Browns Blog

Making moves

The Browns hadn't signed any free agents as of noon Friday, but they made a significant move in trading for Green Bay defensive lineman Corey Williams. The Browns gave up their second-round pick in this year's draft, which means they won't have a pick in the first two rounds (they dealt away the first-round pick to Dallas last year to get quarterback Brady Quinn).

In addition to the trade, the Browns have agreed to terms on a contract with quarterback Derek Anderson. The deal is for three years and an estimated $26 million. Anderson will receive $14 million in guaranteed money.

The signing is somewhat of a surprise. Savage said Thursday that he expected Anderson to test the open market as a restricted free agent. To protect themselves, the Browns tendered Anderson at the 2.5 million level, which would have given them first- and third-round draft choices as compensation if he had signed elsewhere.

The Browns sweetened their offer yesterday, increasing the total package by $5 million. Anderson reportedly agreed to the deal at approximately 4 a.m. Friday.

It probably wasn't the news that Quinn wanted to hear. It means Anderson is the likely starter next season, which could mean another year on the bench for Quinn.

Then again, the Browns might have wanted to sign Anderson so they can trade him. Savage loves draft picks, and he'd probably ask for first and third-round picks in exchange for Anderson.

Savage has said more than once that no one should be surprised if he's able to move into the first round of the draft. Dealing Anderson would do that, plus pave the way for Quinn, who's considered the long term answer at quarterback.

The Browns are still far beloe the salary cap. Look for defensive linemen and linebackers to be visiting Berea in the next few days as Savage tries to shore up the biggest weaknesses on the team -- stopping the run and the pass rush.