Derek Anderson wants more years and Kellen Winslow wants to renegotiate, according to reports.

Hmmm…Is this what success brings? The obvious answer is "yes."

Browns current starting quarterback Derek Anderson turned down a three-year, $17 million contract offer from the Cleveland Browns, according to reports.

For the record, a Beacon Journal report from Marla Ridenour disputes the one linked to above, but for supposition let's just say that Anderson is looking for something longer term.

This one I do not get. Anderson was the Browns starter for 15 games last season and was fairly successful. Apparently he believes that should get him Tony Romo and Matt Schaub like cash.

Hold on there, big guy. I don't think so. One decent season, does not a five-year contract make. Not buy a long shot. Mind you, after the Browns dispensed with Charlie Frye after the home opener debacle against the Steelers way back in September, Anderson showed that he had some skills at the QB position.

Anderson delivered a 10-6 season, but no playoff appearance and it can be argued that he cost the Browns a playoff appearance with some inconsistent play in road games which led to a 3-5 record when away from the comfy confines of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Check out these home stats:

134 of 231 for 1,827 yards, 14 TDs and 6 picks for a 93.5 QB rating.

Look at the road stats:

164 of 296 for 1,920 yards, 15 TDs and 13 picks for a 73.9 QB rating.

What do I remember of Anderson in road games? Throwing one away against the Arizona Cardinals and tossing another away that would have clinched a wildcard berth in Cincinnati in weather that was admittedly not conducive to throwing the ball.

You have to admire Anderson's perseverence and, for now, he has earned the right to be the Browns starting passer going into next season, but he needs to show more before the club invests five years in him and what certainly would be more bonus money.

Winslow's position isn't as cut-and-dried to me. I can certainly see how many fans will view the fact that he's seeking to renegotiate his contract as suspect. That's the way I viewed after his utter lack of maturity his first couple of seasons including the infamous motorcycle accident.

But Winslow has grown since then - by leaps and bounds. He shut his mouth and the megaphone bravado and self-promotion have calmed to a whisper, he still possesses quiet confidence that he shows on the field week after week. He plays hurt, remains productive and has evolved into one of the best tight ends in the game.

The dilemma?

The Browns have stood by him through all of his trials and tribulations over the years - most notably after the motorcycle accident. Sure they docked him some cash, as they should have, but they gave him the chance to make some of that money up by extending his contract.

Should Winslow show a bit more loyalty? Perhaps. I do know one thing, the Browns shouldn't deal with his demands until they've cleared up things with Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 8th, 2008 at 6:52 pm and is filed under Cleveland Browns, Derek Anderson, Kellen Winslow Jr., NFL, Phil Savage, contract, football, free agency, pro. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.