The paper, citing a source, said that Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, made it clear when talks began that Cutler refused to play for Mangini and that he feared Cutler wouldn't report to the Browns. Cutler was ultimately traded to Chicago for quarterback Kyle Orton, Chicago's first-rounder this year and next year, and a 2009 third-rounder. Chicago also got Denver's fifth-round pick this year.

According to the source, Cutler didn't want to play for Mangini because Mangini didn't mesh last year in New York with Brett Favre, who also is represented by Cook.

However, Favre always has stated that he loved playing for Mangini, and Mangini says he had a good relationship with Favre. At the NFL owners meetings last month, Mangini said he was exchanging text messages with Favre and invited him to come to Browns training camp this summer as his guest, and possibly to tutor Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.

Mangini declined comment, and Cook did not immediately return a phone message.

The Washington Examiner reported Thursday the Browns were willing to deal Quinn to Denver in a three-way trade involving the Redskins, but Mangini said that report was untrue.

The Redskins acknowledged Friday they were engaged in talks with the Broncos and had a meeting with starting quarterback Jason Campbell to clear the air.

If the Broncos still covet Quinn, who reportedly was their first choice, they now have two first-round picks with which to bargain, the 12th and Chicago's 18th.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670