Story Published:
Mar 5, 2005 at 3:51 PM PST
Story Updated:
Aug 31, 2006 at 12:52 AM PST
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns didn't wait long to find
an experienced quarterback, trading a fourth-round draft pick for
Seattle veteran Trent Dilfer on Saturday.
The Browns were left with two inexperienced quarterbacks after
Kelly Holcomb signed a four-year deal with Buffalo on Friday. They
released starter Jeff Garcia earlier this offseason.
Enter Dilfer, who became expendable in Seattle after starter
Matt Hasselbeck signed a six-year, $49 million contract last month.
Dilfer, who turns 33 on March 13, appeared in 11 games last season,
leading the Seahawks to victories in his only two starts.
The trade, contingent on league approval and Dilfer passing a
physical, reunites the 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback with Browns
general manager Phil Savage.
Savage was Baltimore's player personnel director when Dilfer
took over for starter Tony Banks midway through the 2000 season and
led the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship.
The move still leaves Cleveland with plenty of flexibility as it
searches for a long-term solution at quarterback.
Dilfer only has one year left on his contract, so his addition
would not prevent the Browns from making other moves. The
fourth-round pick also is an extra one, acquired from Denver for
defensive tackle Gerard Warren earlier this week.
Luke McCown and Josh Harris were the only two quarterbacks on
the Cleveland roster before the trade. McCown started four games as
a rookie last season but was largely ineffective, while Harris has
yet to take a snap during a regular-season game.