BEREA, Ohio — Josh Cribbs believes he'll have a new contract soon, despite the recent shakeup in the Cleveland Browns' front office.

Cribbs, who has been asking for a new deal since training camp, said a few weeks ago the team assured him something would be done by the end of the season. With Cleveland's final game two days away, that doesn't seem likely. But Cribbs says new team president Mike Holmgren has already been in contact with J.R. Rickert, Cribbs' agent.

"It's going to get done," Cribbs says. "I'd prefer it to be done before the end of the season, but beggers can't be choosers. I've waited this long."

Cribbs has three years remaining on his existing six-year, $6.77 million deal. He has become the most exciting player on a 4-11 team and earlier this season became the NFL's career leader in kickoff returns for touchdowns with eight.