Packers Closing In On Couch Deal

[Tom Kessenich]

By TOM SILVERSTEIN
[email protected]

If the Green Bay Packers can finalize a restructured contract with Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch, there's a strong chance the compensation paid to the Browns will be a future draft choice.

The Packers and Browns have had significant discussions about a trade for the sixth-year quarterback and are getting closer to finalizing the terms it would take to bring Couch to Green Bay. According to one National Football League source familiar with both teams, the compensation probably would wind up being a pick from the third to fifth round.

It's still possible the pick could come from 2004 draft, but more than likely it will be a conditional choice in '05 that will allow the Browns to recoup more if Couch is pressed into service in his first season. The compensation is expected to be limited to one draft choice.

There still is one hurdle the Packers must overcome before they can acquire Couch, the first pick in the 1999 draft who stands to be released in June if he is not traded. In order for the trade to be consummated, the Packers must agree to rework Couch's contract, which calls for him to earn base salaries of $7.6 million in '04 and $8 million in '05.

Packers negotiator Andrew Brandt and Andrew Kessler, associate to agent Tom Condon, both said negotiations were ongoing but that it was difficult to tell exactly how long it would take.

It's well known that there are no other teams vying for Couch's services and that the Browns would like to trade their former starter rather than cut him. The Packers know the Browns will have to cut Couch in June if they can't trade him and are holding the line on both the contract and the Browns' compensation.

Meanwhile, Tulane quarterback J.P. Losman paid an official visit to Green Bay Monday and Tuesday. Losman told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Green Bay was one of a number of teams he planned to visit before the draft April 24-25.

Losman is considered a possible first-round pick and might be available when the Packers choose 25th overall.