Troy Smith wants to play for the Browns. The Ravens backup quarterback told ESPN Radio's Cleveland affiliate of his desire. "There is no doubt about it. It has always been a childhood dream of mine," Smith said. "It's funny how we always talk about Cleveland. That's the first thing that comes to mind with anything I do whether I get a chance to come home and be a part of that organization or not. You know, I would love to get that chance if that opportunity comes up, but the political and right thing to say in this situation is that I would love to be anywhere that would give me a chance. But, without a doubt, there would be no second guessing in my mind if I could come back home and be a part of something that I love." Smith's agent requested a trade earlier this month.

Cleveland's Josh Cribbs is becoming more confident that he'll be with the Browns next season. The Pro Bowler said earlier this month that he thought it was "unlikely" he'd play another game for Cleveland after a $1.4 million contract offer for 2010. However, he indicated on Thursday that new Browns president Mike Holmgren has reached out to him and "wants to get something done soon."

The Browns have no intention of bringing wide receiver Donte Stallworth back when his one-year suspension is lifted by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Super Bowl. Stallworth was suspended on Aug. 13 after pleading guilty to DUI/manslaughter as a result of striking and killing a man in Florida while under the influence of alcohol on March 14.

Browns wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs said Thursday that he's encouraged by recent talks with the team regarding a new contract. Cribbs said that he's had "very positive" dialogue with the franchise over the past week. "We've talked to [Browns President] Mike Holmgren and [General Manager] Tom Heckert and we have an understanding that we're going to work together on this," agent J.R. Rickert said. "We have a much clearer indication that something can be worked out and that it's not just lip service." On Jan. 6, Cribbs and his agents said they were insulted by the Browns' $1.4 million offer.

Commissioner Roger Goodell will likely reinstate wide receiver Donte' Stallworth so that he'll be able to sign with any NFL team in 2010, according to a report from Peter King. Stallworth will be 29 this offseason and is still under contract with the Browns. Goodell recently met with Stallworth for two hours, and he came away impressed that Stallworth would devote time for the foreseeable future to anti-drunk-driving causes.

The Browns have fired former team president Mike Keenan. Keenan held the position before Mike Holmgren was hired earlier this month. He was demoted to chief financial officer when Holmgren joined the team.

Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards was placed on probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct in Cleveland on Tuesday. Edwards initially had pleaded not guilty in November to misdemeanor assault. He was accused of punching a friend of Cavaliers star LeBron James outside a Cleveland nightclub two days before he was traded to the Jets on Oct. 7.

New Browns president Mike Holmgren said Tuesday that he hopes to keep Pro Bowl kicker return Joshua Cribbs. Cribbs and his representation went public last week after Cleveland wouldn't budge from their $1.4 million per year offer. He has three years left on his current contract, but has been looking for a new deal since last offseason. "I'd rather that not happen," Holmgren said of the talks playing out in the media. "But we've been at this a long time. Is anyone surprised? That's just the way it is. I said what I said and I'll say it again: We as an organization will not negotiate in the press. We're not going to do that. "But I love Josh Cribbs. So I'm hopeful things will work out and everyone is happy at the end of the day."

The Browns have officially hired Tom Heckert away from the Eagles to become their new general manager. Heckert, 42, had been with the Eagles since 2001, spending the past four seasons as their top personnel executive. "He's going to set up the 53-man roster, but I would temper that," new president Mike Holmgren said. "He and I will be on close communication with that. But that's his responsibility."

Browns president Mike Holmgren says that quarterback Brady Quinn could heal without surgery. Quinn missed Cleveland's final two games after hurting his left foot in a Dec. 20 win over Kansas City. Cleveland hasn't given any specifics about the injury. The Plain Dealer of Cleveland that Quinn has a Lisfranc injury, and is scheduled to meet with a specialist Tuesday.