The Cleveland Browns have been busily wrapping up a negotiation with their newfound starting quarterback, Derek Anderson and it would appear that a new contract will become finalized at any time. The Browns are not willing to allow Anderson, a restricted free agent, to remain available with the free agency period about to commence (February 28th).
We all remember how the 2007 NFL Draft unfolded with former Notre Dame quarterback, Brady Quinn, falling from a supposed top five pick position. Selection after selection was made while the television cameras continued to zoom back in on Brady and his girlfriend for their reaction when someone else’s name was announced. He was eventually drafted as the 22nd selection when the Cleveland Browns packaged their 2007 2nd round pick and their 2008 first round pick and traded them to the Dallas Cowboys for their 2007 first round pick. I vividly recall the relief on Quinn’s face as his favorite NFL team stepped up and made the deal. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of the young man’s back as he stepped around the curtain and walked out on the stage in front of the cheering draft day crowd assembled in New York’s Music City Hall.
Cleveland followed the plan used by many NFL teams with a young quarterback and sat Brady during the 2007 season. Their opening day starter, another Ohio native, Charlie Frye, had a terrible game to start the season and was immediately shipped off to the Seattle Seahawks for a late round 2008 draft pick. This move left a basically unproven commodity, Oregon State’s Derek Anderson, to take snaps while Brady Quinn waited in the wings…
Then the logical progression was broken as Anderson clicked in the Browns offensive schemes and led the team to a 10 – 6 record. Although the team had fallen just short of the playoffs, it appears they have answered any NFL team’s most pressing question… They now knew who their starting quarterback would be, and it wasn’t Brady Quinn.
So here we are in late February, 2008, with the Brown’s hammering out a new contract with Derek Anderson’s agent while Brady Quinn contemplates his potential withering away as a high-priced back-up. Quinn and his agent understand that a two year hiatus is the normal amount of time given young quarterbacks in the NFL. It just takes that long for them to become comfortable with a new playbook and all the nuances involved in this suddenly faster and harder hitting brand of football. Quinn had resolved himself to this fact of a quarterback’s life in the NFL. What wasn’t anticipated was Anderson’s success…
In a Cleveland Plain Dealer article published yesterday about the Anderson signing process, a single sentence speaks volumes about Brady Quinn’s future: “If the team made a long-term commitment to Anderson, they'd risk Quinn's agent, Tom Condon, asking for a trade.” With this in mind, it would seem that the Browns, a team with a suddenly prolific offense and a defense in need of new blood on all three levels (line, linebacker, and defensive back) might do well to sign Anderson and offer Quinn in trade prior to the 2008 NFL Draft. Two or three draft picks would go a long way toward putting a quick fix on their porous defense.
If this comes to pass, what teams might be interested in Quinn?
Here is a list of the NFL teams entering the 2008 Draft with a quarterback on their needs list (Listed in order of greatest need): Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and the Chicago Bears all have a pressing need for a “franchise quarterback”. The Dolphins, Falcons, and Ravens have pressing team needs throughout their rosters and might not be willing to devote a group of draft picks in a trade. Chicago, on the other hand, appears to be an excellent fit, especially with a Mid-West guy like Quinn. The problem there is the Bears penchant for penny-pinching. Would they step up and make a deal?
Teams with a lower level of quarterback need include: Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Minnesota Vikings. Of these teams the Vikings might harbor the greatest need as they appear to be ready to shelf their Tavares Jackson experiment and don’t have much to fallback on. Carolina and Tampa both have older starting quarterbacks and should be interested in devoting assets to a young quarterback, while Kansas City continues to toy around with Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle.
Finally, there are teams looking for reliable back-up quarterbacks, but they don’t fit the criteria here.
Do you think there would be much interest in Quinn? If so, which teams would be a good fit? Personally, I'd like to see the Bears step up and get it done...
You have to wonder if the Browns wouldn't be better off holding onto Quinn until Anderson notches a second good season, if he crashes and burns then moving Quinn would sink them.
