 The Browns plan to extend the contract of coach Romeo Crennel, as early as the next few days, Browns general manager Phil Savage said during his post-season news conference today in Berea. "We have every intention of doing something with Romeo and we'll do right by him,'' said Savage. "Hopefully it will be addressed in the next few days. If not, then in the next few weeks.'' Savage said he's open to options, including a multi-year extension. Crennel is under contract for two more seasons. Savage also said that Derek Anderson is the starting quarterback heading into next season. Savage said Anderson has earned the chance to be the Browns starting quarterback again in 2008, following his breakout 2007 season, in which he was named a Pro Bowl alternate. He said the Browns feel Anderson should have "a chance to go into the batter's box and swing for the fences next years. Our expectation is that he'll hit some home runs for us.'' Savage said, in effect, that this means both Anderson and Brady Quinn are off the market for 2008. Crennel had said earlier that Anderson was the starter as of now, but that the team would listen to offers.
Savage also acknowledged that the Browns have contacted the agents for Jamal Lewis and Anderson and will begin negotiations to extend their contracts as soon as this week. "We have a couple of different options for Derek," said Savage. "We're more apt to want to do something with Derek that would take him beyond the 2008 season. We want to go into next season with both of our quarterbacks, plus Ken Dorsey intact. We want to make sure we stay strong at that position for at least one more year." Lewis' contract is up after this season and Anderson is set to become a restricted free agent if he's not re-signed by the end of the February. Lewis has said he'd love to be back and would be flexible on his contract structure. |
