Browns Stay the Course, Begin Derek Anderson Contract Talks
After Browns GM Phil Savage proclaimed Derek Anderson the 2008 starter and vowed to keep the current QB roster intact, it was time to back up that talk. Where NFL Quarterbacks are concerned, stability is a good thing.
DA is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of February, so the Browns need to get him to sign a new contract before then.
The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that negotiations have begun and the first offer is a 3 year contract.
Seeing as how this is a blog, it is almost my duty to stir the pot a little. So here goes: Would a longterm-ish contract for DA then translate to the Browns shopping Brady in the off-season? Would the length of DA’s contract then mean Brady would need to wait that many more years to become the Browns “Quarterback of the future”?
So many questions, so few answers.
Posted
on
Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm under
I will be peeved…..oh so VERY mad if they sign DA for a long while. Oh…DA how I hate you so.
January 25th, 2008 at 7:07 pmBut tell us how you REALLY feel…lol
No, I agree. A longterm contract seems like it would muddy the situation even further. Not what the Browns need right now.
January 25th, 2008 at 9:35 pmI, too, will be extremely upset if this comes to pass. As I’ve said before, Brady is FAR too talented to ride the pine forever. I would hope that the Browns would take into consideration just how much they have invested in Brady (Gave up their 2008 draft pick, plus the sizable contract) before they make any decisions on this matter. To be completely honest? I know it’s been said that there is no interest in trading either Brady or Anderson, but i have a hard time believing that both will be on the roster for a considerable amount of time, particularly if a long term contract for DA comes into play.
January 26th, 2008 at 2:12 amNo, I don’t think so, here’s why.
When you are first conducting contract talks you bid high expecting the terms to lower. To me three years sounds about right because it would most likely be whittled down. DA doesn’t want to commit to three years - not when he is hot NOW and there may be so many other offers out there from organizations that REALLY need a quarterback. (There offers may be better or at least more inviting.)
Like a kid being offered candy from a bowl - you take a huge fistful, but you usually have to put some of it back. The Browns are negotiating at the top of the pedastal, they have the upper hand, but I think they will eventually settle on their “franchise quarterback for the future.” (Just striking while the iron is hot.)
January 26th, 2008 at 9:54 am