But Weeden is maintaining a bring-it-on attitude as the new regime continues to add competition for him.

“Why not? I realize I didn’t play as well as I could’ve last year, and I know the work I’ve put in personally,” Weeden said Friday during the 14th annual Cleveland Browns Foundation Golf Tournament at Westwood Country Club. “I know how hard I’ve worked to become a better player off the field and training and whatever may be. I’m not worried about the other stuff. I’m confident in my abilities, and I have a lot of confidence in the guys around me.”

The Browns struck a deal Thursday with Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, and signed him to a two-year deal Friday. They waived undrafted rookie tight end Garrett Hoskins to make room on their 90-man roster.

“Thanks for all the support,” Hoyer, 27, wrote on Twitter. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to come home and play for the Browns. It really is a dream come true!”

Weeden, meanwhile, was caught off guard.

“I was surprised, but that’s the nature of the beast,” said Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft who threw 14 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and posted a passer rating of 72.6 as a rookie. “It’s part of this business, and if you start worrying about it, that’s too much to worry about. That’s my mentality going forward.”

The Browns will insert Hoyer into the third slot on their depth chart and give him a chance to ascend the ranks. They have Weeden, 29, penciled in as their starter, and Jason Campbell, 31, will continue to push him while taking reps with the second-team offense.

“Nothing is given to you,” Campbell said. “You always have to go out and earn everything that you get. … There are no promises made in this business. There are no guarantees.”

Hoyer’s arrival likely foreshadows the departure of fourth-stringer Thaddeus Lewis, 25.

“Brian brings experience and a solid reputation to our squad,” Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said in a news release. “We are looking forward to getting him out on the field.”

The Arizona Cardinals cut Hoyer on Monday. He signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Michigan State University in 2009 and spent three seasons as Tom Brady’s backup. Last season, he landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cardinals after being cut. He made his lone NFL start this past season, completing 19-of-34 passes (55.9 percent) for 225 yards and one touchdown with an interception in the Cardinals’ 27-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.

“He’s got a wealth of knowledge being around great coaches and great players,” Weeden said. “It’ll be great for our quarterback room and for the rest of the guys.”

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam vowed to create competition for Weeden during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. The organization signed Campbell in March and then added Hoyer.

“I have no idea [what signing Hoyer means],” Weeden said. “I’m worried about me.”

During an appearance in February at the Cleveland Auto Show, Weeden said, “I completely expect to be the starter.” Weeden believes his confidence has only grown stronger since then, despite Campbell and Hoyer joining the Browns.

“I’d say so,” Weeden said. “You can’t play this position timid or unconfident. You’ve got to be confident all the time. Once I got my head in this playbook and realized how good this system is and how good it fits the guys we have in place, it kind of made me excited and lit a fire under everybody to really want to take that next step, including myself. This system fits me well, and hopefully we’re able to mesh and do some good things offensively.”

Extra points

Browns special-teams ace Johnson Bademosi said he has been practicing exclusively at free safety lately after spending most of his life playing cornerback. “I’ve heard the more you can do in this league, the longer you’ll play in this league,” he said. “Whether it’s long snapper, corner, safety, Wildcat quarterback, I’m willing to do it. I’m willing to learn.” … University of Florida director of on-campus recruiting Brendan Donovan will join the Browns’ scouting department, CoachingSearch.com reported.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

As the Browns transition from a 4-3 defense to new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4, multi-front scheme, Craig Robertson is receiving the biggest break of his young NFL career.

The 6-foot-1, 229-pound Robertson, a second-year pro who went undrafted out of the University of North Texas, has been working at inside linebacker with the first-team defense this offseason.

Robertson discussed his opportunity and more with reporters during the 14th annual Cleveland Browns Foundation Golf Tournament today at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River. Below are some highlights from the interview.

What do you like about Horton’s defense?: “It lets you be a player. You’re not constricted to doing certain things. You just go make a play. Go find the football. Make the tackle. We’ll live for another play. Then we’ll make something happen on defense.”

What are some things you’ll get to do in this defense that you didn’t get to do last year?: “Probably play with more confidence. Now I have three or four times as much confidence as I had last year just from actually knowing the defense and trying to actually learn the ins and outs of the defense, not just knowing what I’m doing but knowing what everybody is doing.”

Is this the opportunity you’ve been working toward?: “Whether I’m No. 1 or No. 10, I would have the same attitude. Every year, it would be the same thing for me. I treat it like I’m not supposed to be here, so I always work hard regardless. It doesn’t matter where I’m at. I’m still going to be the same person.”

Now that you’ve been working with the first-team defense, are you determined to hang onto this opportunity and start?: “I’m just determined for one to start winning. That’s all I’m worrying about. I’m not worried about starting or [being] second or third. We haven’t even put on pads, let alone put in a game plan yet. So we’re still trying to learn the defense, and I’m just still trying to enjoy it and have fun with it.”

Are you surprised a big break in your career presented itself with a new regime coming in?: “I’m not surprised. God does everything for a reason. All you can do is have fun with it. You can’t really stress about it. You can’t [be] too high or be too low. Just stay even-keeled and have fun with it.”

What can you say about another young inside linebacker, James-Michael Johnson, and his ability to push you?: “It’s not just James-Michael Johnson. It’s L.J. [Fort]. It’s Tank [Carder]. It’s Adrian Moten. It’s every guy in that room. It’s not just one guy. So we’re all going to push each other, and we’ve been doing since day one.”

What do you think of rookie outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft?: “He’s made some plays. He’s quick. He has long arms. He’s able to drop back in coverage. People were kind of wanting to see that, and we saw it in the first couple of OTAs.”

Johnson Bademosi made his mark as a rookie this past season playing special teams for the Browns, and he also showed promise in limited action as a cornerback.

But Bademosi, who went undrafted out of Stanford University, is now undergoing a position change with a new coaching staff in place. After spending most of his life playing cornerback, Bademosi has been working exclusively at free safety as of late. Tashaun Gipson is atop the depth chart at free safety, though Bademosi is hoping to push him.

Bademosi discussed his new role and more with reporters during the 14th annual Cleveland Browns Foundation Golf Tournament today at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River. Below are some highlights from the interview.

What are your thoughts on moving from cornerback to free safety?: “It was an idea some of our coaches had. I’m kind of up for anything. Anyway I can help the team I’m willing to. I’ve heard the more you can do in this league, the longer you’ll play in this league. Whether it’s long snapper, corner, safety, Wildcat quarterback, I’m willing to do it. I’m willing to learn.”

You’re built like a safety -- 6-foot and 200 pounds: “People have said that. The way the league is now there are a variety of sizes at positions. You’ve got big corners and small corners, big safeties and small safeties. It just kind of depends on what you prefer.”

What experience do you have at safety?: “Not too much. I’ve been a corner for pretty much all my life, and I’ve done a good job at corner. So now it’s just a means of learning safety. It’s a new thought process, new checks, new responsibilities.”

How tough is that transition?: “It’s different. I’d say physically, it’s not as demanding as corner. But it’s demanding in a couple different ways as far pre-snap reads and responsibilities to make certain checks and calls. At your job, sometime they put you in a new position and you have to learn how to operate in that fashion, and that’s what I’m doing now.”

