Since the other thread got deleted.
link BEREA, Ohio -- Phil Taylor ended his four-day holdout on Tuesday and couldn't get to the Browns facility fast enough. Once there, the team's first-round draft choice tweeted a picture of himself sitting with Browns President Mike Holmgren, signing his new four-year contract.
The deal is worth a total of $8.1 million, with all four years guaranteed. The holdup has been the guarantee in the final year. The 20 draft picks ahead of Taylor in the first round all secured four-year guarantees, while most of the players behind him settled for only three.
"We're very, very happy with the deal," said agent Peter Schaffer, who also represents Pro Bowler Joe Thomas and several other Browns. "We have a good working relationship with the Browns and we were able to cooperate and get it done."
Taylor, who signed and shuffled off to team meetings, was unavailable for comment. He'll be on the field for the first time Thursday at 8:45. The players are off Wednesday.
"We're very happy that we were able to sign Phil and now have all eight draft picks under contract," said GM Tom Heckert in a statement. "It was important to get him in here when we did, and I want to thank Peter Schaffer for all of his help in getting this deal done. It's apparent that Phil kept himself in excellent shape since we drafted him and he told us he can't wait to get started.
"He'll be in meetings with the rest of the players tonight and jump right into the mix when we're back on the field Thursday."
Taylor will be plugged in at tackle next to Ahtyba Rubin in the 4-3 front. Coach Pat Shurmur indicated he'd throw Taylor into the fire right away. "He's going to get in there, that's for sure," said Shurmur.
Taylor started 27 of 44 games at both Penn State (2006-07) and Baylor (2009-10). He totaled 107 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, an interception and blocked two kicks.
