left guard with the second unit. … Jabaal Sheard practiced at left outside linebacker with the first unit while Paul Kruger worked on the opposite side. Last week, Sheard was on the right side and Kruger on the left. … Rookie cornerback Leon McFadden, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, practiced today after sitting out last week because he was still in school at San Diego State University. McFadden worked with the second-team defense. Skrine practiced with the first-team defense opposite cornerback Joe Haden. In the nickel package, Skrine moved to the slot, and Chris Owens played on the outside.

Running back Trent Richardson and tight end Jordan Cameron are not practicing today during organized team activities, a Browns spokesman said.

Richardson is sidelined with a strained lower-leg muscle in his shin, and Cameron is sitting out with a strained groin muscle.

The Browns will practice from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. today. Coach Rob Chudzinski and players are scheduled to be available for interviews afterward.

The Browns signed wide receiver Tori Gurley and waived fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, the team announced this morning.

The release of Lewis, which was first reported Wednesday night, came less than one week after the Browns signed quarterback Brian Hoyer and inserted him into the third slot on their depth chart. Reporters will get their first look at Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, with the Browns when organized team activities (OTAs) resume at 10:45 a.m. today in Berea.

The 6-4, 230-pound Gurley signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Jan.1 and was waived on May 13. Last season, he spent time on the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings (three weeks), Oakland Raiders (one week), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (two weeks) and San Diego Chargers (three weeks).

Gurley spent the entire 2011 season on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina. He tallied 75 career receptions for 905 yards and six touchdowns in two collegiate seasons.
 

Since the FBI and Internal Revenue Service raided the headquarters of Pilot Flying J April 15 in Knoxville, Tenn., Haslam has issued several apologies and denied his knowledge of an alleged fraud scheme the FBI says cheated trucking-company customers out of millions of dollars of rebates they were contractually promised for buying certain amounts of diesel fuel.

Haslam, the CEO of Pilot Flying J, continued to maintain his innocence while explaining his side of the story to his NFL brethren Tuesday during the league meetings in Boston, according to the report.

He addressed the other owners for about five minutes before a lunch break. It wasn’t on the agenda, but Haslam asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell if he could speak to the group.

“I thought it was important,” Haslam told USA Today. “We’re partners in the NFL. I wanted to address them face-to-face.”

Haslam became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 before striking a deal this past summer to buy the Browns from Randy Lerner for about $1 billion. Steelers President Art Rooney II told USA Today he “was shocked” when he first heard about the accusations against Pilot Flying J, which is owned by Haslam and his family.

“I felt like it’s nothing Jimmy would become involved in,” Rooney said. “I feel like I know Jimmy. … He’s not someone who’d be breaking the law.”

Haslam and Goodell met last month about the investigation, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has no plans to ask Haslam to surrender operational control of the Browns during the probe. No charges have been filed in the case.

So at this point, the league is sticking by Haslam. And he assured his peers he wouldn’t let them down.

“I know he feels a sense of embarrassment,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told USA Today. “He said they’re going to do everything they can to get it under control and put it behind them, and that he felt bad for the attention that it brought to the Cleveland franchise and the NFL, and he was going to make it right.

“He handled himself in a very professional way and spoke about what the NFL and the Cleveland market means to him, how important it is that he make both parties proud,” Kraft said. “They have a huge company. Maybe they didn’t have all the controls that they wanted. He was very impressive in explaining that. I thought it was classy.”

Haslam seemingly earned points among the owners for his most recent speech. He also offered to meet in private with any of them who want further explanation, according to the report.

“Personally, hearing Mr. Haslam explain his full situation, I was very touched by it,” New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told USA Today. “The complexity of the situation, I don’t fully understand. But he was open. I admire him for taking a very proactive position.

“He is the new kid in town in terms of NFL ownership. And to sort of deal with an issue like this in the first quarter is impressive.”

Last week during a seminar in Indianapolis, Haslam told trucking industry leaders he had no knowledge of the alleged rebate fraud. He also told reporters he doesn’t believe the investigation will affect his ownership of the Browns.

Trimming roster

The Browns waived fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the move.

Lewis’ departure was foreshadowed by the Browns signing quarterback Brian Hoyer on Friday and inserting him into the third slot on their depth chart behind incumbent starter Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Lewis, 25, made his NFL debut and lone start Dec. 30 in the Browns’ season-ending, 24-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lewis completed 22-of-32 passes (68.8 percent) for 204 yards and a touchdown with an interception for a passer rating of 83.3.

Deal never sealed

Former Boise State linebacker Tommy Smith has not signed with the Browns despite KLASS Sports, the agency that represents Smith, making an announcement to the contrary Tuesday.