There are some opportunities for starting jobs at safety and corner. What gives you the best opportunity to get on the field?: “It’s hard for me to say. We’ve got a lot of great players on the team at both the corner and safety positions. There’s a lot of competition at both positions.”

Are you confident specials teams can continue to perform well without Josh Cribbs, who recently signed with the Oakland Raiders?: “Cribbs was a really productive player, and he was special. It shows in what he’s done in the past. But like any other year, no year is the same, and the team is different every year. We’re just going to progress and get better as a unit.”

Cribbs and free agent Ray Ventrone took pride in being leaders on special teams. Do you look to do that?: “Bubba (Ventrone) was a leader and Josh was a leader, and I learned a lot from those guys. I’m going to try to take what those guys taught me and hopefully teach that to others and just build on what I did this past season.”

“Brian brings experience and a solid reputation to our squad,” Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said in a statement. “We are looking forward to getting him out on the field.”

The Browns will insert Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius High School graduate, into the third slot on their depth chart and give him a chance to ascend the ranks. Hoyer's arrival likely foreshadows the departure of fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.

“Thanks for all the support,” Hoyer wrote today on Twitter. “I'm excited to have the opportunity to come home and play for the Browns. It really is a dream come true!”

The Browns have Brandon Weeden penciled in as their starting quarterback, and Jason Campbell will continue to push him while taking reps with the second-team offense. In the videos posted below, Weeden and Campbell reacted to the addition of Hoyer during the 14th annual Cleveland Browns Foundation Golf Tournament today at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River.

“No going out to eat,” Weeden said. “If we do, it’s Chipotle.”

And grabbing meals on the go isn’t the only way Weeden is saving more time for football.

“I haven’t played golf for so long,” he said.

Now Weeden, 29, is hoping the sacrifices pay off. As expected, he took the reps with the first-team offense this week during organized team activities.

But he isn’t taking anything for granted.

Not only did the Browns sign Jason Campbell, 31, in March to push Weeden, but they also added former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer to the mix Thursday, agreeing to a two-year contract with the North Olmsted native and graduate of St. Ignatius High School, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal.

Hoyer, 27, is expected to compete for a backup role with his hometown team. His impending signing means third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, 25, could be on his way out of Cleveland.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Hoyer has been in the NFL for four seasons but has just one career start on his resume. In his lone start, he completed 19-of-34 passes (55.9 percent) for 225 yards and one touchdown with an interception in the Cardinals’ 27-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 last season.

In 2009, Hoyer signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie from Michigan State and served as Tom Brady’s backup for three seasons. After the Patriots cut him last year, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was eventually released Dec. 8. The Cardinals claimed Hoyer off waivers and signed him to a second-round tender as a restricted free agent in March before releasing him this week.

Since the end of last season, there has been rampant speculation about the Browns’ quarterback situation. They didn’t draft anybody to bolster the position despite rumblings about West Virginia’s Geno Smith and other quarterbacks being potential targets. Hoyer and Patriots backup Ryan Mallett have been linked to the Browns for months partly because new General Manager Mike Lombardi praised them in his former role as an analyst for NFL Network. Lombardi is also still close with Patriots coach Bill Belichick from their days together in Cleveland and considers his opinion of players invaluable.

Weeden, though, insists he hasn’t let any of the noise distract him.

“I don’t listen to it,” Weeden said. “No one has come up to me and said anything. I don’t listen to it, and it’s not really my concern. I’m here now and my concern now is going and watching the film today and getting better. If I worried about all that other stuff there is no way I could function.”

So Weeden has continued to plug away, and he wants new coach Rob Chudzinski and his staff to notice the commitment he has made this offseason.

“I hope they see not only what I’m doing out here, but the way I’m handling myself and working and spending time studying and doing all of those things,” said Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft. “This means a lot to me. This is my job. I take it seriously. I want to be the guy. I want to build off of last year. I think we’re going to be a better football team in a lot of ways, and I want to be a part of it and prove to them that I am that guy to make this team better.”

Weeden knows nothing is guaranteed, though he’s carrying himself as if he’ll be the starter.

“I’m approaching it that way,” he said. “I’m approaching it that I’m going to take the next step and be that guy. And if I were to do it any other way, I would be doing a disservice to myself and also this team.”

The 6-3, 220-pound Weeden experienced some highs and lows Thursday during a two-hour practice in shorts, jerseys and helmets, and he conceded he performed better the previous two days. It was the third OTA session this week but the first one open to the media.

Weeden threw an intermediate pass that wide receiver Josh Gordon batted with one hand before safety Eric Hagg intercepted it, a deep ball intended for receiver Travis Benjamin that safety Tashaun Gipson intercepted and several others that cornerback Joe Haden broke up. On the other hand, Weeden threw a deep touchdown pass between the coverage of safety T.J. Ward and cornerback Chris Owens and hit new wide receiver Davone Bess in stride, and he fired a sharp pass into the hands of tight end Jordan Cameron, who cut away from the sideline to beat the coverage of Gipson.

Campbell made some nice plays, too, and he did not throw an interception. Working with the second-team offense, he connected with wide receiver Josh Cooper for a long touchdown behind blown coverage and hit tight end Brad Smelley for a long gain on a wheel route.

“I just come out and compete every day,” Campbell said. “Honestly, I really haven’t got caught up into that [competition] because I feel like we all are trying to reach a common goal. That’s to win. And if you get caught up in that, then you can’t go out and focus and get better. Ultimately I do want to help as well as compete and give my best. I’m still at a point in my career where I still have a lot of things in me. So we’ll just see how it goes.”

Weeden said Campbell, 6-5 and 230 pounds, is bringing out the best in him.

“Absolutely, yeah, because he’s playing well and he’s doing a lot of good things,” Weeden said. “He’s been in this offense, so he kind of knows a little bit of the ins and outs, so I can kind of ask him questions and we can help each other. But he’s throwing the ball good and he’s pushing me and that’s the way it should be.”

Weeden is convinced he can make significant progress from last season, when he threw 14 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions and posted a passer rating of 72.6 as a rookie. He believes improvement from wide receivers Gordon and Greg Little along with the addition of slot receiver Bess will help him.

Weeden also thinks the downfield, vertical passing game installed by Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner fits him better than ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur’s West Coast system. He said the new scheme reminds him of the one he thrived in at Oklahoma State because of its route combinations and frequent use of shotgun formations.

“As far as an offense, even though we’re in Day 3 now versus Day 3 last year, I’m way ahead of the curve — just because this offense kind of makes more sense to start with,” Weeden said. “There is a lot more up front as far as formations and stuff. But once you get it, you can hear a play and kind of piece it together by the verbiage.”

Now Weeden must do his part to capitalize, and he knows it. That’s why he’s cramming for the most important test of his career.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ. and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

He was responding to a question submitted in advance, and it was the first time he took questions about a federal raid on his company’s Knoxville headquarters.

“I take responsibility for what happens at PFJ as the guy at the top of the shop, but I was absolutely not aware of any of this,” Haslam said. “As soon as we found out there was an issue, we immediately began taking an aggressive stance in finding out what happened, No. 1, and righting the ship, No. 2.”

A month ago, FBI and IRS agents executed search warrants to seize files and records from the country’s largest travel center operator.

After the sessions, he told WEWS that he’s in constant communication with the NFL regarding the FBI probe.

