Packers' Talks With Couch Near Dead End

[Tom Kessenich]

Couch talks near dead end
By TOM SILVERSTEIN

The Green Bay Packers' negotiations with Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch have hit a stalemate and there is serious question whether a deal can be reached.

According to an NFL source, the two sides are so far apart on what they think Couch is worth that no progress is being made and there might not be any more talks on the matter.

However, Packers vice president of finance Andrew Brandt said there was still time to reach a deal with Couch and his agent Tom Condon and wasn't declaring anything over yet.

"We're trying to see if we can find some common ground," Brandt said.

Asked how he would characterize the negotiations, he said, "I'd characterize them as challenging."

The Packers have all but finalized trade compensation with the Browns, but before they swing a deal they need to renegotiate Couch's contract. Both sides agree Couch's $7.6 million and $8 million base salaries will reduced dramatically, but how far remains at issue.

The Packers want to pay Couch like any other backup, knowing it's unlikely he'll get much playing time behind Brett Favre. They are willing to include incentives and escalators to reward Couch if he were to play a significant amount.

Couch wants more than just ordinary backup money, given he is a former first pick in the draft and a starter with the Browns.