by Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer Reporter , Plain Dealer

Browns 11th-year place-kicker Phil Dawson, who skipped the voluntary minicamps and organized team activities, will attend the mandatory minicamp today through Saturday, a source said Wednesday.

Dawson, who is reportedly seeking a new contract, might have skipped the voluntary workouts because of his desire for the new deal. Players missing mandatory minicamp can be fined by the team a maximum of $8,000 per day, according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Two other players with contract issues, receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, also will attend the camp.

Cribbs' agent, J.R. Rickert, said he's in contact with the Browns about Cribbs' contract, but the talks haven't yet reached "the meaningful" stage. Nevertheless, Cribbs has said he'll participate in all team activities and let his agents handle the negotiations.

Jackson, who led the NFL with 154 tackles last season, is in the last year of a four-year deal that would pay him the $640,000 in 2009. He is seeking an extension.

"D'Qwell has done the right thing by the Cleveland Browns and we expect them to reciprocate," said agent Brian Mackler. "The new regime is getting comfortable with D'Qwell and D'Qwell is getting comfortable with them. D'Qwell has continued to show that he's a leader and a tremendous Football player, and I assume that the Browns will address the situation after these minicamps and OTAs."

The only Browns veteran not expected at the camp is Dont? Stallworth, who has been granted permission to remain in Miami where he is focusing on his legal situation. Stallworth pleaded not guilty June 4 to a charge of DUI manslaughter and is awaiting a trial date.

Three key veterans were not on the field for last week's voluntary organized team activities, and their status for this camp is unknown. Receiver Braylon Edwards and guard Eric Steinbach were in Berea but not practicing with the team, and running back Jamal Lewis was not in town.

Coach Eric Mangini said Edwards and Steinbach have been doing great and everything between him and Lewis was fine. A source said Lewis, who has been limited with a surgically repaired ankle, is expected at this minicamp.

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

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