Its not everyday that 26-year old former Pro Bowl quarterbacks get released.Then again, its also not every day that 26-year old former Pro Bowl quarterbacks complete just under 45 percent of their passes.
Derek Anderson went from the biggest surprise of 2007 to the biggest disappointment of 2008 and 2009 and now finds himself without a job. It won’t be for long though, as a number of teams figure to give him the opportunity to compete for a starting job. Arizona would make the most sense, but Oakland, Buffalo and Carolina could also be interested.
The more interesting question, however, is: where do the Browns go from here? They acquired Seneca Wallace on Monday, so they still have two quarterbacks with starting experience and not a whole lot of confidence in either one.
Well, I should say they shouldn’t have confidence in either one. But the fact that Mike Holmgren was willing to trade Wallace, whom he coached in Seattle, may mean he’s already decided who he’s going to force Eric Mangini to start in 2010.
For whatever its worth, I’d stick with Brady Quinn. He’s only made 12 career starts. Is that really enough time to evaluate a former 1st-round pick? Quinn has the basic tools to succeed in the NFL, but he’s struggled with his decision making. Just a guess here, but maybe that’s because Eric Mangini hasn’t allowed him to start more than six consecutive games.
Give Quinn the keys to the offense for 2010 and see how he does. If he fails, you’re no worse off than you are now, but at least you know what you have. Then take Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett in the 2011 draft and rebuild from there.
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