BEREA — Browns president Mike Holmgren didn’t expect veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme to be available. So when the Carolina Panthers cut him and the Browns were able to sign him, Brady Quinn became expendable.

 

Holmgren and coach Eric Mangini met the media for 55 minutes Monday to discuss the recent barrage of roster moves. Many of the questions focused on the quarterback situation, which has changed dramatically in a week. Delhomme was signed to a two-year contract, Quinn was traded to Denver, Derek Anderson was released and Seneca Wallace was added in a trade.

 

“I didn’t expect, and I don’t think he did, Jake to be released,” Holmgren said. “It was a surprise to me. We’re looking at a veteran quarterback, a guy who’s poven he could do it, who will add some stability to the position by himself without affecting other people.

 

“He’s a very charismatic guy, a great leader. He’s a lot of things.”

 

Holmgren said the Browns’ policy is to not guarantee a starting spot to any free agent. But it was clear he expects Delhomme to be the starter and Wallace the backup — unless they decide to play a rookie. Holmgren said the Browns will likely take a quarterback somewhere in the draft, and left open the possibility of drafting one at No. 7 or even trading up to take Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford No. 1.

 

“We will consider both those things,” Holmgren said. “Now, now, we’re going to consider a lot of things.”

 

Holmgren reiterated the 12 starts by Quinn weren’t enough to fairly judge him, but had come to the conclusion, with the input of the coaching staff, that the best decision was to trade him.

 

“It wasn’t easy for anybody,” Holmgren said. “Brady Quinn is a fine young man. I expect he’ll do well. Oftentimes players and organizations need a fresh start. You don’t always get the chance to add the two players we added in any one year.

 

“Twelve games are not enough to get a really good feel. But you should have a pretty good idea as a coaching staff where this is headed. And sometimes you have to make decisions.”

 

READ MORE ABOUT THE BROWNS IN TUESDAY’S C-T.

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