PHOENIX -- The Arizona Cardinals reported "very good
progress" Tuesday night in talks aimed at reaching a contract
agreement with first-round draft pick Levi Brown.
The offensive tackle from Penn State, selected fifth overall,
has missed the first three days of practice at Arizona's training
camp in Flagstaff.
"We don't have a deal in place but I felt like we made very
good progress today," Cardinals general manager Rod Graves said.
"We still have some work to do on a couple of issues but I
certainly feel good about the way they progressed today."
Brown's agent, Joel Segal, did not return a message left on his
cell phone late Tuesday.
The players immediately ahead of and behind Brown have reached
deals.
Defensive end Gaines Adams, the No. 4 pick, agreed to a six-year
deal with Tampa Bay reportedly worth up to $46 million, with $18.6
million guaranteed. Defensive back LaRon Landry, the No. 6 pick who
also is represented by Segal, agreed Monday to a five-year, $41.5
million contract with Washington, with about $17.5 million
guaranteed.
Landry's agreement freed Segal to work full-time on negotiating
with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals chose the 6-foot-5, 323-pound Brown in an attempt
to bolster what has been a woeful offensive line. New Arizona coach
Ken Whisenhunt had used Brown mostly at right tackle during
minicamps and voluntary workouts.
Brown has played mostly at left tackle, but that spot is held by
free agent acquisition Mike Gandy. Oliver Ross has worked with the
first team at right tackle so far in camp. Ross played for
Whisenhunt when the coach was offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh,
but lost his starting job with Arizona during last season.
Brown was the second offensive lineman chosen in the draft.
Cleveland selected tackle Joe Thomas as the third pick overall.
Thomas has signed a six-year deal reportedly worth $42.5 million,
with $23 million guaranteed.