Derek Anderson signing

Review of the Anderson signing today, and Lewis tomorrow.

This is a tough call for the Browns as both players had great years, which very well could have been flukes. To evaluate the moves, will look at the players more closely first. Further will start with Derek Anderson
Anderson: Seems to read, and react to blitzes very well. Although, a lot of this could come from his receiver’s ability to beat their defenders in 1 on 1 matchups. Obviously, Braylon, Kellen, and Joe present size mismatches. Reading soft zones has typically given Anderson more problems (see pro-bowl and 2nd Cincy game). This is concerning for two reasons:
1) Due to the Browns significantly improved OL, they’ll likely see less blitzes
2) Teams have recognized this, and as such will fall back into zones more often.
Hopefully these two instances are flukes, and fortunately, QBs can get better at reading defenses. Anderson has played 1.5 seasons, so this year will be a great test to see how he’s progressed. If by week 8, he’s not playing well, Quinn could step in.
The contract. The Browns were really in 2 no-lose situations. Most likely, they couldn’t have gotten more than a late first or a package of 2nd and 3rd for Anderson from another team (the restricted FA price tag at 1 and 3 wouldn’t be met by any team). As such, Savage probably looked at the potential to improve his team, his cap situation and went through this thought process:
1) Cap room à we have a lot, therefore, this shouldn’t be a barrier to signing players
2) Available back-up QBs on the market
a. Quinn played well in limited action last year, but a veteran back-up QB would need to be signed that also is accustomed to or ok with playing a backup role (Leftwich is probably the best fit)
3) What could he get in the draft that fit the Browns needs. Prior to the Browns making the FA moves the browns needs were pretty straightforward:
a. Get younger and better at DE, NT
b. Get a OLB that can blitz
c. Get a 2nd or 3rd WR that can step in for Joe next year
The draft has two legit DTs, Ellis and Dorsey, neither of which have played in a 3-4 system (and their skill sets aren’t maximized by playing in it either). The draft has one top pass rusher that can stand up or put his hand down (Gholston). Long seems like a 3-4 OLB, but he rarely played off the ball at Virginia. I’m not questioning his ability to do it, but you’re adding another variable to the draft process. Thus, to make sure he addressed these needs he’d have to get an early #1 pick, and spend a lot of money on an unknown quantity. Recent draft history (Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, William Joseph) has shown that this is a pretty easy thing to miss on.
Savage did the right thing. Leftwhich is a known average starter with a slow release. Anderson’s upside is significantly higher, and his contract demands didn’t put him out of the Browns price range