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Should the Cleveland Browns forget about their aspirations to finish in third place in the AFC North?

Per Steve Wyche of NFL.com, the Cleveland Browns will have to play without KR/WR Joshua Cribbs if they don't work out a new deal.

Although Cribbs has four years remaining on his six-year contract, Wyche writes, "Joshua Cribbs does not plan to play a game for the Browns under the terms of his current contract." Cribbs signed a six-year, $6.7 million contract two years ago.

Based on his production and versatility, there is no question that Cribbs is under-paid. Cribbs is a Pro Bowl returner, great in kickoff coverage, dangerous as an offensive playmaker and was expected to be used some at safety this season.

Then again, Cribbs shouldn't have signed a six-year deal if he was worried about outplaying his contract. Cribbs' agent is expected to meet with Browns coach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis next week.

With or without Cribbs, the Browns aren't likely to finish ahead of the Steelers or Ravens. And many expect the Bengals to be improved from last season.

So it seems that the Browns are playing for third or fourth place in the division.