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General manager says goal is to get deal done with QB before start of free agency
Published on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008
BEREA: Phil Savage made a strong commitment to quarterback Derek Anderson being part of the Browns' future during a media get-together Wednesday afternoon.
Savage said the Browns would like to have Anderson with the team in 2008 ''and beyond.''
''I think the deserving thing is to say that he's the starter going into next year,'' said Savage, the Browns general manager.
Now it's down to numbers.
If the Browns are to keep Anderson for the next few years, they will have to give him a contract that will entice him to stay off the restricted free-agent market, which usually opens around March 1.
Savage indicated that the Browns would definitely give Anderson the contract tender that would allow them to be given first- and third-round choices as compensation should Anderson sign elsewhere (and the Browns not match).
Savage, though, strongly stated that the Browns do not want to get to that point.
''Our goal is to get him out of that particular market as a restricted free agent,'' he said.
Judge for yourself how strong Savage was in his commitment to Anderson.
''Everyone with the Browns feels compelled that based off what Derek did this year, and based on the fact that we have some things in place, that he deserves to go in the batter's box and swing for the fences next year,'' Savage said. ''That's what our expectations will be, that he's a home run hitter, and we're going to hope that he hits some home runs for us.''
As for having Anderson and 2007 first-round pick Brady Quinn together on the roster . . .
''Sitting here today and going into next year, we want to go into next season with both quarterbacks,'' Savage said. ''I don't want to do anything that will derail us from having a potentially good season next year. The quickest way to do that is an injury to the quarterback position and not having anybody ready to go.
''Am I saying both quarterbacks are off the market for 2008? Yeah, I'm saying that, but obviously, some things have to be done before you can know that.''
There's one word for this approach: Smart.
And it's not surprising. Pretty much everything Savage has done in the past year or so has turned out to be the right thing.
Savage started his postseason analysis by listing several factors that
led to the Browns' resurgence in 2007.
Rebuilding the coaching staff. Upgrading the roster, especially at offensive line, quarterback and running back. Getting production from tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards. Winning more replay challenges. Improving the mentality of the team. Improving the medical and strength staffs.
All were factors in winning 10 games.
There was one factor that he didn't mention, though, and that he easily could have. And that would have been himself.
Savage in the past year has done as much as anyone to help the Browns succeed. He was the one primarily responsible for Rob Chudzinski's hiring as offensive coordinator. He decided to admit a mistake and trade quarterback Charlie Frye, ensuring the mistake would not be repeated. He signed running back Jamal Lewis. He helped stand by Edwards and Winslow.
He did many, many things to help the team — all of which paid off.
It would have been out of character for Savage to tout himself, though.
So he didn't.
He did acknowledge that the Browns will look at extending coach Romeo Crennel's contract. When they do, it would make sense to extend Savage's contract so that the pair that has taken such large strides to rebuild the team can stay together.
Keeping Anderson on the team will be fascinating offseason theater.
Two deals in the past year might be the ones most discussed when talks with Anderson's agents become serious.
Last offseason, the Houston Texans traded for Matt Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons and gave him a six-year contract worth $48 million, with $7 million guaranteed and $20 million paid in the first three years.
During the season, the Dallas Cowboys gave Tony Romo a six-year, $67.4 million deal, with $30 million guaranteed and an $11.5 million signing bonus.
''I'm sure (that contract) will be referenced in the discussions,'' Savage said.
Schaub never had started when given his deal.
Anderson started for almost one season.
Romo started part of 2006, but he earned the new contract after a fast start in 2007.
Anderson, a Pro Bowl alternate who won 10 games, no doubt puts himself between the two.
Will Anderson want $10 million in guaranteed money? Can the Browns give him that much? Will it be a long-term deal, with a hefty roster bonus paid in the fourth year that would reward Anderson if he's still the starter at that point in time?
Or will the Browns try to convince Anderson that good money now is better than taking a risk on bigger money in a year? Things could change greatly in a year, so would Anderson consider a three-year, $22 million deal now?
Or would he roll the dice on another big season and a Romo-type payday?
What's clear is that the Browns want no part of the risky business of putting Anderson on the free-agent market. Even though they can match a deal, it only takes one team to make an outrageous offer and heist him out of town.
Which is why Savage said the goal is work something out before the start of free agency.
''We want to make sure that we stay strong at that position for at least one more year,'' Savage said.
Wise move.
Very wise move.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com.
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