Tight end shuffle: Browns sign Watson, release Heiden
Football Betting Lines
03/12/2010 - Berea, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cleveland Browns shifted their focus at the tight end position on Friday, signing unrestricted free agent Benjamin Watson to a multi-year contract and also releasing Steve Heiden.
Financial terms of the deal for Watson, a former member of the New England Patriots, were not disclosed, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported it to be three-year pact worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed.
"We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent market," said Browns general manager Tom Heckert. "Because of his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets. He comes from a winning program in New England and possesses the traits that we like in a player. We feel as though he can help us in many different areas and we are excited about his addition to our team."
Watson spent each of his first six seasons with the Patriots, who made him the 32nd overall pick of the 2004 draft. He has 167 receptions for 2,102 yards with 20 touchdowns in 71 regular-season games.
In addition, the Georgia product has also appeared in nine playoff games and has 19 catches for 195 yards with three scores.
The 29-year-old Watson caught 29 passes for 404 yards with five touchdowns in 16 games, including seven starts, last season. His most productive season was 2006, when he hauled in 49 passes for 643 yards.
Heiden played in seven games for the Browns in 2009 before being placed on injured reserve on November 18th. He spent eight seasons with the organization and started 83 of the 148 games in which he appeared. Heiden caught 201 passes for 1,684 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Browns also announced linebacker Jason Trusnik has signed his contract tender. Trusnik along with wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, was acquired by the Browns in a trade with the Jets during last season.
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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
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