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**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 11:35 AM

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Both sides agree on structure of a 6-year deal, but guaranteed money among sticking points

n a story line that's becoming as regular as afternoon showers here, the Cardinals and the agent for first-round selection Levi Brown spent yet another day Wednesday negotiating.

The sides are close, people close to the situation said, and a deal could be announced as early as this evening.

Or not.

The Cardinals have thought for the past two days that they were close to a deal, yet Brown remains unsigned and is believed to be home in Norfolk, Va. He's now missed five days and six practices of training camp.

On Tuesday night, General Manager Rod Graves expressed his frustration that one of Brown's agents, Joel Segal, had cut off talks and decided to mull the Cardinals' offer overnight.

Graves spent Wednesday negotiating with Segal and Brown's other agent, Chafie Fields.

"We had a positive day in negotiations," Fields said. "We made progress, and we're obviously getting closer."

It's essentially the same offer the Cardinals have had on the table for several days, according to sources. The players selected before and after Brown have signed, so the parameters of a deal are in place.

The two sides have agreed on the framework of a six-year contract and are discussing the amount of guaranteed money in the deal, as well as how much Brown's salaries will increase under an escalator clause.

As the fifth overall pick, Brown is expected to sign a contract worth a maximum of around $42 million to $44 million, with about $18 million of that guaranteed.

That total value is based on Brown achieving several incentives that would make him one of the game's elite linemen. If he doesn't play up to that level, the financial rewards aren't as great.

Meanwhile, Brown is missing valuable time at camp, but his absence has not yet reached a critical juncture. A graduate of Penn State , Brown is bright, plus he attended the team's minicamps and voluntary practices. The season doesn't start until Sept. 10, so there is plenty of time for Brown to make up lost ground.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has declined to discuss the Brown situation, other than to say Brown is missing critical practice time.

Whenever Brown signs, he'll enter camp as the backup to right tackle Oliver Ross, who has struggled the past two years. Ross, however, knows this offensive system. He played for Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm in Pittsburgh, and the coaches are confident Ross can handle the job.

"Because I was with them before, I know what to expect," said Ross. "I know how they want you to play for them."