DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns insider: Bodden content as well-paid backup

Browns Insider: Bodden content as well-paid backup in Lions secondary
by Tony Grossi
Thursday August 21, 2008, 7:57 PM
Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerA starter at cornerback with the Browns, Leigh Bodden knew his desire for an improved contract would probably prompt a trade during the off-season. Saturday, Bodden will wear Lions Honolulu blue and silver against the Browns.
Leigh Bodden might not be on the field with the Detroit Lions' starting defense when the Browns visit Ford Field on Saturday.

The former Browns cornerback, who was included in the trade for Shaun Rogers on March 1, is listed as a backup on the Lions' depth chart. The starters are Brian Kelly and Travis Fisher, though Bodden has worked with the first team on occasion.

"I'm not complaining," Bodden said in a phone interview. "It's been a good camp. I've been picking up the defensive system. Guys are treating me good."

Management treated Bodden well, too. He signed a four-year contract extension last month for a reported $27 million. The deal includes an $8.6 million option bonus in March -- a possible bailout for the Lions if they don't like what they see.

Thus, Bodden knows he's on a one-year trial.

"But it can work in either's favor," he said. "It was the best-case scenario for me, something I could live with. I'm either going to get the big payday or be a free agent. Plus, it gave me $1 million more than I was supposed to make this year."

Bodden admitted that his parting from the Browns stemmed from his desire to seek a new contract. He had discussions with General Manager Phil Savage soon after the 2007 season ended.

"I stated my case that I felt I should be paid more than what I was getting," he said. "Phil said, 'Can you play one more year with it?' And I didn't think I could. From that conversation, I figured I'd be traded."

Bodden said he "would have loved to be a part" of a playoff season in Cleveland, where he played for five years. "But at the end of the day, it's a business. It was a good five years. I met a lot of great people. Not too many players stick around with one team forever."

He said while the Browns may have some issues in the defensive backfield, he believes Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald will acquit themselves well as starters.

"Those two young guys are really talented," Bodden said. "Definitely, they can handle it and make a lot of plays. They won't be hurting with those two guys."

Bodden said he would have fun playing live against his former offensive teammates. He's disappointed receiver Braylon Edwards (cut foot) won't be active for the game.

"There's a lot of talented guys over there," Bodden said. "They're definitely on the verge."

Rogers ready: Rogers, meanwhile, expects to play against his former team after being held out of the second preseason game against the Giants.

Asked what kind of reception he expects from the Detroit crowd, Rogers said, "I don't know. I play for the Browns now. So I'm assuming I'll get the same reception other Browns get."

The No. 1 defensive line of Corey Williams, Rogers and Robaire Smith has played together for only two plays in Game 1 against the Jets.

"I feel we have a lot of chemistry already," Rogers said. "We're going to have 16 solid games to continue to work on that kind of chemistry, so I don't think that's going to be a problem."

Coach Romeo Crennel said of Rogers, "He's coming along good. I still like him. In shorts, we all look good, but in pads he looks good, too. I think you'll like what he's able to bring to the table."

Daniels on board: Newly acquired Travis Daniels passed his physical and participated in his first practice. Crennel said Daniels probably wouldn't play in Detroit because he's got to get better acclimated to the defensive system.

That might not take long because Daniels played for Nick Saban at LSU and Miami, and the terminology is similar to the Browns'. Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker helped recruit Daniels to LSU before Tucker left for Ohio State.

The Browns gave up their seventh-round pick in 2009 to the Miami Dolphins for Daniels. A source said the club still is actively pursuing another veteran cornerback.

Brownie bits: Crennel had his team wear pads for one lively running drill to start practice on Thursday, then called the players together and had them take them off. ... Rookie players sported some weird haircuts as a result of annual rookie hazing. ... Fullback Charles Ali (burner) and tight end Steve Heiden (sore back) joined the injured list and sat out practice. ... Crennel had no new information on a timetable for the return of quarterback Derek Anderson (concussion), specialist Josh Cribbs (high ankle sprain) or Edwards (heel). The coach said if Anderson is cleared to return to practice, he may play in the preseason finale against Chicago on Aug. 28.

linky dink

Wow. Bodden a backup in Detroit?

I'm pretty sure that's not what the Lions had in mind. Ouch. But many of us could have predicted that.

I think it takes a lot of nerve for someone to have the season he did and ask for a new contract.

I wish him well...

Leigh

No way in hell they pay him that money.

Bodden doesn't have the speed to be a starter anymore... I really wish he was still here though... He always made plays when we needed them the most. It will be wierd seeing him in something other than white/orange/brown.

Good Luck up in Detroit though...

Bodden was beat like a drum against the Bengals backup WR's in the preseason game recently. It looked like the same ol Bodden from the last 2 years..

Bodden was an excellent db until he began to rack up injuries. He has shut down guys like Moss, Owens, Chad and Marvin Harrison. I mean completely shut them down. Now when he began showing up on the injured list week after week and never did get healthy he had no speed to cover.

As far as overrated Droughns and Willie Green probably take that title.

Bodden is coming along pretty good in detroit right now as he is learnign their system. Detroit's issue isnt corner its the safeties. they stand and watch instead of react.

"I stated my case that I felt I should be paid more than what I was getting," he said. "Phil said, 'Can you play one more year with it?' And I didn't think I could. From that conversation, I figured I'd be traded."


You couldn't be patient and wait one year/being a starter???
You were also traded because of your injuries...becoming a liability..
Not that I didn't like him but he was piece of the trade..

hey, if they don't need him, i'd be happy for the Browns to sign him back. at severely reduced pay, of course.

Bodden was awesome in '04 and '05...that's about it.

I think that ankle injury has lingered...he got toasted last year and IMO as bad as our secondary has been we don't miss him.

Bodden always seemed to be at the right place at the right time on the field, he did come up with a few late game saving interceptions, and had a few soild games, add that to he was the best we had and the best we saw week in & week out let to him being over rated an over paid.

wish him well as a lion

He started 06 nice too.

Look I don't blame the guy, but he's clearly only out for the jack. He was well paid here and had earned a nice extension...instead he "can't live" for another year? Dude put down the Cristal, don't get arrested at the airport, and maybe make a play in coverage? Bodden was juked out of his sneakers so many times last year I'm amazed he didn't snap his neck checking over his shoulder after getting beat so much. Bodden's attitude is an issue, it's why he's in Detroit.