Unless Quinn is a bust and the Browns could be smoke screening their mistake by signing Anderson and hoping the team they foist Quinn on doesn't read it that way...
I think Quinn would be a good fit on the Vikings. With that running game he could make some plays, but not be forced to try to win the game. I would trade a 1st round pick for him if I was the Vikings GM. Plus without the bonuses Quinn is a very cheap QB.
Dwindy1
Now let's see if Quinn'll bemoan the franchise much like Leinart has done with the Cardinals when it comes to playing time.
Neither of the two have shown us much and if anything one would've thought that Leinart would be by now a starter for the Cardinals.
The Browns if anything struck lightning in a bottle with Anderson and ought to be happy with him for now and the foreseeable future. That way Quinn can learn the rudimentaries of being an NFL quarterback. As for Leinart he ought to stop his bitc*hin' once and for all. And earn the job by beating out an ol' man like Warner for it.
See my most recent posts titled WWB Do ? He Gave Up Football For A Career In Hollywood !
That's It Mark Throw A Shot Across Someone Else's Bow !
I'll look forward to reading your comments.
I have to agree with ed. The Brownies should wait and see if DA is not just a one year wonder. Not that Quinn will ever be any better.
The Vikes probably would be the best fit for Quinn, but no one will give up a 1st round pick for him. The Chiefs already have their version of Quinn. His name is Brodie Croyle.
Man if you think Brady Quinn has it hard try being Aaron Rodgers he got drafted with the expectation that Favre would retire... That ol' stubborn #### won't go away!
dwindy; this looks a lot like the chargers dilema 2 years ago and i thought they made the wrong move at first, keeping rivers and dumping breeze, i was wrong, well, not exactly, they both showed well the last two seasons. what if this is the opposite, what if anderson cant repete and what if brady quinn is a never will be? well thats how us steeler fans are lookin at it!
It appears that this is just what the Browns may be trying to do, hang on to both for another year. The rub seems to be Quinn and it depends on the term of the contract they work out with DA. For public consumption they're saying it'll be a 3 yr. deal and that might appease Quinn. On the other hand DA wants a longer contract and who can blame him? We'll see how it turns out...
I think either the Vikes or the Bears would be very happy to bring Quinn into their fold. It would sure make some good story lines if Brady went to one of those teams and did well. Twice a year he'd get to face the Packers and his brother-in-law A.J. Hawk (at least last I heard Quinn's sister and Hawk were getting married...).
The black and blue division needs QBs and that includes the Lions...
Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see Quinn as a complainer. If I was him I'd wonder about playing a backup roll to a guy that went to the pro bowl...
The Browns need a lot of help on their defense. If they traded Quinn and got like 3 picks, one first rounder and a third and fifth, I think they'd make good use of them and Romeo might just have them pounding down the Steeler's door. That would do nothing but good for the AFC North...
I commented on your rant against Mark Cuban... I'll check out the other.
I guess I've got a higher regard for Brady than a lot of people seem to have. He's been schooled in the pro style offense under Weis and has been cool in the harsh glare of Notre Dame football. He just might turn into a very good pro QB.
It may be too early for the Browns to turn loose of Quinn. We'll see just how committed they are to DA when his contract terms become known...
I'm thinking both Quinn and Anderson may have very good careers...
Thanks man!
Last edited by Dwindy1 on February 21st at 3:58 PM.
That's gotta be damned difficult... You're the heir apparent and the old #### keeps playin like a kid... We really don't know just how good Rodgers is! Favre never misses a start and never leaves the field. To Aaron's credit I haven't heard of him carrying on like some of these prima donnas do...
Long time no type! You and Greenspire need to have a little competiton for your Steelers! I'm just trying to stir it up. We need to see a return to the old Cleveland Brown spirit and glory! Get the dog pound howlin', you know? That's why I drug out the #### on top of the article!
BTW I used to have a house on the Columbia River in Central Washington and would watch the eagles swoop down and grab some darned big fish just like my buddy is doing here...
Later!
