Braylon

Edwards

His agent is expected to arrive in Cleveland Wednesday to resume talks. Edwards has missed nearly two weeks of camp to date. His possible signing could speed up the contracts for Ronnie Brown and Cedric Benson.

Edwards arrived in Cleveland Wednesday to sign his deal, then left town. The disagreement was reportedly about the marketing of his image. He is expected to sign the contract today and take his conditioning test.

It should only be a matter of time before Edwards climbs to starter status. Look for him to replace Dennis Northcutt as the team’s flanker sooner than later.

''You don’t have a deal until you have a deal,’' said Edwards’ agent Lamont Smith, ''We’re leaving Cleveland.’'

The deal includes $18.5 million in guarantees, and could be worth up to $40 million with escalators. He should have time to work his way into the starting lineup. Ronnie Brown and Cedric Benson, who are looking for considerably more guaranteed money, won’t be happy with this deal.

Edwards will start out at the bottom of the Browns’ wide receiver depth chart, but expect that to change quickly.

If you needed another reason to stay away from a rookie receiver on a poor-passing team, this is it.

Edwards, who only entered the game as the fifth receiver, made his trademark jump-ball catch on the game-winner. He finished with three catches for 14 yards. He should start climbing the depth chart.

Could Oakland take another mouthy receiver? We’ll have to wait and see.

Just the fact he is back on the field is a surprise and a jolt of optimisim for Edwards’ return. “I can’t tell you that I’m guaranteed to play Sept. 10, but obviously it’s looking good,” Edwards said. Even a Week 3 return would be early.