He also told WEWS that he doesn’t believe it will affect ownership of the Browns, which Haslam bought for slightly more than $1 billion last year.

Haslam returned to Berea after the conference to watch the Browns practice in the afternoon.

On April 18, federal authorities unsealed search warrants laying out accusations of a scheme to cheat small trucking companies by deliberately shorting customers on promised diesel discounts and rebates.

Secret recordings by anonymous informants portrayed sales executives laughing about “playing liar’s poker with funny money” and alleged Haslam knew about the fuel-rebate scheme.

Haslam has repeatedly denied wrongdoing but has been contacting clients about reimbursements.

“We’ve had to make adjustments regarding the accounts of 250 of our clients, to the detriment of Pilot Flying J and to the benefit of our clients,” Haslam said during his remarks. That’s about 5 percent of Pilot Flying J customers, he said.

He added he wasn’t saying anybody did anything wrong, just that the company has made these adjustments.

He also told attendees at the Scopelitis Transportation Seminar that business is down about 3 percent since the probe became public, but he’s seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

Federal prosecutors have filed no charges related to the probe so far and won’t say when — or if — any charges might be coming.

Pilot has placed some sales staffers on leave — the company won’t say which ones — as executives named in the search warrants have scrambled to hire lawyers.

More than a half-dozen civil lawsuits have been filed by trucking companies, which also have hired former FBI director Louis Freeh to investigate their claims. Pilot’s internal investigation headed by Reid Weingarten, a former top U.S. Department of Justice lawyer, is underway.

At least seven companies have filed lawsuits in the past month — one in Knox County Circuit Court, one in Circuit Court in Butler County, Ala., and five others in federal courts around the country — demanding their money back with interest and damages. Three other companies have signed onto the Knox County lawsuit originally filed by Atlantic Coast Carriers of Hazlehurst, Ga., which seeks class-action status. A judge has not ruled on that bid.

Haslam met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in April. The league has not announced any disciplinary actions.

In Indianapolis, Haslam made a plea to regain the trust of the transportation industry and his customers, and detailed a five-point plan to correct the situation.

Knoxville News Sentinel, Associated Press and sports writer Nate Ulrich contributed to this report.

Pinkston’s 2012 season was cut short after doctors discovered he developed a blood clot in his leg that moved to his lung. For weeks, Pinkston played through symptoms the Browns’ medical personnel believed were the results of bronchitis or pneumonia, but he was eventually removed from an Oct. 14 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and taken to an emergency room four days later.

“The doctor said I could have died playing,” Pinkston said Thursday after the third session of organized team activities and the first one open to the media.

Pinkston, 25, spent six months on Coumadin, a blood thinner. He couldn’t run. He couldn’t eat vegetables or too much sugar because of possible interactions with his medication, so he resorted to a diet mostly of meat and carbohydrates. He gained about 12 pounds of unwanted weight and lost some endurance.

“It was ugly,” Pinkston said.

His football career was on the ropes until April 12, when a fairy-tale day unfolded.

Pinkston’s girlfriend gave birth to his first child, Martha Jane Pinkston, at 12:21 a.m. at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland. He named his baby girl after his mother, who died of breast cancer five years ago Wednesday. Then Pinkston drove to Cleveland Clinic to take a CT Scan at 9 a.m. A doctor called him later that day to tell him he was cleared to play football again.

“It was a good Friday,” Pinkston said with a smile.

Pinkston, who the Browns drafted in the fifth round in 2011 out of the University of Pittsburgh, started the first 22 games of his career until it was interrupted and John Greco replaced him. Practicing this week for the first time since his blood disorder was found, Pinkston worked at left guard with the second-team offense Thursday. Greco and Shawn Lauvao practiced with the starters.

“It feels great to be out here,” Pinkston said. “It feels great to be in a Browns jersey and just doing drills again. No anger here. It’s been a great week for me.

“You can’t take life for granted. I was healthy one day, and two days later, I was in the hospital with blood clots in my lung. There are days you come to work and you are sore, but when you’re out for that long, it makes you realize how much you miss it.”

The 6-foot-4 Pinkston said he now has about 8 pounds to lose with a target of 318 in mind. Although Pinkston said he feels rusty, he’s aiming to reclaim his starting job heading into next season.

“[I want to] compete for a starting job,” he said. “No one’s job here is safe. New coaches, everybody’s competing, so just try to get a starting job and get back in there and hopefully run out of that tunnel opening day for the Browns.”

Pinkston said the support of his teammates helped him keep fighting. They’re still rooting for him as he continues his journey.

“Not only is it a cool story, I’m happy for him,” Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden said. “He’s a tough individual to go through everything that he’s had to go through. You don’t wish that upon anybody, but the way he’s bounced back has been pretty remarkable.”

New deal

The Browns reached an agreement to re-sign backup running back Brandon Jackson to a one-year contract, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal.

Jackson, who became a free agent in March, played in just two games last season. In the Browns’ 2012 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, he caught two passes for 20 yards. In their season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he rushed eight times for 54 yards (6.8 average).

After signing with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers in 2011, Jackson suffered torn ligaments in a big toe in the preseason and missed the entire regular season.

Switching positions

Lauvao spent the first three years of his career at right guard, but he practiced on the left side Thursday. Meanwhile, Greco moved from left guard to right guard.

Browns coach Rob Chud­zinski sounded as if the changes are not set in stone.

“We are working all the guards at all the different spots,” he said.

Johnson Bademosi, meanwhile, moved from cornerback to free safety. He worked with the second-team defense.

“He is aggressive, good tackler and he goes 100 mph on that,” Chudzinski said. “We felt like from an athletic and physicality standpoint, that it would be worth trying to look at him at safety.”

Trading compliments

Wide receiver Josh Gordon said the following about Weeden: “He’s a lot more comfortable. I think we are all a lot more comfortable and relaxed. We know what we are doing. We have somewhat of a relationship with each other for over a year now. I think he’s really getting into his groove and feeling more at ease.”

And Weeden said this about Gordon: “I have so much confidence in him. I’m not afraid to throw at any corner with him. He’s that good.”

Brownies

Cornerback Leon McFadden, a third-round pick from San Diego State, was among the rookies who missed practice because they’re still in school, Chudzinski said. … Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, worked with the second-team defense. He dropped into coverage and broke up a pass from Jason Campbell in team drills. … Here is the first-team offense the Browns used: quarterback Weeden, running back Trent Richardson, wide receivers Gordon and Greg Little, tight ends Jordan Cameron and Kellen Davis, left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Lauvao, center Alex Mack, right guard Greco and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Here is the first-team defense they used: left end Ahtyba Rubin, nose tackle Phil Taylor, right end Desmond Bryant, left outside linebacker Paul Kruger, inside linebackers D’Qwell Jackson and Craig Roberton, right outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, cornerbacks Joe Haden and Buster Skrine, strong safety T.J. Ward and free safety Tashaun Gipson.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

Q: What did you see from outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, before picking him and what have you seen since?

A: “Before, it was all obviously on tape, and he was an explosive player. And out here, he is a young man that played with his hand in the ground [as a defensive end] at LSU, and now we are asking him to stand up and do different things. So he’s got a learning curve and a timetable, and we don’t want to rush him. We don’t want to say, ‘This is what we expect day one, day two.’ We want it to be a growing process of learning. This is not a simple defense. It’s a complicated defense. He’s got a learning curve, and we want to make sure that he learns it.”