Last edited by Dwindy1 on February 21st at 3:05 PM.
That's the tightrope the Browns are walking. We've seen it before, how do you keep two young QBs and keep them happy. The Brown's will tell us shortly what their plans are concerning these two based on the deal they give Anderson. Another part to this puzzle has got to be their faith in the defensive personnel they have. If they're confident in them making an improvement, then there's another reason to hang onto Quinn.
Personally, I see a young team ready to blossom if they can get their defense together. They've resign Crennel and now the premier RB Lewis... Their team needs are now all on the defensive side and we both know young defensive players can pretty much step right into the fray. The Steelers are suddenly having some problems, the Bengals are down and the Ravens are a shell of themselves... The time is right!
I think Cleveland gonna keep the next Joe Montana there. Brady, once he develops, will takeover very soon, sooner if Anderson gets hurt. Your sources are the Cleveland Plain Dealer, a National Enquierer type newspaper lol.
I must come from the same camp as Ed Hardiman. I've seen too many young quarterbacks that have enormous success one year with a scaled-down playbook, but cannot replicate it once they have to use all the plays and make all the throws. Keep Quinn another year and see if Anderson really can be successful.
I believe keeping D.A for at least another year or two is there best option. i think the browns really see something in Brady Quinn cause if they didnt they would be trying to sign anderson to a long term deal.(dont forget how Quinn played in the preseason with about one day of practice, not in on game but two games he played great)
D.A has all the Tools . he is about 6.6 and he has a gun for a arm. But late in the season D.A wasnt the same guy he was in his first eight to ten games. and mind you he did end the season with 19 ints.(most of them came at the end of the season). i think the offense around D.A makes him better then he is.(but a QB is only as good as his offense) D.A is good but im not sold just yet. Keep the Quinn kid(i honestly think he is going to be one of the best) and see what D.A does.(D.A will be just fine) they dont want to give up Quinn and he goes to another team and become great while D.A is just good. wouldnt look good.
Love to see the Jets get Quinn. Send Kellen Clemons and Vilma to Cleveland for Quinn and a pick - let Quinn work with Pennington for a year and set him up to be the QB of the future for NYJ. Clemons will keep Anderson honest and is a decent fallback if he turns out to be a one hit wonder.
The Browns will not trade Brady Quinn, considering they basically signed Ken Dorsey to be his tutor for the next three years. They will not trade him for a couple of reasons. First, after Anderson, who do they have as a backup? Ken Dorsey? Yeah right. Based on some of the garbage NFL teams used for starting quarterbacks last season, I would say there is quite a shortage of quality talent out there. Which leads to my second reason, in that Brady has an excellent pedigree. He was schooled for two-years by a great offensive mind, he's a smart kid, and he has all the tools. Plus, as the 22nd pick, he was cheap for NFL back up standards, and the Browns can afford to let him sit on the bench for 3 more seasons, which, coincidentally, is the length of contract they are looking at for Anderson. If Anderson turns out to be a consistent performer, the Browns will have an excellent bargaining chip, similar to Atlanta's situation with Schaub last year. The Browns are already very close with their current team. They are two defensive players away from being an excellent team. The Browns will keep Brady Quinn.
Last edited by tutiger22 on February 22nd at 9:47 AM.
For all of the people on this blog who are saying that teams shouldn't give up a first round pick on Quinn. I guess my ?uestion is, why not??? You have a chance to take a top tier rookie from last year who's had the opptunity of trainging camp(even though he missed some weeks) preseason, as well as practicing at the Nfl level for a full season.
I guess my point is that with that upside, if I were a GM planning to use first round pick on the current 08' class, I would definitely go with Quinn. None of the current rookies are as ready to step in and provide a good situation @ QB.
Dwindy1
Sooner or later it'll come to that. As he no doubt wants to be a starter. But I'd recommend that as Jared is sparingly be used by Subway as a spokesperson. He ought to make use of his time there and promote their subs and the healthy lifestyle of eating a well balanced meal.
