Jets’ Cromartie sticks to his claim

Antonio Cromartie meant no disrespect, but he meant what he said.

The New York Jets cornerback started a mini-feud earlier this week when he told “ESPN First Take” that he’d rank himself as the No. 2 wide receiver on the team, behind only Santonio Holmes. Chaz Schilens called it “a slight” and coach Rex Ryan quickly quashed any tensions during a team meeting by telling his players to be “mindful” of what they say in public.

“Honestly, I didn’t mean anything by it,” Cromartie said Friday, speaking about his comments for the first time. Both Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano have acknowledged that they might use Cromartie as a wide receiver this season because of his speed and overall athletic abilities. He has lined up at the position twice so far during training camp: once earlier this week in 11-on-11 drills and again Friday during 7-on-7 drills. He hasn’t seen a pass come his way on offense, though.

New Browns owner wants a winner

The new owner of the Browns, Jimmy Haslam III, has big plans for the Browns.

On his to-do list: bring winning back to Cleveland; comfort fans by offering up a “zero chance” the team moves out of town; listen, learn and observe; explore naming rights for the team’s stadium.

And get this: You know that famous look, right? Who doesn’t? The orange helmets, the lack of a logo on it, the simplicity of it all? It could – could – be on its way out. “Will we change uniforms? I don’t know,” he said. “But it is a marketing world.”

Around the league

Keith Bulluck officially retired as a Titan. The linebacker spent 11 years in the NFL, the first 10 with Tennessee. … The Denver Broncos’ other new quarterback, rookie Brock Osweiler, is a 6-foot-8 passing project who’s the first signal-caller drafted with the intention of one day succeeding Peyton Manning. He’s collecting tips every day so that he’s ready whenever his No. 6 is called.