Who would you rather have to lead your offense - an unheralded, late round draft pick who seemingly emerged out of nowhere to have an impressive season or a "Golden Boy" first rounder who was expected to be the quarterback of the future when selected?
This is the question confronting Cleveland Browns officials. They could retain Derek Anderson, the sixth round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2005 draft who served as Charlie Frye's backup in 2006 and then earned the starting job last season, guiding the Browns to a 10-6 record and earning a Pro Bowl invitation. Or, the Browns could let the potential restricted free agent walk and give the ball to Brady Quinn, Cleveland's second first round draft pick last year (offensive tackle Joe Thomas was the team's first selection, third overall).
Evidently, the Browns are content with Anderson as their starting quarterback, and keeping Quinn as the understudy. According to the Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland has offered Anderson a three-year deal worth $20 million, including $10 million of guaranteed money. The 24-year-old Anderson, who starred at Oregon State University, is set to become a restricted free agent on Friday. He has choices of his own - sign the aforementioned contract or accept a one-year tender worth $2.52 million. With the latter option, Cleveland would be able to match any team's offer to Anderson, or get first and third-round picks if he signs with another franchise.
The San Diego Chargers faced a similar quarterback dilemma two years ago. They decided to let starter Drew Brees sign elsewhere and throw Philip Rivers into the fire. Rivers, if you recall, was drafted fourth overall in 2005 by the New York Giants and traded to the Chargers for Eli Manning, who was the first pick in the draft.
Opting for the quarterback of the future instead of the incumbent Pro Bowler has not hurt the Chargers. Brees signed with New Orleans, and has performed respectably with QB ratings of 96.2 in 2006 and 89.4 last season. Rivers posted a 92.0 rating in 2006 and had an up and down 2007 season, recording an 82.4 number but finishing with a 100-plus ratings in the last three regular season games, and then picking apart the Colts with three touchdown passes in the playoffs before struggling with an ACL injury in the AFC championship game against the Patriots.
The Browns are apparently taking the opposite approach, attempting to sign Anderson to a three-year deal. For Cleveland, this is a wise choice. Romeo Crennel has reshaped the Browns into a winning franchise again, and the players have undoubtedly responded to Anderson. Of course, in the NFL, situations change in a matter of games, not seasons. Anderson could falter in 2008 and Quinn could take the starting job. However, if Anderson continues to thrive, the Browns will have a decision to make about Quinn. Regardless, for the first time in years, Browns fans have reason for optimism heading into a season.
What do you think is the best decision for the Browns - sticking with Anderson, or giving Quinn a chance?
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