Keep dreaming about Chicago. They are still shell-shocked from the Grossman experiment and last I read those dummies still want to re-sign him and give him another chance. It is certainly true about Chicago's owners "throwing around nickels like they were sewer covers" as Mike Ditka once said. I see Quinn staying put, lets face it he is basically an unproven commodity and not too many people would give up 2 draft choices for him.
Just remember, in Chicago revenue and returns for the shareholders is the big kahuna, not the team!
Last edited by TruBluColtsFan on February 22nd at 12:03 PM.
We all know what happened when Brady took over for Bledsoe. I hope DA does not get hurt but I think the mighty Quinn is in the perfect place surrounded by a great staff, he'll get his chance.
I've been a Browns fan my entire life, and after watching this season, I have to say that Derek Anderson is just another Kelly Holcomb. He is a one year guy, no more. He looked terrible toward the end of the year. Did anybody see the Pro Bowl? This guy needs to get the heck out of Dodge, and make way for a true franchise qb, Mr. Quinn.
Patsrock: I think you are right on target about Quinn and the vikes - plus you make a really good point about the Browns already having paid his signing bonus $$$.
This would be a good deal for both teams and even though a number of fellow Vikings fans think Jackson will be okay - I can tell you that he is not the answer. If he wasn't on "their" team, they would probably be laughing at him and his inability to throw more than an 8-yard pass with any accuracy.
The Vikes blew it trading up to get Jackson in the second round but they don't want to admit their mistake. I would rather see them give up the first rounder for Quinn and move on giving him the shot.
Personally, I think Cleveland is doing the right thing right now by holding on to both.
Anderson had a pretty good season this year, no doubt, but that is just one season. Obviously Cleveland saw something in him that concerned them enough to make them want to trade so heavily to get Quinn in the first place. If they felt Anderson was "starter" material, they wouldn't have bothered, and would have spent the picks they gave up in other need areas that were very apparent last year during draft time.
There is nothing wrong with sticking with Anderson for now, getting a little more seasoning behind Quin, and seeing how things shake out. If Anderson stays OK, but Quinn comes along well, then they can always trade Anderson later, and vice versa. Given how many QB's went down early this season, there is sure to be a market for either of them first half of next season, if necessary.
That said, I have to tell you that it is nice to be discussing the positive options the Browns have now, rather than the "whoa is me" that used to be the premise of most Browns articles. Cleveland is finally on the rebound, and that is a good thing in my opinion, even if most of their misguided fans hate Pittsburgh.
The Browns should just tender Anderson and try to re-coop the draft pick they spent on Quinn Last year. 10 good games does not make Anderson a sure thing. Brady Quinn has the most potential, most "up-side" of the 2. If you are in it for the long haul, you ride the horse that LOOKS LIKE he can take you the farthest.
If the Browns can hang on to both, and still have the cap room money to plug the huge holes in their Defense, that would be a General Managing Miracle by Phil Savage.
Last edited by Player of tomorrow on February 22nd at 3:54 PM.
well we can go back to how long Steve Young had to wait. And according to Chicago news they are trying to resign Grossbomb back, Quinn in chicago is prob. a long shot.
Last edited by Redcobra97 on February 22nd at 4:11 PM.
I think that Brady Quinn should vouch for a trade to Minnesota. That might really work out well. A great defense (stellar against the run and improving against the pass) and an up and coming offense. Not to mention they were on the brink of making the playoffs.
i'd like to see the niners make a trade offer for this young qb. more than likely it would mean dealing a first round draft pick, that might be the breaker though.
The Vikings need to get Quinn. Jackson is NOT the answer to their quarterbacking needs and I truly feel Quinn would be the answer for a long time to come. Give up a 1st round pick for him.
id like to see quinn in carolina.but we have moore. maybe we can work out a trade carr,carter,and colbert, for quinn and well throw in a 4th round pick
Bag that - I say trade D.A. His value is as high now as it will ever be. The guy has peaked and there are teams out there that will want another Scott Mitchel!
