Cleveland Browns quick hits: Andrew Berry not ready to comment on Perrion Winfrey's future

BEREA — Perrion Winfrey remains a member of the Browns as his legal issues continue in Texas.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry wouldn't go any further than confirm the second-year defensive tackle remained on the roster as of now when asked at his pre-draft press conference Friday. He declined to say whether or not that would change for Winfrey, who is facing charges of misdemeanor assault of his girlfriend in Harris County, Texas.

“That's a pending legal matter," Berry said. "So, I won't comment on that specifically other than to say that Perrion understands what really our expectations are for all players, whether they're on the field, in our building or away from the building. But with it being a pending legal matter, I'm not going to comment too much on it.”

Browns GM Andrew Berry on NFL Draft: Browns' Andrew Berry operating with 'a foot in the present,' 'foot in the future' at draft

Winfrey, according to court documents, was arrested on April 10 after he injured his girlfriend in a incident where he grabbed her by her hand and pulled her. He posted $1,000 bond the next day, and had a protective order issued against him on her behalf.

The next court date for Winfrey will be on June 1.

Andrew Berry hasn't 'shut the door' on Kareem Hunt just yet

One of the biggest name Browns players who remains an unrestricted free agent is running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt is coming off a season where he twice asked for trades — once during training camp and once at the trade deadline — as he grew frustrated with his role.

Berry was asked if there was a chance there could be a reunion between team and running back.

"I don't know that we've necessarily shut the door on anything," Berry said. "I mean we're not playing games until September, so we'll remain open-minded to anything that can help the team. We like the room that we have. … That wouldn't exclude us from adding someone this upcoming weekend at that position, but we just got to see how the board shakes out."

The former Willoughby South High School and University of Toledo standout spent four seasons with his hometown NFL team after signing in 2018. Hunt rushed for 468 yards on 123 carries a year ago and finished with 1,874 yards and 16 touchdowns on 442 carries in 49 games with the Browns.

Room for another quarterback on the roster?

The Browns used three of their 30 pre-draft visits to sit down with quarterbacks. Those were, reportedly, with UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Houston's Clayton Tune and Fresno State's Jake Haener.

Why some may have raised an eyebrow at that is because the Browns already have three quarterbacks on the roster in Deshaun Watson, Josh Dobbs and Kellen Mond. Berry, while not ruling out adding a fourth, said it's as much about doing due diligence.

"Certainly with quarterbacks we like to spend a lot of time with them and we try and do that appropriately over the course of the spring in different venues," Berry said. "To your specific question about adding to the room, it's the most important position in sports and no different than adding depth and competition at receiver or D-line or corner or linebacker or offensive line, we're going to do the same thing at quarterback."

Still no official word on Jedrick Wills Jr. fifth-year option

The decision to pick up left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.'s fifth-year option remains something Browns officials aren't ready to comment about publicly.

Friday marked the third time in the last two-plus months Berry declined to answer about picking up the option, which would be worth $14.175 million in 2024. The option either must or must not be picked up by May 2.

"Yeah, I think that I don't really talk about contracts or those decisions in this setting," Berry said. "You know, guys will certainly know before May 2, and we're pleased with Jed."

Wills was the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama.

Jakeem Grant a 'very realistic' option for the Browns in return game

Jakeem Grant continues rehab on his way back from a torn Achilles tendon last Aug. 9. Berry said the veteran receiver and return man remains

"I think it's very realistic," Berry said. "No different than offense or defense, we would add competition in the kicking game. I would really like to commend Jakeem in terms of how he's approached his rehab since last August. He stayed in the building all season, he may sleep at the building, honestly, and he's doing really, really well. And I know all of us are optimistic that he'll be back to his normal self and we're all really rooting for him."

The Browns restructured Grant's contract in February, creating $1.765 million in relief. The final year of a two-year contract was scheduled to be $3.56 million.

Andrew Berry wants more defensive ends added to roster

The Browns have been aggressive thus far in trying to help All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett out. One of their biggest free-agent signings was former Houston Texans edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

Okoronkwo and Garrett are two of the five defensive ends currently on the roster. The others are Alex Wright, Isaiah Thomas and Sam Kamara.

And they're not done yet, either through next week' draft or another free agent.

"No, I would expect us to add more than that," Berry said. "We're going to get to 90 eventually. I can't say if that's going to be on draft weekend or in May or in August, but I would expect us to add to that room."

Joel and Courtney Bitonio donate $1 million to University of Nevada

All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio and his wife Courtney made a $1 million donation to the University of Nevada's football program. The donation was used to fund the new Bitonio Family Strength and Conditioning Center, which is being unveiled Friday night in Reno.

Bitonio was a 2014 second-round pick out of Nevada. The donation is one of the largest donations ever to the Wolfpack athletic department.

"I'm honored to be able to give back to the university that helped shape me into the person I am today," Bitonio said in a statement released by the school. "I know firsthand the impact that a strong football program can have on student-athletes. The weight room has always been more than just a place to train; it is where teams build character, develop discipline, and learn the importance of teamwork. I'm proud to be able to support the football program's success and ensure student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed."

Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Andrew Berry won't comment on Perrion Winfrey's future with Browns