CLEVELAND (Feb. 25, 2005) -- The Cleveland Browns have given disappointing defensive tackle Gerard Warren and troubled running back William Green permission to seek trades.
With the team switching to a 3-4 defense next season under new coach Romeo Crennel, the underachieving Warren, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2001 draft, may not fit into Cleveland's plans any longer.
Crennel and general manager Phil Savage met with Warren earlier this week and told him he had until March 2 to try and work out a deal with another team. Warren is due a roster bonus on that date.
Savage said that if Warren can't find a trade suitable for the Browns, he may still remain with the team.
"We talked to him, visited with him," Savage said. "We felt good about it. It was positive and we're going to go through these next few weeks and see where we are and talk to him and talk to his agent about some ideas that we may have."
Savage said the team has also told Green, a former first-round draft pick, to see if he can work out a deal to play elsewhere.
Green's career has been slowed by injuries and personal problems. He was suspended for eight games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Last season, Green lost his starting job to Lee Suggs.
Savage also said that the Browns will pay the roster bonus due next week to wide receiver Dennis Northcutt, and that the team will attempt to re-sign quarterback Kelly Holcomb and cornerback Anthony Henry before they hit the free-agent market.
Warren was the first player drafted in 2001 by former coach Butch Davis, who chose the former Florida star despite recommendations by Browns scouts to take Richard Seymour. New England selected Seymour, who has been named to four Pro Bowls, with the sixth pick.
Nicknamed "Big Money", Warren hasn't lived up to expectations with the Browns, recording 14½ sacks in four seasons. There have also been some character issues, something Crennel wants eliminated in Cleveland.
Warren was fined for a late hit on Mark Brunell during his rookie season. Last season, the NFL warned Warren after he threatened to try and hit Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the head.