Now I'm seeing a report out of the Columbia Dispatch... There is a hang-up betweeen the Browns and Anderson's agents. The problem? The length of a new contract. The Browns are hung up on a three year deal to appease Quinn and his people while Anderson understandably is after a 5 or 6 year deal. That would tip over Quinn's people.
Now I look at the one year deal happening and the possibility of Anderson being the one going down the road. Certainly hope the Browns know what they're doing. A newly established QB verses one with a lot of potential.
how about send him to the jets for Chad Pennington and two 2nd round picks. this give us a proven back-up and an early 2nd round pick this year and next.
I like the previous scenario voiced on FOXSPORTS. Dolphins trade their number one pick to Dallas for both of Dallas' first round picks. Dallas wants McFadden really bad. Dolphins trade one first rounder to Cleveland for Quinn who they foolishly passed up last year for Ginn. Dolphins then pick up a great o-lineman. Browns go about getting a middleman for the d-line. Washington is way past it and should retire. His aquisition last year was a total waste.
If were the Cleveland Browns, I'd hold on to Quinn for at least the coming season, to make sure Anderson isn't a one season wonder. Play him late in the 3rd quarter or the 4th quarter, let him get the experience of being under center in real games, get him ready for the big day when he'll really be needed.
Trading Brady Quinn is like cutting off your face to spite your nose. Cleveland is where he wants to be, how many people can say they are happy where they are working and really mean it. Cleveland and Quinn is a great fit.
I'd trade the coach before I trade Quinn. But then to, it's just me talking.
If the Browns and Anderson can't come to an agreement, then a one year deal will be tendered and if another team makes an acceptable offer (to Anderson) for his services, then they can have him for a 1st and 3rd round draft pick plus the new deal they tender to DA... There just might be some takers out there for that kind of a deal. There is the quandary facing the Browns. They want a 3 year deal to pacify Quinn's people and Anderson won't settle for less than a 5 year deal which would tip Quinn's people over...
The Browns just might lose Anderson while picking up a couple of choice draft picks...
WE'll take him in Miami. I'm sure we have something that Cleveland needs. Quinn should've been the selection last year for Miami. I would love to see this one happen.
Quinn to the Bears appears dead. They just resigned Rex the "form changer" to a 1 year deal. That leaves Ken Orten (played a lot last year for the Bears), Rex, Bryan Griese (played..some..last year, but is a very expensive "back-up"). Scratch the "man-hole cover throwers".
The Vikings:Dolphins are also out: Dolphins(Parcells)..needs a "proven, known quantity"; The Vikings are going to reward Peterson($$$$).
Everyone takes the viewpoint of the Brown's in their approach to Quinn:Anderson. Everyone takes the position of..other NFL teams.
Quinn or Anderson will be resolved by 29 Feb. Little to no interest in Anderson before 29 Feb = a 1 year contract for Anderson at 2.6 million....but tells us nothing about Quinn. He is the..silent element..in all this. IF he sits quietly..after..Anderson is "completed" for 2008, then Quinn is..not..the QB of the future..anywhere.
A "takecharge, out-standing QB" would start asserting himself over the %of "reps" that he will get this spring, summer, and fall..and during the season. Quinn's cheap, "free ride" is over.
Everything comes to an end.
Last edited by Tobruck on February 23rd at 8:18 PM.
I'm a sports fanatic living on the west coast of Florida. I'm a rare bird that moved here from the left coast a couple of years ago. I advocate an even playing field in all of life's endeavors.
best slot
Selection after selection was made while the television cameras continued to zoom back in on Brady and his girlfriend for their reaction when someone else’s name was announced. He was eventually drafted as the 22nd selection when the Cleveland Browns packaged their 
2007 2nd round pick and their 2008 first round pick and traded them to the Dallas Cowboys for their 2007 first round pick. I vividly recall the relief on Quinn’s face as his favorite NFL team stepped up and made the deal. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of the young man’s back as he stepped around the curtain and walked out on the stage in front of the cheering draft day crowd assembled in New York’s Music City Hall. 