Q: Does Mingo, who weighs about 237 pounds, need to gain weight and what type of player do you want him to be?

A: “I want him to be a dominating player. Weight? Some guys are too big. Some guys are too small. Some guys aren’t fast enough. Some guys aren’t slow enough. But they learn how to play. We want athletic football players. He is an athletic football player, and that’s what we want him to be.”

Q: With the Browns drafting Mingo in the first round and cornerback Leon McFadden in the third round to go along with the signings of outside linebackers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves and defensive end Desmond Bryant, do you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot with all of those defensive acquisitions?

A: “I thought you knew I bought a Powerball ticket last night. I didn’t check it yet. I am very pleased with how Mr. [Joe] Banner, Mr. [Jimmy] Haslam and how coach [Rob] Chud [Chud­zinski] have stockpiled the defense. We’ve got a lot of talent, and we are going to try to figure out who fits where best for the Cleveland Browns to play very good defense. Everywhere I go I hear about the Dawg Pound. I meet people, and they are in the Dawg Pound third row or this or that, and they are excited. We are excited to put a good product on the field that the Cleveland fans will love and be excited about.”

Q: What is the biggest challenge for the players switching from a 4-3 defense to your 3-4, multifront system?

A: “It’s a totally different defense, so there is a lot of adjustments — terminology, drops, the way I call games, the way I ask them to learn the defense. So right now, I am just asking them to trust me and trust the defense, and they are doing that. We are pleased with where we are at day three of OTAs.”

Q: How is Jabaal Sheard doing in his transition from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker?

A: “He’s been doing great. We ask him to do different things. If you would have asked me what I am most excited and happy about, [it] is the way the guys have come in and trusted and applied themselves. We’ve had almost 100 percent participation. The guys are attentive, and they are doing what we ask them to do. The participation and the trust factor right now has been fantastic.”

— Nate Ulrich

The Browns have agreed to a two-year deal with former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal.

Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com first reported the deal tonight.

The Cardinals cut Hoyer on Monday. He will now enter the mix of quarterbacks with his hometown team as Brandon Weeden, 29, fights to retain his starting job and veteran Jason Campbell, 31, pushes. Hoyer’s arrival means third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, 25, could be on his way out of Cleveland.

Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, has been in the NFL for four seasons but has only one career start on his resume. In his lone start, Hoyer, 27, completed 19-of-34 passes (55.9 percent) for 225 yards and one touchdown with an interception in the Cardinals’ 27-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 last season.

In 2009, Hoyer signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie from Michigan State and served as Tom Brady’s backup for three seasons. After the Patriots cut him last year, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was eventually released Dec. 8. The Cardinals claimed Hoyer off waivers and signed him to a second-round tender as a restricted free agent in March before releasing him this week.

Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton met with reporters today after the third session of organized team activities. Here is a transcript from the news conference:

(On if it’s hard to know what he has on defense since everything is just coming together)- “It may not be hard, but it’s fun. It’s exciting. The guys are working very, very hard and that’s the most important thing – that they are applying what they are learning. They are doing a great job. They are being diligent in the workouts, not only on the field but also in the class room.”

(On how long it will take for Barkevious Mingo to get into the flow and take a bunch of snaps)- “I don’t know. We are not putting a timetable on anybody. All we are really doing right now in these OTAs is trying to install the defense and trying to get our guys to understand our system and play hard. We aren’t putting a timetable on anybody. We are just trying to get better.”

(On what he saw from Mingo prior to the draft and what we has seen since he has been here)- “Before, obviously it was all on tape and it was an explosive player. He is a young man that played with his hand in the ground at LSU and now we are asking him to stand up and do different things. He’s got a learning curve and we don’t want to rush him. We don’t want to say this is what we expect day one or day two. We want it to be a growing process. This is not a simple defense. It’s a complicated defense. He’s got a learning curve and we want to make sure that he learns it.”

(On what the biggest adjustment is for the players switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3)- “It’s a totally different defense so there is a lot of adjustments – terminology, drops, the way I call games, the way I ask them to learn the defense. Right now I am just asking them to trust me and trust the defense and they are doing that. We are pleased with where we are at day three of OTAs.”

(On Mingo’s weight and what type of player they want him to be)- “I want him to be a dominating player. Weight? Some guys are too big, some guys are too small. Some guys aren’t fast enough, some guys aren’t slow enough, but they learn how to play. We want athletic players. He is an athletic football player and that’s what we want him to be.”

(On the secondary)- “It’s a lot of young men competing for jobs. You hope I think in every situation in every NFL city, is that you get competition at positions. I think that’s what we have. We are going to let it settle, however it does, with guys busting their butt, learning the defense and committing to the Cleveland Browns. That is what they are doing right now.”

(On if he feels he has hit the jackpot with the all of the defensive acquisitions)- “I bought a Powerball ticket last night, I didn’t check it yet (joking). I am very pleased with how Mr. (Joe) Banner, Mr. (Jimmy) Haslam and how coach (Rob) Chud (Chudzinski) have stockpiled the defense. We have got a lot of talent and we are going to try to figure out who fits where best for the Cleveland Browns to play very good defense. Everywhere I go I hear about the Dawg Pound. I meet people and they are in the Dawg Pound third row or this or that and they are excited. We are excited to put a good product on the field that the Cleveland fans will love and be excited about.”

(On how much different his defense is than other 3-4 defenses and how much of a change it will be for Paul Kruger)- “In the old days in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and the Jets, we would steal from each other. Rex Ryan, Dick LeBeau and I think you do. You evaluate people and what works best. I think on offense it’s the college read right now with those Washington, Seattle and San Francisco quarterbacks. I think you take a little bit from successful teams and I think that’s what we are trying to do here. Obviously, he (Kruger) stood up so things were simpler for him. He has been in the type of system before so there is a transition or learning curve for him as well, but it’s a little different than it is for a rookie that had his hand in the ground.”

(On Jabaal Sheard’s transition to linebacker)- “He’s been doing great. We ask him to do different things. If you would have asked me what I am most excited and happy about is the way the guys have come in and trusted and applied themselves. We’ve had almost 100 percent participation. The guys are attentive and they are doing what we ask them to do. The participation and the trust factor right now has been fantastic.”

(On Tashaun Gipson)- “It’s the same thing. He’s come in and he’s taken reps. He is learning the system and he is playing well. He had a nice interception today, showed athleticism. That’s the kind of thing I am talking about. You can name a lot of guys, but you will probably hear the same thing – we have guys that are competing, playing hard and are trying to learn a new system. What we want to do is be a defense that the Cleveland Browns fans can are excited about.”

(On T.J. Ward playing closer to the line of scrimmage)- “He’s a dynamic player. He’s another guy that has come in and we’ve asked him to do a different role and has trusted – I keep using that word, trusted – he has trusted us that we are going to put these guys in the right position, whomever they are to play quality winning football.”

(On what he saw from Johnson Bademosi in moving him to safety)- “If you guys were here at the press conference, coach Chud was talking about a hybrid defense. That’s part of what we are talking about, moving guys around. Is he a corner? Is he a safety? Is it a 3-4? It’s a 5? It’s athletic men playing. We are trying to let athletic men find a place to play.”