KLASS conceded Wednesday that its announcement was premature. Although the Browns flew Smith to Cleveland, they never finalized a contract with him.

Smith left town Wednesday, though he still might eventually join the team depending on the makeup of its roster as the offseason unfolds.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Smith, an inside linebacker, participated in the Browns’ rookie minicamp May 10-12 on a tryout basis.

Scheduling update

The Browns will wrap up their second block of organized team activities (OTAs) today, the only day this week the media is invited. They also practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, though both sessions were closed.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

The Browns have waived fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal.

Pro Football Talk first reported the move tonight.

Lewis’ departure was foreshadowed by the Browns signing quarterback Brian Hoyer on Friday and inserting him into the third slot of their depth chart behind incumbent starter Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Lewis made his NFL debut and lone start Dec. 30 in the Browns’ season-ending, 24-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lewis completed 22-of-32 passes (68.8 percent) for 204 yards and one touchdown with an interception for a passer rating of 83.3.

Lewis, 25, spent the majority of the past two seasons with the Browns, bouncing back and forth from their practice squad and active roster. But Lewis, a product of Duke University, is considered a better fit for the West Coast offense employed by ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur than the system of current Browns coach Rob Chudzinski because he doesn’t possess the caliber of arm strength required for a vertical, downfield passing game.

Former Boise State linebacker Tommy Smith has not signed with the Browns after all, but a deal could still be reached in the future, his agents said.

KLASS Sports, the agency that represents Smith, said Tuesday that its client traveled to Cleveland Monday night and signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent the following day. However, KLASS conceded this afternoon that its announcement was premature.

Although the Browns flew Smith to Cleveland, they never finalized a contract with him. Smith left town today, though he still might eventually join the team depending on the makeup of its roster as the offseason unfolds.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Smith, an inside linebacker, participated in the Browns’ rookie minicamp May 10-12 on a tryout basis. As a senior last season, Smith started all 13 games for Boise State. He finished third on the team with 61 tackles, including four for loss and a sack.

Jimmy Haslam, whose purchase of the Browns was unanimously approved in October, apologized to fellow NFL owners for the negative attention an ongoing federal investigation targeting his family business, Pilot Flying J, has brought upon the league, USA Today’s Jarrett Bell reported.

Since the FBI and Internal Revenue Service raided the headquarters of Pilot Flying J April 15 in Knoxville, Tenn., Haslam has issued several apologies and denied his knowledge of an alleged fraud scheme the FBI says cheated trucking-company customers out of millions of dollars of rebates they were promised for buying certain amounts of diesel fuel.

Haslam, the CEO of Pilot Flying J, continued to maintain his innocence while explaining his side of the story to his NFL brethren Tuesday during the league meetings in Boston, according to the report. He addressed the other owners for about five minutes before a lunch break. It wasn’t on the agenda, but Haslam asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell if he could speak to the group.

“I thought it was important,” Haslam told USA Today. “We're partners in the NFL. I wanted to address them face-to-face.”

Haslam became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 before striking a deal this past summer to buy the Browns from Randy Lerner for about $1 billion. Steelers President Art Rooney II told USA Today he “was shocked” when he first heard about the accusations against Pilot Flying J, which is owned by Haslam and his family.

“I felt like it's nothing Jimmy would become involved in,” Rooney said. “I feel like I know Jimmy. … He’s not someone who'd be breaking the law.”

Haslam and Goodell met last month about the investigation, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has no plans to ask Haslam to surrender operational control of the Browns during the probe. No charges have been filed in the case.

So at this point, the league is sticking by Haslam. And he assured his peers he wouldn’t let them down.

“I know he feels a sense of embarrassment,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told USA Today. “He said they're going to do everything they can to get it under control and put it behind them, and that he felt bad for the attention that it brought to the Cleveland franchise and the NFL, and he was going to make it right.

“He handled himself in a very professional way and spoke about what the NFL and the Cleveland market means to him, how important it is that he make both parties proud," Kraft said. "They have a huge company. Maybe they didn't have all the controls that they wanted. He was very impressive in explaining that. I thought it was classy.”

Haslam seemingly earned points among the owners for his most recent speech. He also offered to meet in private with any of them who want further explanation, according to the report.

“Personally, hearing Mr. Haslam explain his full situation, I was very touched by it,” New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told USA Today. “The complexity of the situation, I don't fully understand. But he was open. I admire him for taking a very proactive position.

“He is the new kid in town in terms of NFL ownership. And to sort of deal with an issue like this in the first quarter is impressive.”

