D.A. is here to stay: Browns ink Anderson to three-year contract

Cleveland also traded for Packers defensive linemen Corey Williams and Lions DT Shaun Rogers.

GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BEREA — The Browns sped headfirst into free agency Friday, signing Derek Anderson and finalizing the trade for defensive tackle Corey Williams — then later apparently dealing for another big body on defense.

The Browns acquired Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Lions and Browns were not commenting, said Detroit acquired cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick from Cleveland after a deal with Cincinnati fell through. The Bengals reported on their Web site Friday they were ready to send a third- and fifth-round pick to Detroit for Williams.

Cleveland played verbal volleyball with quarterback Derek Anderson, exposed him to restricted free agency, then pulled him off the market by reaching an agreement on a three-year contract.

The deal is a doozy, guaranteeing Anderson $14.5 million, an amazing sum for a former Round 6 pick who came to them as a waiver-wire, minimum-wage player in 2005.

Questions remain.

Does the deal all but guarantee Anderson starts ahead of Brady Quinn in 2008?

The team Web site reports, “By signing the deal, Anderson returns to the starting job.”

That’s not the same as Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel saying so.

Should Anderson start ahead of Quinn? Among fans, that debate is hotter than Obama vs. Clinton.

Recent indications have been that the job is Anderson’s to lose if he returns. But does the deal make it certain he’s “back?” Will the team listen to trade offers?

The answer to that one is yes.

Williams was in Berea Friday after being traded by the Packers, who had designated the defensive lineman as their franchise player. The Browns confirmed the contract and the deal for a 2008 second-round pick.

Did the Williams deal represent the extent of the Browns’ bid to fix their defensive front seven? No.

They are courting Travis LaBoy, an undersized 4-3 defensive end with the Titans who would be an edge-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker with the Browns. He was Tennessee’s second-round draft pick out of Hawaii in 2004 and had six sacks in 2007.

Antwan Peek, an outside linebacker signed in last year’s free-agency roundup, battled injuries and was a disappointment.

The Browns will chase an offensive free agent or two, even though the focus is on defense. Donte Stallworth, who helped the Patriots go 19-1 last season, agreed to a visit.

Stallworth, a former No. 13 overall pick, was a disappointment in New Orleans, but at age 27 he was a useful player for New England. He caught 42 passes for 697 yards and a healthy per-average catch of 15.2 as the Patriots’ No. 3 wideout.

The Browns’ No. 3 wideout in ’07 was Tim Carter. He had eight catches for 117 yards.

As is Savage’s custom, he is looking for starters and role players in free agency. Nick Greisen, a former Wisconsin Badger who could add linebacker depth, was invited for a visit.

Greisen, 28, has been a spot starter with the Giants, Jaguars and Ravens.