National Football League

Cribbs believes new contract is imminent

Published Jan. 1, 2010 8:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Josh Cribbs is eager to meet the new president of the Cleveland Browns. Mike Holmgren can write the large check Cribbs can't wait to cash.

Cribbs said Friday he is still confident he'll have a new contract soon, despite a recent shakeup in the Browns' front office that has delayed negotiations while giving full authority to Holmgren.

Cribbs, who has been asking for a new deal since training camp, said a few weeks ago the team assured him something would be done by the end of the season. With Cleveland's final game two days away, that doesn't seem likely. But Cribbs said Holmgren has already been in contact with his agent, J.R. Rickert.

``I'm pretty sure he (Holmgren) is going to start off on a good foot and take care of me,'' Cribbs said. ``He knows football. I've got a lot of faith in him.''

A call to Rickert by The Associated Press on Friday was not returned.

Cribbs says he has twice been promised by the Browns he'd receive a new deal, but is still playing on a six-year, $6.77 million deal that has three years remaining. Cribbs said owner Randy Lerner told him after last season he would receive a new deal, then the Browns started over by firing general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel.

Browns coach Eric Mangini wanted to see what he had in Cribbs before giving him a new contract, then watched Cribbs become the most valuable player on a 4-11 team entering Sunday's finale against Jacksonville. Cribbs earlier this season became the NFL's career leader in kickoff returns for touchdowns with eight.

``It's going to get done,'' Cribbs said of his contract. ``I'd prefer it to be done before the end of the season, but beggars can't be choosers. I've waited this long.''

Holmgren will go to work on fixing the Browns next week, when he is expected to arrive in Cleveland. Holmgren hasn't decided whether Mangini will return for a second season, but said he wouldn't need long to make up his mind.

Cribbs and Mangini were at odds during training camp because of the contract, but the current three-game winning streak has won over the team's most dynamic player. Cribbs believes Mangini deserves another year in Cleveland.

``I think he's done a very good job of turning this program around,'' Cribbs said. ``It'd be crazy (for Holmgren) to say, 'You're coach of the Browns, I won a Super Bowl, you're gone.' C'mon now, one year? I believe he deserves another year or so to turn this program around and get us winning games. I'd love to see him back.''