Gaines gets a shot at the NFL
The Miami University cornerback is offered a free-agent tryout with the Browns starting Thursday.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
SPRINGFIELD — Miami University senior Jerrid Gaines signed a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night, April 27.
To celebrate, he took a nap.
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Get latest headlines via RSS feeds"I was just tired from watching the draft," Gaines said. "I watched the whole thing."
Gaines said the Browns called him during the seventh round to tell him they weren't going to draft him, but wanted to bring him to camp as a free agent.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs also offered Gaines free-agent contracts.
"The Browns had the best opportunity for me to help out and contribute right away," Gaines said. "They need a cornerback."
The 5-foot-11, 193-pound Gaines had 43 tackles and one interception last fall in his final season at Miami University.
Gaines prepared for his NFL opportunity by working out in Houston from January to early March with a trainer and NFL cornerbacks Aaron Glenn and Jason Simmons. Gaines worked out for several teams at Miami University's Pro Day on March 13.
Gaines has been home in Springfield the last month working out at Evans Stadium, and he was home Sunday night when the Browns called. His phone rang all night, Gaines said, as word got out and people called to congratulate him.
"I couldn't really sleep," he said.
Gaines doesn't have much time to get ready. He heads north on Thursday for the Browns' minicamp in Berea.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0351 or djablonski@coxohio.com.
