Browns get better

The Browns made nice moves on both sides of the ball yesterday, signing QB Derek Anderson to a three-year, $24 million contract. Anderson became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. Friday, and reportedly had a deal worked out by 5 a.m. My assumption is that Phil Savage went out and got drunk Thursday night with Anderson's agents, and when the bars closed at 2, they went to Savage's place and sat in the hot tub for a while, drinking champagne and arguing about politics. Finally, at 5, Savage said, "OK, I'm going to bed, but first, let's talk contract. How about $24 million?"

That might not be what happened, but you can't prove it's not.

In all seriousness, this is a darned good thing. Along with the recent signing of Jamal Lewis, this means the same pieces are in place that ran the Browns' efficient offense last year. And if Anderson should falter, Brady Quinn's waiting in the wings.

And Savage improved the defense yesterday too, getting defensive tackle Corey Williams from the Packers for a second-round draft pick, then signed him to a six-year contract. Williams, whose middle name is Dornail (no lie), is 27, and tied a career high with seven sacks last year. Savage has also reportedly finalized a deal with the Lions for D-lineman Shaun Rogers for Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick. That pass pressure should take a lot of pressure off the defensive secondary.

End Zone View reports that free agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth will soon visit Cleveland as well. Die Hard Cleveland takes a more in-depth look at Friday's dealings, noting that the Browns are now without a draft pick until the fourth round next year.

There are some differing opinions on the Anderson deal. The Plain Dealer's Bill Livingston still thinks Quinn is the future. That could be, but Anderson's the guy until he proves he's not.