Chaun Thompson reportedly said at minicamp that he’d “play for free” (though I can’t seem to Google it up). No one took him literally. But now it looks like Carmen Policy will come closer to granting the holdout rookie linebacker his wish. If he doesn’t sign by Thursday, the Browns will lower their offer.

I can’t imagine what’s keeping Thompson from becoming an instant millionaire by signing his name to a five-year deal that Policy says is “much better” than the one signed by the player picked after him in the second round: the Jets’ LB Victor Hobson. That deal was reportedly for $3.435 million over five years, including a $1.52 million signing bonus.

At this point, I almost hope he keeps listening to his agent and then has to sign a lesser deal later on. I don’t think he can help much this season anyway.

UPDATE: Within a few hours of Policy calling him out in public, Thompson agreed to terms.