MONEY MATTERS: Want to know why veterans ask for contract renegotiations? Consider this: Browns quarterback Tim Couch will make $6.2-million this year, $7.6-million in 2004 and $8-million in 2005. Bucs QB Brad Johnson, who just had his contract renegotiated, will make $2.5-million this year and $3.25-million in 2004.
Couch has been in the league four years, Johnson 11. Couch is 19-32 as a starter, Johnson 51-28. In 52 games, Couch has 57 TDs and 61 picks, Johnson has 114 and 74. Last season, Couch was the 15th-ranked quarterback in the AFC and 25th overall. Johnson led the NFC in passing rating and won the Super Bowl.
Enough said.
HURTIN' GATOR: Now, this is some freaky stuff. Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse sprained his right ankle Aug.19 when he got tangled in a pile and missed the final two preseason games. That rounds out what easily has been one of the worst 12 months of his life. During that time, Kearse:
Tore a triceps tendon and missed most of the 2002 training camp.
Fractured a bone in his left foot in the season opener, sat out 12 games, returned but was limited with pain.
Had a screw put in the leg in September (2002) and a bone graft in February (2003).
Participated sparingly in minicamps and training camps leading up to season.
All told, Kearse played only 25 plays in the preseason, a scary fact considering that this is the last year of his contract.
- Compiled by Times staff writer Roger Mills with information from other news organizations.
