In his now annual State of the Browns address Cleveland Browns G.M. Phil Savage hit on many things. Of course at the top of that list was the future of Derek Anderson as the Browns QB, head coach Romeo Crennel's possible contract extension, 2008 expectations and much more.

Savage began his address by cautioning everyone that the success the team had in 2007 would not guarantee them success in 2008. He acknowledged that the schedule next season would be tougher as the Browns must face the AFC South and NFC East which means they will play 6 teams that went to the playoffs this year from those 2 divisions. Savage stated that the team would be tweaked with team improvement first and foremost.

According to Savage the Browns want to extend incumbent starting QB Derek Anderson and was emphatic when he said Anderson is the teams starter heading into 2008. Savage believes that the 1,000+ plays he has seen of Anderson this past year compared to the 10+ from Brady Quinn gives Anderson the right to be the starter. Savage feels that Anderson's representatives will acknowledge that he has a very good situation in front of him as the QB of the Browns when negotiating a new deal. Regardless of what happens Savage is convinced the team will have both Anderson and Quinn in 2008 and that it is a positive for the Browns even if the players are not in the most ideal situation.

The Browns are also interested in brining back veteran running back Jamal Lewis. Lewis had a big comeback year in 2007 after many, including his former team the Baltimore Ravens, thought he was out of gas and washed up. Lewis responded by tallying 11 touchdowns and rushing for over 1,300 yards becoming only the 2nd Cleveland Browns running back in team history to eclipse the 1,300 yard mark.

When asked about the offensive line Savage stated he wants to keep the unit in tact. Meaning that the 5 guys that finished the season as starters would be the 5 he wants to head into 2008 with as his starters. He also believes that the team can not address adding depth to the offensive line via the draft and not have to pursue them in the free agent market.

Head coach Romeo Crennel is not searching for a contract extension according to Savage, but Savage is not against extending Crennel's current contract that runs through the end of 2009. Savage said Crennel is in "good standing" with the Browns organization. He also said that offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who was extended earlier in the week, has not been promised anything in terms of being a possible successor to Crennel at some point.

Savage also took time out to acknowledge team owner Randy Lerner. Lerner has faced a lot of criticism since inheriting ownership of the Browns and Savage wanted to make sure everyone knew that Randy Lerner has done all he could do to make the Browns a better football team and organization. Lerner's commitment to Crennel and Savage through the tough times is why the team is starting to finally reap the rewards of winning.

In terms of the team missing the 2007 playoffs Savage said he wasn't sure if the team was ready yet for the playoffs. He felt that the success they had this year was very quick and sooner than most expected. The team is learning how to win and believes the teams focus will be better moving forward. He believes the window for success for the Cleveland Browns is just opening.

As far as the 2008 draft and the team not having a pick in the 1st round Savage said he would not be opposed to trading back into the 1st round. He said if one of the teams top 15 players were to fall somewhere into the mid to late 20's he absolutely would be willing to look at getting back into the 1st round by trading the teams 2009 1st round pick. He has instructed his scout and personnel people to scout as if the team has a 1st round pick that way if the opportunity presents itself they will be ready.

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