Derek Anderson a Fit With the Lions?

When thinking about the number of holes an 0-16 team has, it makes perfect sense why the Browns should keep the Detroit Lions in consideration for QB Derek Anderson’s services.  After all, there is no guarantee that the Lions will pick QB Matt Stafford with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Stafford is not a guaranteed lock, but the Lions desperately need a quarterback and, believe me, no one in Detroit wants to head into the season with Daunte Culpepper sneaking up on that depth chart.  Obtaining a quarterback with a proven track record (DA has a Pro Bowl on his resume, remember?) will free up the Lions to potentially pick up a franchise left tackle or the guy getting all the hype – LB Aaron Curry.

The problem here is that Anderson is due a $5 million roster bonus on March 15th.  It is doubtful that any team will make a trade before then and if any deal is to happen, the Browns will most likely have to pay the bonus in addition to paying the $8.2 million ($8.8 if he stays in Cleveland) that will count against the Browns’ salary cap in 2009.  It’s a tricky situation but I maintain the idea that Anderson absolutely has to be traded this offseason.  If Kokinis and Mangini are these supposedly great talent evaluators, let’s give them as many picks in the draft as possible in order to make us all believers as soon as Year One.

– Also, here is a discussion about the trade value of TE Kellen Winslow.  With Martin Rucker waiting in the wings, and not to mention Steve Heiden’s reliability, it would be worth exploring the possibility of trading Winslow, who does not have time on his side when it comes to his body.  He plays with a determination not seen in many players today, but sooner or later his willpower will not be able to fight off his laundry list of nagging injuries.  Do the Browns make a move now when his trade value is at its highest?