Not that the Bears were going to be a bidder for the services of Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson anyway … but it looks like the Browns are going to make a run at re-signing him longterm which would keep him off the market altogether.
Anderson will be a restricted free agent starting March 1, and the Browns are expected to tender him with the highest offer, which would give them the right of first refusal and first- and third-round draft picks as compensation should he sign elsewhere.
But word out of Cleveland is the Browns will look to get something done with Anderson, while also taking care of coach Romeo Crennel.
Anderson was hot for much of the season but performed poorly down the stretch when the Browns lost out on a playoff spot. It’s a tough decision for Cleveland with first-round pick Brady Quinn waiting in the wings.
The Browns have already made it know they would listen to offers for Anderson, who threw 29 touchdowns and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
