Browns face decision on what Anderson is worth

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2007 | by Jarrett Bell

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns paid a steep price to get Brady Quinn. To keep Derek Anderson on board, they can forget about any basement bargains.

Anderson, a third-year pro, is eligible to become a restricted free agent in March. Given the dearth of quality quarterbacks, he has the look of a hot commodity.

"We'd definitely like to have him back," Browns GM Phil Savage says, "and maybe keep him beyond next year."

By making the highest possible tender offer to Anderson, the Browns would have the option of matching any offer he receives -- or forcing the club that signs him to surrender first- and third-round draft picks. The highest one-year tender would increase his salary to $2.56million for 2008 -- not exorbitant, but more than five times his current...