The Browns also signed two undrafted free agents, former University of Texas-El Paso wide receiver Michael Edwards and former Missouri safety Kenronte Walker, and claimed undrafted rookie running back Miguel Maysonet, a former Stony Brook standout, off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, who cut him Monday.

The Browns formally announced they re-signed running back Brandon Jackson to a one-year contract. Jackson’s deal was first reported last week.

To make room on their 90-man roster, the Browns waived Hagg, linebacker Ryan Rau and undrafted rookie running backs Robbie Rouse and Jamaine Cook, a product of Midpark High School and Youngstown State University.

Hagg started the first two games at free safety this past season before being demoted. He also started the final two games after T.J. Ward, Tashaun Gipson and Usama Young suffered injuries.

The Browns have inserted Gipson into the top slot on their depth chart at free safety, giving him the reps with the first-team defense during organized team activities, which resumed Tuesday and run through Thursday, the only day this week reporters are invited. Ward, meanwhile, is locked in as the starting strong safety.

The release of Hagg indicates that the Browns believe their expectations for Slaughter to be healthy by training camp are on target. Slaughter, who played for Notre Dame, suffered a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon Sept. 15 against Michigan State, had surgery and sat out the rest of last season. Slaughter and Johnson Bademosi, who’s switching from cornerback to free safety in his second NFL season, are expected to compete with Gipson, the front-runner to secure the starting free safety job.

Slaughter is the first of the Browns’ five 2013 draft picks to finalize his rookie contract. Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (first round), cornerback Leon McFadden (third round), defensive end Armonty Bryant (seventh round) and offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey (seventh round) have yet to sign.

Hagg started four of the 12 games in which he appeared last season and tallied 22 tackles and a pass defensed. As a rookie in 2011, he played 10 games and compiled 10 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery.

Former Boise State inside linebacker Tommy Smith signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent, KLASS Sports, the agency that represents Smith, told the Beacon Journal. The Browns, though, have yet to make the move official.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

The Browns announced they have claimed undrafted rookie running back Miguel Maysonet off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles and waived undrafted rookie running back Jamaine Cook, a product of Midpark High School and Youngstown State University.

The Eagles signed Maysonet, a former Stony Brook University standout, after last month’s draft and then cut him Monday.

As a senior last season, the 5-foot-9, 209-pound Maysonet rushed for 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns. As a junior, he ran for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Maysonet would join a crowded stable of running backs in Cleveland. The Browns have Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya, Brandon Jackson and Dion Lewis on their roster.

The Browns announced they signed rookie free safety Jamoris Slaughter, a sixth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, to a four-year contract in addition to signing two undrafted free agents, wide receiver Michael Edwards and safety Kenronte Walker.

The Browns waived free safety Eric Hagg, linebacker Ryan Rau and undrafted rookie running back Robbie Rouse. They also re-signed running back Brandon Jackson to a one-year contract, a previously reported move.

Hagg, a seventh-round draft pick in 2011, started the first two games of the 2012 season before he was demoted. He later started the final two games of the season after T.J. Ward, Tashaun Gipson and Usama Young suffered injuries.

This offseason, the Browns have inserted Gipson into the top slot on their depth chart at free safety. Ward is locked in as the starting strong safety.

The release of Hagg indicates the Browns believe Slaughter will be ready for training camp after suffering a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon Sept. 15 against Michigan State, undergoing surgery and sitting out the rest of the season. Slaughter and Johnson Bademosi, who’s switching from cornerback to free safety in his second NFL season, are expected to compete with Gipson.

Hagg started four of the 12 games in which he appeared last season and tallied 22 tackles and a pass defensed. As a rookie in 2011, he played 10 games and compiled 10 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery.

The Browns claimed Rau of waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles last month. They brought Rouse to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and then signed him May 11.

Below is information the Browns provided in a news release about Slaughter, the two undrafted rookies they signed – Edwards and Walker – and Jackson.

