DaytonDailyNews.com

BEREA — Kellen Winslow wouldn't be practicing anyway, but his absence from the Cleveland Browns' organized team activities this week is notable.

Unlike minicamps, the three weeks of organized team activities (OTAs) are not mandatory. However, players usually report so they can take part in conditioning drills and team meetings or rehab injuries.

Star tight end Winslow underwent offseason knee surgery. He also has made it clear he wants the Browns to rework his contract.

Winslow, who missed most of his first two seasons in the league with injuries, has three years left on a contract the Browns restructured after he missed an entire year following a motorcycle accident.

It's unclear if Winslow's absence is health related or foreshadowing a contract dispute.

"When he gets here, we'll find out for sure exactly," head coach Romeo Crennel said Wednesday, May 14. "He's not here and I haven't spoken with him, so when he gets here I'll be able to answer that question."

Browns General Manager Phil Savage already has said the team has no intention of reworking Winslow's contract after it acted in good faith when he was coming back from his injuries and restructured the deal.

A year ago, wide receiver Braylon Edwards missed the first day of OTAs, raising concerns he and the Browns were at odds over something.

The always talkative wideout had little to say about his teammate's truancy on Wednesday.

"Everybody goes through personal trials and tribulations, and obviously he has something going on that the team is aware about," Edwards said. "That's his business. I don't know what's going on. So that's up to him and coach."

Linebacker Willie McGinest, who recently decided he will retire after the upcoming season (his 15th), was asked if as a team leader he would speak with Winslow.

"I don't know what the situation is with Kellen, but if they needed me to speak to him, I'm like a big brother to him," McGinest said. "We're all supposed to be brothers and family around here, so everybody should be able to talk to each other."

Perry in, Wright out

Defensive back Jereme Perry has re-signed with the Browns, his Dayton-based agent, Ron Todd, said.

Perry takes the roster spot of cornerback Kenny Wright, a nine-year veteran who played little last season and was arrested in Texas last month on charges of drug possession and fleeing police. Wright's contract was terminated Wednesday.

Perry, who can play cornerback or safety, made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2006 but was one of last summer's final cuts. He caught on with the Miami Dolphins, but was released recently.

Todd said Perry signed a one-year deal for the minimum third-year salary of $445,000.

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