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The Cleveland Browns don’t have a ton of elite talent on offense, which is why they’re beginning the process of trying to lock up star tight end Jordan Cameron to a long-term deal now. Per reports, the two sides have engaged in long-term extension conversations, but talks have seemingly been “going on without success”.
Cameron is apparently trying to get as much money as he can from the Browns after posting career highs across the board in 2013. In his first season as a full-time starter, Cameron caught 80 balls for 917 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Cameron’s numbers are even more impressive when you consider he put them up in just 15 games and also endured inconsistency at the quarterback position throughout the season.
Cleveland doesn’t appear ready to hand Cameron top tight end money, as Cameron has only been their main tight end for one season and they’d like to see him playing at that high of a level for more than just one season.
In a perfect world the Browns would get their wish, but Cameron has an understandable angle of his own, as well. Norv Turner and his vertical offense left Cleveland for Minnesota earlier this offseason, potentially hindering Cameron’s upside in the Browns’ offense.
In addition, it can’t be overstated that the quarterback situation in Cleveland is less than ideal. At best, Cameron will have to cross his fingers that whoever the Browns draft to be their franchise passer in the 2014 NFL Draft can eventually help him continue to put up bigger numbers.
As it stands, though, both parties are at major risk. Cleveland risks over-paying a potential one-year wonder that has had a history of injuries and inconsistency. On the flip-side, Cameron is trying to get his money now before a change in system and quarterback potentially hurt his role and inevitably negatively impact his production.
Owed just over $645,000 for the 2014 season, Cameron is likely to head into the new season without a long-term deal. If the two sides can’t hammer something out by next summer, Cameron will undoubtedly be hit with the franchise tag.