(On how important the tempo of practice is for an aggressive defense)- “The first thing you need to do is know what to do. The tempo of everything, sometimes we slow it down, sometimes we speed it up. To me, you’ve got to know what to do before you can do something fast.”

(On how Buster Skrine is coming along)- “Buster is competing hard. He is one of those hybrid players that is playing corner, nickel, penny, safety. He’s a dynamic player that can play more than one position. If you can do that in the Cleveland Browns defense it opens up a versatile attack where you can attack from different angles because you have different players on the field.”

The Browns have reached an agreement to re-sign running back Brandon Jackson to a one-year contract, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal. NFL Network’s Albert Breer first reported the deal today.

The Browns have a maximum of 90 players on their roster, so they must make a corresponding move once Jackson officially signs.

Jackson, who became a free agent in March, played in just two games this past season. In the Browns’ 2012 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, he caught two passes for 20 yards. In their season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he rushed eight times for 54 yards (6.8 average).

After signing with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers in 2011, Jackson suffered torn ligaments in a big toe in the preseason and missed the entire regular season. During the 2010 season, Jackson helped the Packers win a Super Bowl, compiling 190 carries for 703 yards (3.7 average) and three touchdowns to go along with 43 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski met with reporters today after the third session of organized team activities. Here is a transcript from the news conference:

(Opening statement)- “Thanks for coming. We had a really productive week. I am really pleased with the tempo that the guys have practiced with. Their approach, again, has been outstanding. We got a lot done this week. As far as the OTAs themselves, the structure of it has been that we bring them in, they have a lift session. We get a chance to meet with them for an extended period of time where we will correct the previous tape as well as install for a particular day. Then we have a chance to come out here and practice. The past three days we have done that. We’ve had a chance, situation primarily, where we have been working on our first and second down packages, offensively, defensively and then really getting into some third downs. We got into some shorter third downs the first day of the week. There have been some medium third downs and some longer third downs. We are in process of installing those situations. It’s been a good week for us. It’s been good to get a chance to go out on the field against each other and see guy’s execution. That’s been the focus and really what we are trying to work on and see the execution level after being in phase two, which is basically working on air, for the past three weeks.”

(On why Shawn Lauvao is playing left guard and if that change is permanent)- “We are moving guys around at the guard position. (Jason) Pinkston has been back. Just this week is his first week back so he is not getting the normal amount of reps. We will slowly work him into it. We are working all the guards at all the different spots.”

(On if the guards need to get outside a lot in the run game)- “They need to be able to block inside, pass block and be able to get outside as pullers as well.”

(On if they did a lot of pulling with the guards)- “We did. That’s part of what the install was this particular day, the plays where you saw those guys getting outside a lot.”

(On Buster Skrine)- “I think he’s done a good job. Again, it’s only been a couple days here going against guys. He’s worked at it and he shows a lot of the skills from the corner position that you like. He’s got feet, he’s competitive so it’s just the process of learning the defense and just honing up on the fundamentals and techniques.”

(On how Brandon Weeden has been able to translate from the classroom to the field)- “I think he’s done a good job with that. It starts, really with those guys with calling the play. Getting in the huddle and being able to go through that process. We had a play clock, I don’t know if you guy’s noticed. We’ve had a play clock out here on them to really try to really work on that tempo because that’s the difference. Guys can learn it indoors in the classroom and the application out here is what we are looking for. Part of that is the process of having to do it when there is a time constraint going on. That’s a big part of it.”

(On if the offense needs to be at the line at a certain point on the play clock)- “Not necessarily at the line. When we break the huddle, we set it for different times and that has progressively gone down as the week has gone on. We will get it down to where they are breaking it at 13 or 12, which that is kind of a stress situation where you have to move things along quickly. That is kind of what we are putting on those guys right now.”

(On how much more he knows know about Weeden than he did in January)- “You get to know about him. How he picks things up. How he translates and that’s what we want to see is how he is translating to decision making on the field. That’s what we are looking at right now at this step. Obviously, things are slowed down up front a little bit so you are not getting the total pass rush. It’s not completely 100 percent guys going against each other.”

(On Brian Hoyer and if the three quarterbacks here now will be the three in camp)- “I think all of that will remain to be seen. We are coaching these guys up right now. I feel good with this group with what they are doing and how they have progressed. We will just move along and keep going in the same direction. As you saw today Brandon was working with the first group. Jason (Campbell) has been working with the second group and Thaddeus (Lewis) has gotten reps with the third group. We will continue along that way, it’s just too early right now to be able to say anything. It wouldn’t be smart to name a starter and all those types of things that we have gone through before.”

(On if it’s different world for a quarterback during his second year in the league)- “Every year is a different world for a quarterback. The minute they get comfortable – you can’t do that at that position. It will help, that experience under his belt of what it’s like to be in a game. It’s obviously a brand new system so there are a lot of things where it will be like a first-year guy again.”

(On if it is tough for Weeden because he will be compared to the elite class of rookies from last year)- “That’s going to happen all the time at that position. If you are playing that position in the NFL you have to expect those things.”

(On when Leon McFadden will be available)- “He is finishing up his school so he will be back next week.”

(On what Jason Campbell brings to the quarterback position)- “Really if you look at him, he’s a guy that’s had success. He’s played in the league. He’s got a good arm, good mobility and that experience level that he brings to the table.”

(On if Campbell has one of the stronger arms in the league)- “He has a strong arm. There are quite a few guys that have a strong arm. He has good touch and he is able to get the ball where he wants to put it.”

(On if you can tell that Campbell has played in this offense previously)- “He knows the terminology. It’s a little more comfortable for him. He has basically called the same things before. That definitely helps.”

(On who has influenced him as a coach)- “Along the way I have been real fortunate to be around a lot of great coaches going back all the way to Jimmy Johnson. He was the first guy I played for in college. Through Dennis Erickson and Marty Schottenheimer and being around Norv (Turner), Romeo (Crennel) and Ron Rivera. I’ve tried to grab a little bit from each guy. The thing that we do want is to emphasize the tempo, emphasize trying to put pressure on ours guys to make it as game-like from a standpoint of them having to react to situations as quickly as we can. ”

(On if he has been happy with the tempo)- “The tempo has been pretty good. We have been working them at a pretty good clip and they have responded to that. I’ve been pleased with that. That’s the first thing, if you can create the environment of the practice and situation around them then we will get the result we want as we are working and continue to work.”

(On what he has seen from Josh Gordon)- “I’ve really seen improvement from Josh. From his route running standpoint, he is really working at it. A lot of times that takes time. He has really embraced that. He is making plays and really, I’ve been pleased with his progress.”

(On what they saw in Johnson Bademosi to move him to safety)- “He is a good football player, obviously on special teams. He is aggressive, good tackler and he goes 100 miles per hour on that. We felt like from an athletic and physicality standpoint, that it would be worth trying to look at him at safety. We know that he has played corner and can play corner. That is some of what we are trying to do out here now, is put some guys in some spots that they may not necessarily have been in before and just take a look at them.”

As expected, Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden took the reps with the first-team offense today during the third session of organized team activities and the first one open to the media.

Weeden, though, isn’t taking anything for granted. He’s confident he can retain his starting job, but he knows the new regime signed Jason Campbell to push him.

