Browns Kicker Joins Mandatory Minicamp, Unhappy With Contract

Browns kicker Phil Dawson reported for mandatory minicamp Thursday morning after missing all of the voluntary sessions, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Dawson pulled a similar stunt last year skipping the voluntary portions of the offseason because he wasn't happy with his contract that will pay him $1 million in 2010.

Yes, a kicker was attempting to gain leverage by skipping workouts.

The issue likely arises from the Raiders decision to make Sebastian Janikowski the highest paid kicker in the league with a deal that averages $4 million annually. Dawson, who has been one of the better kickers in recent years, wants money more in-line with what the top kickers in the league are getting.

Frankly, a kicker skipping workouts is not a good idea. As Shayne Graham would tell you, a kicker can go from among the best in the NFL to released in a matter of one game.

For more on the Browns and mandatory camp, check out SB Nation's Dawgs By Nature.