Banks Ends His Holdout, Returns to Browns for $1.3 Million

Chip Banks, who signed a two-year, $1.3-million contract with the Cleveland Browns, said Monday that the winner in his holdout is “the city of Cleveland.”

“I just want to say first that I’m my own man,” said Banks, a 6-4, 233-pound Pro Bowl linebacker.

“I feel I have to do what I believe is right for me. I’d like to commend Art (Modell, the Browns’ owner) and his staff for sticking with me and my people.”

Banks hinted the financial part of his contract was agreed upon long ago, but not the schedule for payment. He is the Browns’ highest-paid defensive player and is second on the team in salary behind quarterback Bernie Kosar, who makes $1 million a year.

One of the issues of Banks’ holdout was his demand not to be pulled in obvious passing situations by Coach Marty Schottenheimer, but the Browns apparently did not give in on that point.

“If I don’t play, it’s a judgment on Schottenheimer’s part,” Banks said. “I’m not going to worry about that.”