Weeden said he has spent a “crazy” amount of time studying the new playbook with help from his wife, Melanie. He hopes coach Rob Chudzinski and his staff notice all the hard work and view him as the starter.

“I hope they see not only what I'm doing out here, but the way I'm handling myself and working and spending time studying and doing all of those things,” said Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft. “This means a lot to me. This is my job. I take it seriously. I want to be the guy. I want to build off of last year. I think we're going to be a better football team in a lot of ways, and I want to be a part of it and prove to them that I am that guy to make this team better.”

Weeden is carrying himself as if he’ll be the starter in Week 1.

“I'm approaching it that way,” he said. “I'm approaching it that I'm going to take the next step and be that guy. And if I were to do it any other way, I would be doing a disservice to myself and also this team.”

Weeden, 29, said Campbell, 31, is bringing out the best in him.

“Absolutely, yeah, because he's playing well and he's doing a lot of good things,” Weeden said. “He's been in this offense, so he kind of knows a little bit of the ins and outs, so I can kind of ask him questions and we can help each other. But he's throwing the ball good and he's pushing me and that's the way it should be.”

Weeden is convinced he can make significant progress from last season, when he threw 14 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions as a rookie. He believes improvement from wide receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little along with the addition of slot receiver Davone Bess will help him.

Weeden also thinks the downfield, vertical passing game installed by Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner fits him better than ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur’s West Coast system.

“As far as an offense, even though we’re in day three now versus day three last year, I’m way ahead of the curve -- just because this offense kind of makes more sense to start with,” Weeden said. “There is a lot more up front as far as formations and stuff. But once you get it, you can hear a play and kind of piece it together by the verbiage.”

Weeden said the new scheme reminds of him the offense he ran at Oklahoma State University.

“A lot of stuff,” Weeden said. “Not only tempo. Some of the route combinations, obviously being in the shotgun a little more – even some of the single routes. We were able to have success there and throw for a lot of yards and a lot of completions. Hopefully we’ll keep that going.”

Weeden is aiming to drop back faster and break his bad habit of patting the ball with his left hand before throwing it. He said he’s improving in both areas.

“Good on both,” Weeden said. “I don't think I've patted in three days.”

Weeden entered OTAs penciled in as the Browns’ starting quarterback after the organization stood pat at quarterback in last month’s draft despite rampant speculation they would select West Virginia’s Geno Smith.

“I didn’t really read into it one way or the other,” Weeden said. “I wasn’t really concerned with it one way or the other. I was up here the days before the draft and the days after preparing just like I have every other day. That’s the way I was all along. I was telling someone the other day, ‘I’ve been drafted twice [once in baseball, once in football].’ You never know what’s going to happen in the draft. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket. I wasn’t concerned about it. That was probably my least concern. I was worried about this team getting better and getting back to work.

“I don't listen to it. No one is pushing me. I don't listen to it. No one has come up to me and said anything. I don't listen to it and it's not really my concern. I'm here now and my concern now is going and watching the film today and getting better. If I worried about all that other stuff, there is no way I could function.”

Projected starters

Here is the first-team offense the Browns used today: quarterback Weeden, running back Trent Richardson, wide receivers Gordon and Little, tight ends Jordan Cameron and Kellen Davis, left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Shawn Lauvao, center Alex Mack, right guard John Greco and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

When the Browns used two running backs, Chris Ogbonnaya joined Richardson in the backfield. When they used only one tight end, Cameron was on the field.

Here is the first-team defense the Browns used today: left end Ahtyba Rubin, nose tackle Phil Taylor, right end Desmond Bryant, left outside linebacker Paul Kruger, inside linebackers D’Qwell Jackson and Craig Roberton, right outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, cornerbacks Joe Haden and Buster Skrine, strong safety T.J. Ward and free safety Tashaun Gipson.

Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, worked at right outside linebacker with the second-team defense.

Switching positions

Lauvao spent the first three years of his career at right guard, but he practiced on the left side today. Meanwhile, Greco moved from left guard, the position he played last season, to right guard.

Johnson Bademosi moved from cornerback to free safety. He worked with the second-team defense.

Attendance

Left guard Jason Pinkston practiced this week for the first time since he was sidelined Oct. 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Doctors discovered a blood clot in Pinkston’s lung, and his 2012 season was cut short. He was cleared to return on April 12, the same day his first child, Martha Jane, was born.

Pinkston, a starter for the first 22 games of his career until his blood disorder sidelined him, worked with the second-team offense today.

Free safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles’ tendon), offensive tackle Chris Faulk (knee) and wide receiver Cordell Roberson (unknown) did not practice today. They did light exercises on the sidelines. Wide receiver David Nelson (knee) also sat out as he continues to rehabilitate, though he was not on the field.

Cornerback Leon McFadden, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, missed practice because he’s still in school at San Diego State University. Wide receiver Keenan Davis, running back Robbie Rouse and tight end Travis Tannahill were also absent because of school.

So, as expected, Cribbs has officially moved on after spending the past eight seasons with the Browns. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again!” Cribbs wrote on Twitter. “Fresh start, new team, new chip on my shoulder!!!! Love [you] Cleveland, but now it’s ... 2013 Raider Nation.”

The Browns signed Cribbs, a former Kent State University quarterback, as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He became a special-teams force as a return man and coverage ace.

Cribbs’ play-making ability and toughness helped him become a fan favorite along with kicker Phil Dawson, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March.

Cribbs, who will turn 30 on June 9, ranked sixth among punt returners (12 average) and tied for fourth among kick returners (27.4 average) last season. He was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl and played in his third career all-star game in January.

But Browns owner Jimmy Haslam indicated in March at the NFL owners meeting that Cribbs’ age was a deciding factor in the new regime’s choice not to re-sign him. Cribbs became an unrestricted free agent in March.

“We’re building, right?” Haslam said. “So I think you have to look at where people are in their career and who fits best and who doesn’t. Why did we like [free-agent acquisitions] Paul [Kruger] and Desmond [Bryant] so much? Not only are they good players, how old are they? Twenty-six, 27, right?”

During a speaking engagement Monday with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi said the situation with Cribbs needed to “be perfect for both parties” for him to return to Cleveland.

“His contract expired,” Lombardi said. “I think we have a new coaching staff. Josh obviously needs to have a defined role in what he wants to do moving forward. I think he’s testing the market to see what his value will be.”

A week before the owners meeting, Cribbs bid farewell to Browns fans by posting photographs, captions and the following comment on Instagram: “It’s been a blessing to be in Cleveland, wishing the best to the city and the team. If I could stay, I would.”

Cribbs visited the Arizona Cardinals in March, but a deal was not struck because he had offseason knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He recently visited the Raiders, New York Jets, New York Giants and Detroit Lions before signing with Oakland.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Cribbs and Leon Washington, who signed with the New England Patriots this offseason, are tied for the most kickoff returns for touchdowns — eight — in NFL history. Cribbs was named the kick returner on the NFL’s all-decade team for the 2000s.

Cribbs has compiled 12,169 career kick and punt return yards. He’s just the sixth player in NFL history to eclipse the 12,000-yard plateau. He has 10,015 career kickoff return yards, the most any player has tallied with the same team in NFL history and fifth-highest total overall.