• Selected in the sixth round (175th overall), Slaughter appeared in 39 games with 19 starts at the University of Notre Dame (2009-12). He totaled 98 career tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, two sacks and one fumble recovery. Slaughter started the first three games as a senior before an Achilles injury ended his season. He saw action in all 13 games with 10 starts at safety as a junior and totaled 45 tackles, one interception, two passes defensed, two sacks and a forced fumble. Born December 22, 1989, the 6-0, 190-pound Slaughter is a native of Stone Mountain, Georgia and attended Tucker High School.
• Edwards was initially signed by the Browns on April 30, 2013, and was waived on May 13 after participating in the team’s rookie minicamp. He was a two-year starter at the University of Texas-El Paso (2011-12) after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College (2010) in Walnut, California. He recorded 101 career receptions for 1,477 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons at UTEP. Born December 14, 1989, the 5-11, 200-pound Edwards is a native of Glendora, California, where he attended Glendora High School.
• A two-year letterman at safety at the University of Missouri (2011-12), Walker appeared in 25 games, recording 115 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one pass defensed and three defensive fumble recoveries. Walker redshirted the 2010 season after transferring from City College of San Francisco, where he notched 36 tackles, five pass breakups, two sacks and one interception in two seasons (2008-09). Born July 28, 1990, the 6-0, 210-pound Walker is a native of Fayetteville, N.C., where he attended Westover High School.
• Originally drafted by Green Bay in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2007 NFL draft, Jackson has seen action in 54 games with 16 starts, and has rushed for 1,383 yards on 355 carries with seven touchdowns. He has also caught 112 passes for 864 yards and two touchdowns. In 2010, Jackson opened 13 contests and set career highs in nearly every category, including rushing attempts (190), rushing yards (703), rushing touchdowns (3), receptions (43) and receiving yards (844) as the Packers captured Super Bowl XLI. He was also one of the best running backs in pass protection that season as his combined number of sacks and quarterback hits allowed was one out of 100 snaps in which he was pass blocking. That figure tied for fifth among all running backs with at least 75 pass blocking snaps. Jackson signed with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent from Green Bay in 2011, but missed the entire 2011 campaign with a toe injury. During the 2012 season, Jackson appeared in two games and rushed for 54 yards on eight carries and caught two passes for 20 yards. A native of Detroit, Michigan, the 5-10, 216-pound Jackson attended Horn Lake (Miss.) High School and was a three-year letterman at the University of Nebraska (2004-06).

The Browns will waive free safety Eric Hagg today, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal.

Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com first reported the news.

Hagg, a seventh-round draft pick in 2011, started the first two games of the 2012 season before he was demoted. He later started the final two games of the season after T.J. Ward, Tashaun Gipson and Usama Young suffered injuries.

This offseason, the Browns have inserted Gipson into the top slot on their depth chart at free safety. T.J. Ward is locked in as the starting strong safety.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Hagg started four of the 12 games in which he appeared last season and tallied 22 tackles and a pass defensed. As a rookie in 2011, he played 10 games and compiled 10 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery.

Former Boise State linebacker Tommy Smith signed with the Browns today after participating in rookie minicamp earlier this month on a tryout basis, KLASS Sports, the agency that represents Smith, told the Beacon Journal in an email.

The Browns have yet to announce the move.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Smith, an inside linebacker, arrived in Cleveland on Monday night and signed his contract today before practicing with the Browns as they resumed organized team activities (OTAs), according to KLASS Sports.

This week’s block of OTAs runs today through Thursday. Only Thursday’s practice is open to the media.

As a senior last season, Smith started all 13 games for Boise State. He finished third on the team with 61 tackles, including four for loss and a sack.

Former Browns wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs recently signed with the Oakland Raiders, and he discussed his departure from Cleveland during an interview Monday with NFL Network’s NFL Total Access.

Here are some highlights from the conversation:

On his thoughts regarding his eight years in Cleveland:“I have to top that … here in Oakland. I feel like I had a great, successful run in Cleveland. I have a fresh start now, so I’m anxious to get at it, anxious to get back out there on the football field.” 

On if he is mad that he wasn’t able to finish his career in Cleveland: “I had some great times in Cleveland – it [was] just a lot of turnover among the organization. I had four or five head coaches, four or five GMs, five different offensive playbooks, two different owners. I’m looking for some stability. I am upset I wasn’t able to finish my career in Cleveland; love the fan base, but at the same time this is an opportunity right now for a fresh start. Change can sometimes be a good thing and I think it will be.”

On if he is healthy: “I’m healthy. I have a world to go before the season starts. First thing’s first is getting back out there, getting acclimated to football. I had an offseason scope; nothing too big on that end. I’m anxious to get back out there on the football field, meet my new teammates and just get started.”

On why he chose to sign with the Oakland Raiders: “Oakland seems like a good fit for me; same type of blue-collar town that Cleveland had. The fan base, it rivals Cleveland; Cleveland has a great fan base and so does Raider Nation. I’m proud to be welcomed in like the fans have. Great coaching staff, very personable guys out here. They really want to win; I could see that on my visit. This is just like Cleveland as far as a tradition of winning and that’s what they have here in Oakland, and I’m anxious to help them get back onboard with that.”

