There were reports last month that the Browns and linebacker Jabaal Sheard have had talks about a contract extension that would keep the pass rusher in Cleveland beyond the 2014 season.
Sheard’s agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that those discussions have been going on, but said that no one should be expecting an announcement of a new deal in the coming days.
“What I can say is we’ve done some back and forth, so we’ve had some extensive negotiations,’' Rosenhaus said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “But I wouldn’t say anything is close at this time.”
Sheard, a second-round pick in 2011, has 21 sacks through three years with the Browns and could benefit as much as anyone on the defense from the arrival of new coach Mike Pettine. Pettine coached a sack-happy Bills defense last season and his price tag will only go up if Sheard does as well as Mario Williams did in Buffalo. That possibility will likely play a role in any further contract negotiations and could lead to the sides shelving things until they see how it all plays out.