Ross

Verba

Verba, who missed last season with a torn right biceps, is currently the Browns best candidate at left tackle. He could be moved to guard if the Browns find an upgrade in free agency.

Verba will make $4 million in 2006 and if Detroit elects to exercise a club option after the season, it becomes a five-year deal and could approach $20 million in total worth. An ex-Packer and briefly a Brown, Verba would be able to recoup some of the money he spurned after deciding against staying in Cleveland last season.

The Packers worked Verba out shortly after the draft but didn’t sign him. Verba has also received interest from the Bucs.

Verba sat out last season after refusing to play for less than $35 million. Terms aren’t available, but we doubt this contract is worth one-fifth that much. It’s a good value signing for Detroit. Verba has experience and could challenge Kelly Butler for the right tackle job this season and possibly take over for Jeff Backus on the left side if Backus leaves via free agency.

The Lions have penciled in Verba as their starter at left guard.

The rest are injured. Remember, this was an offensive line that was supposed to be terrible before the injuries. Don’t expect anything from the Cleveland offense the rest of the way.

Now tackle Ross Verba is calling the guards on his O-line out, after Jeff Garcia criticized the offense for the billionth time. The Browns are a sinking ship.

Verba talked his way out of Cleveland during training camp, expecting a huge signing bonus that never materialized. The Cowboys aren’t happy with Torrin Tucker’s play at left tackle.

Verba is known as a punk around the league, but there are a few teams, like Houston, desperate for talent at tackle. He’s been excused from team activities and is unlikely to play again for the Browns.