Archive for February, 2008

So maybe the midnight free agency deadline was really just a starting point for the serious negotiations for Derek Anderson and the Browns.

James Walker of The Columbus Dispatch, citing numerous “sources”, reported that a few hours past midnight the Browns an DA reached a $24 million with $12 million guaranteed. That’s an improvment over the initial $20 million w/ $10 million guaranteed offer, the Browns had previously offered. They length of the deal is still 3 years.

So the Cleveland Browns keeps its stable of QBs intact for 2008, just like they wanted.

Brady Quinn may finally get his chance to show the NFL what he can do!

When the midnight Free agency deadline came and went, Derek Anderson had not signed on the dotted line. The Browns had offered him a 3-year $20 million ($10 mil guaranteed) deal. Derek must’ve wanted more.

Probably sensing that the talks would stall GM Phil Savage tendered DA a one-year contract offer for $2.5 million in 2008, so if another team signs him, the Browns will be compensated with a 1st and 3rd round picks in the upcoming NFL draft.

For now, the Browns are still in good shape and the club has a lot of faith in Brady. Savage said the following about Brady:

“There’s a comfort level that Brady can walk in, administrate the offense and do even more than that. He does have some mobility, is physically strong and has a good arm. The mental part is going to end up being his greatest strength.”

One would have to assume that Derek’s reluctance to sign was due to interest in other teams. There is still a chance, albeit slim, that he will still be a Brownie next season. I guess we’ll see!

Moving along to more pleasant goings-on…

Brady is amongst the celebrities scheduled to make an appearance at the upcoming Cleveland Auto Show which will run from Saturday, Feb. 23 to Sunday, March 2 at the IX Center.

Saturday, March 1, is the designated “Cavs’ & Browns’ Day” at the Auto Show. According to the event website, “Brady will appear in the Hummer display from 1-3 p.m. for “free” autographs, courtesy of your Northeast Ohio Hummer Dealers.”

Not sure why free is in quotations. Tickets can be purchased online here.

You may have read about some unflattering allegations against Brady from a New Year’s Eve night out in Columbus, OH. If not, click here.

As a result of the onslaught of press, both Brady and the Cleveland Browns have released statements.

Brady Quinn:

“On New Year’s Eve I had dinner at a local restaurant with my girlfriend and several other couples. At no time that night was I involved in a verbal or physical altercation, nor did I have any interaction with the police. I want to be clear that I did not engage in any of the alleged conduct, nor did I make inappropriate comments to anyone. Any allegations to the contrary are either untrue or the result of misidentification.”

Cleveland Browns:

“We are aware of the alleged comments made by Brady Quinn, which the Browns take seriously. After speaking with Brady and his representatives we find these reported accusations without merit.”

Just caught this new (?) Subway commercial that congratulates Jared Fogle on the 10 year anniversary of his big weightloss. Brady makes an appearance, as well as Tony Parker, Tony Stewart, and Kimmie Meissner. Check it out below:

*Courtesy of the Declare Yourself website

Photo: Sean Leahy, USA TODAY

Is there anything he doesn’t do?

While in Arizona for the Super Bowl festivities, Brady took some time out to give back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who brought in 12 children for Super Bowl Week. Like many other athletes, Brady spent time with the visiting families, took pictures, and signed autographs.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation connection hits close to home for Brady, whose cousin was granted a wish, and later made a full recovery from cancer.