Important cause

Browns nose tackle Phil Taylor is raising money for victims of the April 17 fertilizer-plant explosion in Texas by selling T-shirts online. The blast killed at least 14 people, injured about 200 more and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes.

“This is a big week for the #WeAreWestTX campaign and I need your HELP spreading the word so we can hit our goal of $100,000 for the families,” Taylor tweeted Monday.

The green shirts read, “We are West TX,” in gold text and feature a cartoon teddy bear. Taylor played college football for the Baylor Bears, whose colors are green and gold.

The shirts can be purchased for $25 at aamanagementgroup.com/shop.

The website includes a photo of Taylor, quarterback Brandon Weeden, wide receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little, cornerback Joe Haden and running back Chris Ogbonnaya wearing the shirts.

Scheduling update

The Browns will open their third and final organized team activity practice of the week to the media at 11:30 a.m. today.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

Former Browns wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, one of Cribbs’ agents, JR Rickert, announced this afternoon via Twitter.

So, as expected, Cribbs has officially moved on after spending the past eight seasons with the Browns. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

"I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again!" Cribbs wrote on Twitter. "Fresh start, new team, new chip on my shoulder!!!! Love [you] Cleveland, but now it's ... 2013 Raider Nation."

The Browns signed Cribbs, a former Kent State University quarterback, as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He became a special-teams force as both a return man and a coverage ace.

Cribbs' playmaking ability and toughness helped him become a fan favorite along with kicker Phil Dawson, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March.

Cribbs, who will turn 30 on June 9, ranked sixth among punt returners (12 average) and tied for fourth among kick returners (27.4 average) this past season. He was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl and played in his third career all-star game in January.

But Browns owner Jimmy Haslam indicated in March at the NFL owners meeting that Cribbs’ age was a deciding factor in the new regime’s choice not to re-sign him. Cribbs became an unrestricted free agent in March.

“We’re building, right?” Haslam said. “So I think you have to look at where people are in their career and who fits best and who doesn’t. Why did we like [free-agent acquisitions] Paul [Kruger] and Desmond [Bryant] so much? Not only are they good players, how old are they? Twenty-six, 27, right?”

During a speaking engagement Monday with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi said the situation with Cribbs needed to "be perfect for both parties" for him to return to Cleveland.

"His contract expired," Lombardi said. "I think we have a new coaching staff. Josh obviously needs to have a defined role in what he wants to do moving forward. I think he’s testing the market to see what his value will be."

A week before the owners meeting, Cribbs bid farewell to Browns fans by posting photographs, captions and the following comment on Instagram: “It’s been a blessing to be in Cleveland, wishing the best to the city and the team. If I could stay, I would.”

Cribbs visited the Arizona Cardinals in March, but an offseason knee surgery he had to repair a torn meniscus prevented a deal from being struck. He recently visited the Raiders, New York Jets, New York Giants and Detroit Lions before signing with Oakland.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Cribbs and Leon Washington, who signed with the New England Patriots this offseason, are tied for the most kickoff returns for touchdowns — eight — in NFL history. Cribbs was named the kick returner on the NFL’s all-decade team for the 2000s.

Cribbs has compiled 12,169 career kick and punt return yards. He’s just the sixth player in NFL history to eclipse the 12,000-yard plateau. He has 10,015 career kickoff return yards, the most any player has tallied with the same team in NFL history and fifth-highest total overall.

Trucking companies with class action lawsuits against Pilot Flying J have hired former FBI director Louis Freeh to investigate the Knoxville, Tenn.-based business operated by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, News Channel 5 reported today.

The Freeh Group made headlines last summer for its findings in the Penn State child sex-abuse scandal.

The FBI and Internal Revenue Service raided the headquarters of Haslam’s family business on April 15 as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged fraud scheme. The FBI accuses Pilot Flying J of cheating trucking companies out of millions of dollars of rebates they were supposed to receive for buying certain amounts of diesel fuel.

Several of those companies have filed civil lawsuits against Pilot Flying J while the FBI and IRS continue their ongoing criminal investigation.

An FBI agent’s unsealed affidavit includes transcripts of conversations with members of Pilot Flying J’s sales team that were secretly recorded by informants. The document accuses Haslam, the CEO of Pilot Flying J, of knowing about the alleged scam.

Haslam has maintained his innocence. No charges have been filed in the case.

With a monologue, an audience question-and-answer session and a chat with reporters, Lombardi spent nearly 54 minutes addressing the state of the Browns in his most extensive public comments since he was hired as their personnel chief on Jan. 18. Of all the topics discussed, Lombardi spent the most time trying to sell the idea of the new regime aiming for sustained success without giving up on the present, a point of contention for fans since the team traded its fourth- and fifth-round draft picks a couple of weeks ago in exchange for third- and fourth-round selections next year.

“We’re going to try to be as aggressive as we can in terms of how we approach every decision, but we’re also going to be thinking in terms of one and two years ahead because you can’t operate in the NFL today if you think just to the next game or the next practice,” Lombardi said in a packed banquet hall at Tozzi’s on 12th. “You don’t really want to end up 5-11, 11-5 and back to 5-11.

“People say, ‘Well, you traded away a fourth- and a fifth-round pick. You could have had guys in those rounds that perhaps could have helped you.’ Yeah, we could have had guys perhaps, but we’re also trying to think in terms of six months, a year and moving forward. And I think the value always comes into play.”

A member of the audience quickly pointed out that every prominent figure of the expansion era has promoted the notion of building for the future. The man then demanded Lombardi to give him a time frame for a turnaround.

“I’m not sitting up here saying I’ve got a five-year plan — this is going to work,” Lombardi said. “I’m telling you we’re building something. I’m not saying it’s for the future because I think it’s all going to come down to us making sure we make good decisions and [we’re] moving forward. And I’m not asking for any more patience than anyone else.

“I’m just saying we’re going to build this thing the right way so we can sustain success. We’re certainly, by no means, thinking about giving up on the season — I’m too competitive — nor is [coach] Rob Chudzinski. We’re going to go in there and compete. We’ve got some pieces to compete with. This team last year was in a lot of close games [and] had a lot of opportunities in the fourth quarter. I think we can build on that.”

With Browns owner Jimmy Haslam’s family business, Pilot Flying J, at the center of a federal investigation into an alleged fraud scheme, it’s impossible to ignore the possibility of his legal woes preventing the Browns from sustaining anything, let alone success.

“Our job is to keep working on the football team and keep doing the things we do,” Lombardi said. “And that’s what [Haslam] expects us to do, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

With that in mind, Lombardi addressed several other issues facing the team.

Quarterback situation

The Browns didn’t draft a quarterback and still have Brandon Weeden penciled in as their starter with Jason Campbell expected to push him this offseason. In his previous role as an analyst for NFL Network, Lombardi was critical of Weeden and has yet to endorse him since joining the Browns.

“Everything’s an evaluation,” Lombardi said. “We just have to keep going. Quarterback’s very important. I think Brandon’s a young player. It’s only his second year in the league. He’s got a great opportunity to demonstrate his talent. [Offensive coordinator] Norv [Turner] has been around some really good quarterbacks. Norv and Chud have been able to modify their system to utilize the talent level of the player.”

