BengalszoneBilly Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 Browns extend contract offers to top free agents Anderson, LewisBy TOM WITHERS, AP Sports WriterJanuary 26, 2008CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Browns have made contract offers to quarterback Derek Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis, key players they hope to keep off the free-agent market.A team spokesman confirmed proposals were sent to the representative for both players, but he could not provide details about the length or value of the deals.Anderson, who won 10 games and threw 29 touchdown passes in his first season as a starter, is scheduled to become a restricted free agent on Feb. 29. If the Browns can't lock him up with a long-term deal before then, they can tender him with a one-year contract worth $2.52 million.The club would then be able to match any contract offers made to Anderson by other teams or receive first- and third-round draft picks as compensation if the 24-year-old signs with another team.Lewis rushed for 1,304 yards and nine TDs in his first season with the Browns, who signed him to a one-year, incentive-stuffed contract worth $5 million last March. Lewis, who can become an unrestricted free agent, has said he wants to stay with Cleveland.However, keeping him could be a challenge as several other teams may attempt to sign the 28-year-old, who is coming off his most productive season since rushing for 2,066 yards for Baltimore in 2003.Meanwhile, the Browns have yet to finalize a contract extension for coach Romeo Crennel. His agent, Joe Linta, met with general manager Phil Savage during this week's Senior Bowl activities in Mobile, Ala.Crennel led the Browns to a 10-6 turnaround in his third season. He has two years remaining on a five-year package he signed in 2005. Savage recently said the Browns would "do right" by Crennel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cravnravn Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 This could be interesting, they have boo-koo bucks tied up in Quinn and if they offer the 2.5 million to DA, they will get stuck with him too, no team is going to give a first and a third for a one year wonder.Signing Jamal is a crap shoot, which Jamal is Crennel going to get? last years version or 2006's version of tippy toe sally.Savage is going to tie up 10 million on 2 players he's not even sure he wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalszoneBilly Posted January 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2008 Savage is going to tie up 10 million on 2 players he's not even sure he wants.Well knowing you as a Ravens fan, you cannot be too pissed about that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincyhokie Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 Savage is going to tie up 10 million on 2 players he's not even sure he wants.Well knowing you as a Ravens fan, you cannot be too pissed about that! The Browns and Savage seem to be playing well to the popular majority there in Cleveburg. Sure you can sign Anderson and Lewis for that much money but is it smart? Probably not but it will keep the fans excited following their 10-6 season. Lewis has alot left and I think he's worth the money. With that O-line and his style of running, it makes sense to sign him. Anderson? Keeping him opens up yet another Cleveland QB controversy. Savage knows though that if Anderson leaves, he's pissing off the fans that believe he's a big part of the Browns resurgence. Also, Savage wants to keep the ball rolling on last year's success and starting Quinn next year is a sure bet for an 8-8 season at best. Quinn can be a quality QB but the Browns lack of D and his rookie starting season would make 2008 a step backward. Savage cannot afford that.For us all of this is good. The Browns are making a mistake in the long run by signing Anderson. Also, I have a feeling that the 30th ranked defense, the team with the 32nd most injuries, and the 32nd hardest schedule probably won't be flying under the radar after last year's 10-6 record. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 This could be interesting, they have boo-koo bucks tied up in Quinn and if they offer the 2.5 million to DA, they will get stuck with him too, no team is going to give a first and a third for a one year wonder.Signing Jamal is a crap shoot, which Jamal is Crennel going to get? last years version or 2006's version of tippy toe sally.Savage is going to tie up 10 million on 2 players he's not even sure he wants.Didn't the texans give 2 2nd's for a no year wonder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ænigma Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 Even though i'm not a browns fan I think Derek did a good job this year. Maybe the should trade Quinn or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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