The Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio - Free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia has been offered a contract by the Cleveland Browns, although Tim Couch hasn't been asked to turn in his orange helmet just yet.

Couch said Monday he's surprised the Browns offered the 34-year-old Garcia a two-year deal worth $8 million. The package includes a signing bonus of between $4 million and $5 million.

But Couch remains optimistic he'll be able to work out a new deal and stay with the Browns.

"I still want to be here," Couch said after working out at the team's training facility. "I still want to be part of this organization. I still believe in my teammates here and believe they can get it done."

Garcia, recently released by San Francisco, has met with Tampa Bay and Atlanta. The three-time Pro Bowl selection spent Sunday in Tampa, where the West Coast offense run by coach Jon Gruden is similar to the one he ran with the 49ers.

In a story published in the Gilroy (Calif.) Gazette, Garcia's father, Bobby, said his son will sign with the Buccaneers.

Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, did not return several messages seeking comment.

The Browns asked Couch to restructure the final two years on his contract. He is due to make $7.6 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2005, and the team has offered a new deal that would reduce those figures to $3 million and $3.5 million.

Couch has made more than $30 million in bonuses and salaries since being drafted No. 1 overall in 1999.

OWENS UPDATE: Instead of taking a physical with Baltimore, Terrell Owens bided his time Monday, waiting to see if he will be declared a free agent by a special arbitrator.

The wide receiver was traded to Baltimore by San Francisco last week after the league ruled his agent had not voided the final three years of his contract by a Feb. 21 deadline.

He was traded last Thursday after the Ravens offered more than Philadelphia, the team Owens expressed a desire to play for.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday the league had been informed by the NFL Players Association that the union will ask special master Stephen Burbank to have Owens' contract voided, making him a free agent.

In a statement Monday, Owens said he does not plan to suit up for the Ravens.

"So that there is no misunderstanding, regardless of what happens with the grievance, under the present circumstances I do not see myself playing for the Ravens," Owens said. "I can assure everyone that I will continue to keep fighting for my right to play for the team of my choice even after the grievance."

JETS: The Jets released veteran wide receiver Curtis Conway and welcomed Justin McCareins, obtained for a second-round draft choice from Tennessee last week. "It's great to have a team be that interested in you," said McCareins, who caught 47 passes for the Titans last season and scored seven touchdowns, one against the Jets in their Monday night upset victory over Tennessee.

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