The agent for Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Joe Haden says the seventh overall pick in the draft expects to be signed and ready to go before training camp starts.
“We’ve been in contact with the Browns and expect to begin negotiating next week,’' agent Malik Shareef told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Our main objective is to get Joe in camp on time so he can perform to the best of his abilities. A holdout would not be in anyone’s best interests.’'
The Browns have indicated that they plan to work Haden in slowly in training camp, but realistically, it would be a disappointment if Haden doesn’t earn a spot in the starting lineup.
Haden is expected to compete with Sheldon Brown for a starting job in training camp. Eric Wright will be the Browns’ other starting cornerback.