CLEVELAND -- The Browns arent letting lockdown cornerback Joe Haden get away. Haden signed a five-year, $68 million extension with Cleveland on Monday, the total value of the contract surpassing cornerback Richard Shermans four-year, $57 million agreement last week with the Seattle Seahawks. Hadens contract runs through the 2019 season and includes $45 million guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. The package also contains a $14 million signing bonus. One of the AFCs top defensive backs and one of Clevelands most popular athletes, Haden made his first Pro Bowl last season, his fourth with the team. The Browns selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2010. "Joes a good, young player whos made a commitment to our organization, and hes somebody with whom we want to move forward in order to advance our football team," general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement. "Hes a great person. Hes the right guy to both build with and build around as we attempt to become an elite football team. "When we talk about identifying talent, building through the draft, developing solid players and retaining them, Joe Hadens at the top of the list." Haden posted a photo on Twitter of him signing his new contract. Signing Haden to a long-term deal was a priority for Cleveland this off-season. During the draft, the team selected Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert early in the first round to play opposite Haden. Last season, Haden had four interceptions, recorded 60 tackles and was credited with 21 passes defenced. He had his first career multiple-interception game and scored his first touchdown, returning an interception 29 yards at Cincinnati on Nov. 17. According to STATS, Hadens 21 passes defenced in 2013 tied for third in the NFL and his 67 since joining the Browns four years ago are second in the league during that span. Haden averages 1.19 passes defenced per game, the second-highest average among players with 50-plus PBUs since at least 1994. For the most part, Haden has been an exemplary player and citizen since joining the Browns. His only major misstep was the four-game suspension he received in 2012 for violating the leagues substance abuse policy after he tested positive for the stimulant Adderall. First-year Browns coach Mike Pettine is thrilled to have Haden for several years. "Its important for us to extend our core players and continue to grow with guys that represent everything we want this team to be: tough, hard-working and passionate," Pettine said. "Joe obviously loves his teammates, and he loves this city. I know he wants to keep growing and improving as a player. Thats what we need, and thats what we want." With Hadens contract situation resolved, the Browns are expected to focus on getting Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron signed to a long-term deal. Cameron had a breakout season in 2013, making 80 catches for 917 yards and seven TDs. Cameron is in the final season of his contract and has reportedly turned down two offers from the Browns. At Clevelands recent voluntary minicamp, Cameron said hes blocking out any discussion about negotiations to improve. "Ive got a lot of stuff to work on," he said. "Im not anywhere near where I can be. I still have a lot to prove to myself, and Im willing to work." . "Yes, Id like to get them in," Detroits rookie manager said. "Mother Natures going to have a say in that." Sure enough, the Tigers had their game against the Kansas City Royals postponed because of rain on Thursday. . - The Clippers have signed guard Dahntay Jones to a second 10-day contract.
http://www.cheapbravesjerseysauthentic. ... z-jersey.J. Hardy finally got in on the fun Saturday, against a likely opponent. . GQ Lundqvist quite well.Three rounds, and nearly two months later, will the Kings have the strength to reach the summit of the Empire State to claim the cup?Truer words have never been spoken. . The unrestricted free agent agreed to terms with the club on Thursday on a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000.WASHINGTON -- Anthony Rendon homered to spark a three-run seventh inning, and pinch-hitter Nate McLouth came through with a tiebreaking sacrifice fly as the Washington Nationals rallied past the Houston Astros 6-5 Wednesday night for a two-game sweep. Washington extended its NL East lead to 1 1/2 games over Atlanta and Miami. The Nationals open a four-game series against the Braves on Thursday night in Washington. Rendon led off the seventh against Josh Zeid with his 10th home run, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Jayson Werth walked and went to third on Adam LaRoches single off Darin Downs (1-1). Kyle Farnsworth came on to face Ryan Zimmerman, who grounded into a fielders choice, beating the relay to first as Werth scored to tie it. Ian Desmond then doubled Zimmerman to third. After Danny Espinosa was intentionally walked, McLouths long fly to left field scored Zimmerman with the go-ahead run. Aaron Barrett (3-0) got one out for the win and Rafael Soriano earned his 15th save. Matt Dominguez drove in two runs for the Astros, who have lost three straight. Rendon, a Houston native, is 9 for 18 against the Astros with seven RBIs. For the second night in a row, neither starter made it past the fifth inning. Astros right-hander Scott Feldman left after five innings with a 4-2 lead. He gave up six hits and three walks while striking out five. Gio Gonzalez, activated Wednesday after missing 29 games due to left shoulder inflammation, pitched five innings, allowing four runs and five hits. He struck out six and walked three while throwing 93 pitches. Gonzalez has allowed 16 earned runs over 12 1-3 innings in his last three starts, including his last two before going on the disabled list.dddddddddddd His ERA climbed to 4.94, the highest it has been in June or later since 2009. A replay review helped Washington take a 1-0 lead in the first. Denard Span walked and was called out attempting to steal second. Nationals manager Matt Williams challenged the call, and after a replay review it was overturned. Span then moved to third on an infield single by Rendon and scored on LaRoches sacrifice fly. In the third, Werth walked, stole second and scored on Desmonds single. With Houston trailing 2-0 in the fourth, five straight Astros reached safely. After a walk and a hit batter, Jon Singleton singled to load the bases. With the count 2-1, Dominguez lined Gonzalezs fastball to left field for a two-run single. Jason Castro followed with an RBI double and Jonathan Villar added a sacrifice fly to put Houston ahead 4-2. The Nationals cut the deficit to one when Spans two-out double in the sixth scored Espinosa. The Astros got it right back in the seventh. Robbie Grossman went from first to third on a single by Jose Altuve and scored on Ross Detwilers wild pitch. NOTES: The Nationals stole a season-high five bases, all in the first three innings. ... Houston RHP Brad Peacock (stomach virus) didnt make the trip to Washington and will rejoin the team Thursday when it opens a four-game series at Tampa Bay. ... RHP Jordan Zimmermann (5-3, 2.98 ERA) opposes Atlanta RHP Gavin Floyd (1-2, 2.98) in Thursdays series opener. ... Houston RHP Collin McHugh (4-4, 3.03) faces RHP Chris Archer (3-4, 3.40) on Thursday at Tampa Bay. ' ' '