On if he can compare the Dawg Pound in Cleveland with the Black Hole in Oakland:  “I don’t really want to compare them; you’ll get in trouble with that. But at the same time I wanted to talk about the tradition of winning and both teams have a good tradition of winning; probably more Hall of Famers here [in Oakland]. My job and my goal is to get that back here in Oakland, to get this team right and to help them do that.”

Appearing at the 34th annual Akron Browns Backers banquet Monday at Tangier restaurant, Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner gave the strongest endorsement of Weeden by anyone in the organization since owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner took control of the team last year.

“Brandon is a one-year player in the NFL who did a lot more good things [last season] than people give him credit for,” Turner said in an interview with reporters before addressing a crowd of more than 300 people. “I like his composure, the way he competes. He’s worked awfully hard. He’s got to be one of the hardest-working guys on our team. So you look and say, ‘Hey, you hope there’s a big upside.’ ”

When ex-President Mike Holmgren and former General Manager Tom Heckert were still in charge of the Browns last year, they drafted Weeden 22nd overall. He posted a passer rating of 72.6 as a rookie, finishing with 14 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions.

Since the front office and coaching staff were overhauled, new coach Rob Chudzinski, Banner and General Manager Mike Lombardi haven’t expressed much faith in Weeden. The overall message has been along these lines: Weeden will receive every chance to succeed, but he must prove he wants to retain his starting job by displaying exceptional work ethic, dedication and, ultimately, improvement.

Turner, though, thinks Weeden has carried himself like a starter this offseason.

“He’s responded to everything we’ve asked him to do,” Turner said. “He likes football an awful lot. He’s a very competitive guy, and he’s made it clear he wants to be the guy. And now you go out and do it.”

In March, the Browns signed nine-year veteran Jason Campbell to push Weeden, giving him a two-year, $3.75 million contract with $500,000 of it guaranteed. Then last week, the Browns added career backup Brian Hoyer to the mix, signing him to a two-year, $1.965 million deal that includes $250,000 guaranteed this year, Joel Corry of National Football Post reported.

Hoyer will be inserted into the third slot on the depth chart and get a chance to ascend it, meaning fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis probably won’t make the team. Turner made it clear he believes having three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is vital, so Campbell, 31, and Hoyer, 27, could remain with Weeden, 29, after cuts are made before the regular season.

“I think that you need to go with three quarterbacks,” Turner said. “I think if you don’t, you’re playing with fire. I think if you look at the teams over the last two or three years that have had quarterbacks and they had a good backup plan — Houston two years ago made the playoffs with a rookie at quarterback. Indianapolis, when [Peyton] Manning got hurt, didn’t have an answer. I think it’s too valuable a position, and you need quarterbacks.

“Jason’s played nine years in the league. He’s proven he can win in the league. He’s proven he can play. When he’s been with good teams, he’s played better than when he’s been with bad teams, which is what I’d say with a lot of guys. And then with Brian, you’ve got a guy that’s been a backup in some good situations. He really hasn’t played enough to know where he’s at, and we like the way he throws the ball. We like a lot of things about him.”

Turner conceded it will be difficult to give all the quarterbacks an adequate amount of reps during offseason practices. He said Weeden needs as many reps as possible because he has only one season under his belt.

For Weeden to make a significant leap in progression, he needs to be consistent, understand the new offense and play within himself, Turner said. This offseason, Weeden has been focusing on dropping back faster, so he can avoid pressure and get rid of the ball on time.

“He’s got a big arm,” Turner said. “He’s very intelligent. He makes good decisions. He throws the ball up the field the way we would like to, but he’s very accurate underneath. He’s like all our guys. He’s learning a new system. We have a lot of work to do, all of us, coaches, players, quarterbacks, but I think we’ve made progress over the last seven weeks [since the offseason conditioning program started].”

“Brandon was in here [last season] with a very young group of guys. So when you have a lot of young guys and they’re trying to feel their way together, I think it’s hard. I think all those guys having a year together, including Brandon, having a year playing, will help him a great deal.”

Turner said he expects some other key, second-year players — running back Trent Richardson and wide receiver Josh Gordon — to blossom as well.

“[Richardson] had to fight through the ups and downs of being a rookie, the injuries, those things,” Turner said. “Hopefully we don’t have to deal with that, and he can make that big step from year one to year two. And if you have a guy like Trent that you can build things around, you take a lot of pressure off your offensive line. You take a lot of pressure of your quarterback.

“[Gordon is] an impressive guy. He’s young. He has a lot of work to do, but he has a lot of ability. You put those two things together and just grind as a player and as a coach, I think he can really be a fine player.”

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.