Lombardi, though, conceded seeing Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft, in his second season will help the new decision makers correctly judge him. He said talent evaluators need “enough of a sample size to make a decision” and avoided outlining his early impressions of Weeden.

“I think you have to know your team really well, and it can’t just be making quick decisions emotionally,” Lombardi said. “You have to really know your team.”

Lombardi indicated the Browns did not come close to drafting a quarterback in any round.

“I don’t think that was an area where I thought the value would’ve met the pick,” he said.

Still, there are almost always rumblings when it comes to the Browns and quarterbacks. After Lombardi’s appearance, news broke about the Arizona Cardinals releasing backup Brian Hoyer, who has been linked to the Browns for months.

This much is certain: Former Denver Broncos and New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow isn’t in the Browns’ plans.

“Unfortunately, Tim has to get somewhere where he can develop his skills as a passer,” Lombardi said. … “When you commit to Tim, like Denver did the last eight games of the season when Tim was playing, you’re committing to that whole style of play. It’s all or nothing and that becomes very difficult, and that’s kind of not the vision of where we’re headed.”

Roster decisions

The Browns recently drafted Leon McFadden in the third round to compete for the starting cornerback job opposite Joe Haden, and other young players, Tashaun Gipson, Eric Hagg and rookie sixth-round pick Jamoris Slaughter, are in the mix for the starting free safety job.

“In the defensive backfield, ideally we would like to keep getting some players, in terms of keep evaluating,” Lombardi said.

He also added, “You can play with young players [in the secondary] if you can rush the passer.”

Many fans wonder whether free-agent free safety Kerry Rhodes will sign with the Browns because he played for defensive coordinator Ray Horton the past two years with the Cardinals.

“He’s a name out there,” Lombardi said. “We haven’t really done much at all. Right now, we’re focusing on the Cleveland Brown players and seeing where we are.”

Lombardi indicated Gipson would receive a legitimate chance to start.

“Gipson played last year, and he played well for the team,” Lombardi said. “So he’s going to get all the looks.”

When asked about improving the guard play, Lombardi said John Greco “was a really pleasant surprise” last season when he replaced Jason Pinkston in the starting lineup. Pinkston’s season was cut short after a blood clot was discovered in his lung, and now he’s trying to make a comeback.

Former Browns wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowl return man Josh Cribbs has reportedly visited the Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, New York Jets and Detroit Lions as a free agent. Lombardi sounded as if there’s not a good chance the Browns could pull off a surprise and bring back Cribbs.

“I think he wants the perfect opportunity,” Lombardi said. “I’m sure that what he finds and what we may talk about has to be perfect for both parties.”

On the agenda

Center Alex Mack and strong safety T.J. Ward headline the list of Browns players whose contracts are scheduled to expire next year. Lombardi indicated the team plans to work on extending those deals.

“I think that’s certainly on the list of things to do as we move forward,” he said. … “I think certainly those are good players. We just have to make sure we evaluate them. It’s got to be a fit within what they want to do and what we want to do.”

Lombardi doesn’t expect delays in signing outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, this year’s sixth overall selection, or the team’s other four draft picks because the new collective bargaining agreement has streamlined the process.

“I think the new system lets you make sure we’ll get that done,” he said.

Lombardi said the Browns are searching for new scouts after recently parting ways with several.

“We’re talking to people,” he said. “I think it’s about timing and making sure everything fits. I think there’s really not a rush.”

Lombardi said scouts weren’t in the Browns’ draft room this year, but the team’s brass relied on their written reports. He said that’s not an uncommon practice in the NFL.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

They also waived cornerback Kevin Barnes, wide receiver Mike Edwards, defensive end Paipai Falemalu, punter Jake Schum and safety Ricky Tunstall. The Browns signed Barnes and Schum in March. Edwards, Falemalu and Tunstall were undrafted free agents who landed with the team April 30.

The 5-10, 185-pound Auguste started 22 of the 43 games in which he appeared for the University of South Carolina (2008-10, ’12). Auguste, 23, compiled 133 tackles, one interception, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a sack.

Kent State recruited Kanneh, a native of England, but he didn’t qualify academically to play for the Golden Flashes. Kanneh, 22, spent the past two seasons at New Mexico Highlands, where he tallied 107 tackles and nine interceptions with four returned for touchdowns. He also returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards (20.3 average) with two touchdowns, returned 13 punts for 215 yards (16.5 average) and blocked five kicks.

Conley served as the New York Jets’ punter in 2011. He had 92 punts for 3,926 yards (42.7 average) with 32 downed inside the 20-yard line. Conley, 27, spent training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 before being cut.

The 6-1, 330-pound Jean-Baptiste, who played alongside Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor at Baylor, signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Jean-Baptiste, 24, was cut by the Ravens in August and later spent four weeks on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.

The 6-2, 230-pound Walcott appeared in 45 games with 22 starts at Virginia (2009-12). Walcott, 23, compiled 128 tackles, 1½ sacks, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

Scheduling update

The Browns will hold organized team activities Tuesday-Thursday at their headquarters in Berea. The sessions are closed to the public. The Thursday session is open to the media.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

All of the aforementioned players participated in the Browns’ rookie minicamp this past weekend on a tryout basis.

The Browns also waived cornerback Kevin Barnes, wide receiver Mike Edwards, defensive end Paipai Falemalu, punter Jake Schum and safety Ricky Tunstall. The Browns signed Barnes and Schum in March. Edwards, Falemalu and Tunstall were undrafted free agents who landed with the team April 30.

Here’s information provided by the Browns about the five players who tried out and earned contracts:

• A four-year letterman at the University of South Carolina (2008-10, 12), Auguste appeared in 43 contests with 22 starts. He totaled 133 career tackles, one interception, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack. Born October 10, 1989, the 5-10, 185-pound Auguste is a native of Hollywood, Florida and attended Chaminade-Madonna High School and Fork Union Military Academy.
• Kanneh spent two seasons at New Mexico Highlands University (2011-12), where he totaled 107 career tackles and nine interceptions, with four returned for touchdowns. He also returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards (20.3 average) with two touchdowns and 13 punts for 215 yards (16.5 average), while also blocking five kicks. Born September 9, 1990, the 5-10, 185-pound Kanneh is a native of London England, and attended Potomac High School in Virginia.
• Originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009, Conley spent training camp with the Jets in 2009 and 2010 before emerging as the team’s starting punter in 2011. He appeared in all 16 games in 2011, booting 92 punts for 3,926 yards (42.7 average) with 32 punts inside the 20-yard line. Conley spent training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. A four-year letterman at the University of Idaho (2005-08), Conley led the NCAA in punting (47.4 average) as a senior. Born August 29, 1985, the 6-1, 215-pound Conley is a native of Walla Walla, Washington, where he attended DeSales High School.
• Originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Jean-Baptiste spent four weeks on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad last season. A four-year letterman at Baylor University (2008-11), he appeared in 49 games with 21 starts and totaled 94 career tackles, five sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Born March 8, 1989, the 6-1, 330-pounder is a native of Houston, Texas, where he attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.
• A four-year letterman at the University of Virginia (2009-12), Walcott appeared in 45 games with 22 starts. He totaled 128 career tackles, 1.5 sacks, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Born January 1, 1990, the 6-2, 230-pound Walcott is a native of Hackensack, N.J., where he attended Hackensack High School.