Wondering what the Browns might do with quarterback Derek Anderson – who will become a restricted free agent – after the season? The Cleveland Plain Dealer gave insight to the situation in a recent article.
For the first time publicly, Savage said he is leaning toward giving restricted free agent Anderson the highest contract tender after the season. The tender of $2.562 million would guarantee the Browns first- and third-round draft choices if a QB-hungry team offered Anderson a long-term contract to be its starter.
“I think we’d be most comfortable with that 1-and-3 scenario rather than doing something less than that,” Savage said. “Then you have to have a suitor. You’ve got to have somebody out there that’s wanting not only to give up picks but to pay a lot of money. And sometimes that can be a double-dip.”
The Browns are in a great position because if they retain Anderson for 2008, Brady Quinn could get another year of tutoring and possibly become the starter in 2009 when Anderson bolts for free agency. Or, if another team does make a play for Anderson in the off-season, the Browns (who don’t have a first round pick in 2008) would at least net multiple draft picks and still have Quinn ready to go next season.
For a deeper look at the Browns’ quarterback situation, click here to check out my recent column for Bullz-Eye.com.
