Anderson should keep Quinn on bench
I was set to post my free agency primer for quarterbacks later today, but I'll need to do some serious editing. That's because the top name on the market isn't going to make it there. Derek Anderson and the Browns are focusing on negotiating a three-year contract and GM Phil Savage is confident a deal will be reached. This concession from Anderson, who originally wanted a longer deal, should keep him in Cleveland through 2008 and possibly beyond.
I wrote in December it was the move Cleveland had to make. No matter how confident the Browns are in Brady Quinn, they can't lose a Pro Bowl quarterback after searching for ten years. For at least one more season, having two good young quarterbacks is a great problem to have.
Anderson could have attempted to max out his money in 2009, but signing this deal gives him a better chance for long-term success. Florio sees this as caving, but I disagree.
With Cleveland's excellent offensive line and skill players, and a system that suits his vertical passing skills, Anderson should continue to put up big numbers. He will only be 27 when he hits the free agent market again. If Anderson can back up his '07 performance, Brady Quinn might be the one of the trade block at this time next year.
Comments
Perhaps I overestimate the value of a good quarterback or underestimate the value of a 1 and 3 pick, but I'm surprised no teams made an RFA move for Anderson. A 24 year old Pro Bowler looking for a long term deal sounds like a dream for any GM. The Ravens or Vikings seem like great candidates. Can you imagine either of those two teams (strong defenses/running game) with a young, proven, and committed QB to lead them?
Posted by: Steven | February 20, 2008 05:04 PM
They can't make a move for him yet. If a long-term deal can't be worked out by Feb 28th (start of Free Agency) they will likely slap the high tender on him at which time a team (the Bears) could sign him and surrender a 1st and a 3rd.
Personally i think this is posturing as much as anything by Savage and that he will make it to the market. Browns have huge D needs and a 1st and 3rd would solve major problems on the other side of the ball. DA was effective because of a great line, and excellent weapons (Winslow, Edwards), but when you watched him tended to be quite inaccurate.
Posted by: TC | February 20, 2008 05:33 PM
Didn't Montana sit for about three years in Walsh's program at SF? This could help Quinn.
Posted by: R Mack | February 20, 2008 05:38 PM
Quinn was widely regarded as one of the most ready QB's to ever come out of the college ranks. They traded a ton for him obviously believing he was the future. Get him in there and move DA for help on the other side of the ball.
Posted by: TC | February 20, 2008 06:00 PM
No, Montana did not sit for three years.
Steve DeBerg was there initially, but Montana replaced him fairly quickly.
Posted by: Stephen | February 21, 2008 11:46 PM