Josh McCown, Gary Barnidge

Josh McCown and Gary Barnidge were honored by the local chapter of Pro Football Writers of America today.

(Joshua Gunter, Cleveland.com)

Gary Barnidge was rewarded for his career season recently with a contract extension. He's now been recognized by the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America with its Player of the Year Award.

Barnidge leads the Browns with 977 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, tying Ozzie Newsome for the most touchdowns in a season by a tight end in team history. He was given a three-year contract earlier this month.

Quarterback Josh McCown has received the chapter's 'Good Guy Award,' given annually to a player for his cooperation with the media and for the way the player carries himself in the community and with his teammates. The 36-year-old McCown threw for 2,109 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games this season. He is out for the remainder of the year with a broken clavicle.

The pair will be honored at the 36th annual Akron Browns Backers banquet in May at the Tangier Restaurant.