Browns tender Anderson 1-year offer

The Browns want quarterback Derek Anderson back, but are prepared to begin the Brady Quinn era if no deal can be reached.

Cleveland has tendered Anderson a one-year offer for $2.5 million in 2008, and also made a three-year offer — reportedly worth $20 million, with $10 million guaranteed.

If Anderson declines the multiyear offer and becomes a restricted free agent Friday, it’s unlikely he’ll be back, general manager Phil Savage said Thursday.

“If he’s willing to take the walk out there, there’s got to be some indication there’s something at the end of the rainbow,” Savage said.

If Anderson signs with another team, Savage said the Browns wouldn’t be able to match the offer. Instead, they’d take the first- and third-round pick draft picks they’d receive as compensation and turn to fan favorite Quinn as the starting quarterback.