Talking NFL

As far as recent NFL drafts go, the images that stand out most are the ones of Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers not-so-patiently awaiting their fate as they continued to watch player after player get picked before them in the 1st round.

On the positive side, it helped prepare them for their NFL careers. Grab a seat, guys. You might be here awhile…

First, news out of Cleveland is that general manager Phil Savage is turning his attention to signing Derek Anderson to a long-term contract extension before free agency begins. Should that happen, Quinn will be assured back-up status for the foreseeable future. As Rumors and Rants points out, had Quinn not held out of training camp, he probably would have become the backup to Charlie Frye, and Anderson would never have stepped onto the field.

Now it looks like he’s going to get paid more than Quinn (well, depending on how much Brady’s getting paid for that EAS ad…).

Based on that holdout, it’s hard to feel all that bad about Quinn. However, it’s much easier to sympathize with Aaron Rogers predicament.

Going into the 2005 Draft, Aaron was regarded as either the #1 or #2 quarterback along with Alex Smith. But after the 49ers picked Alex with the overall #1 (and how’s that one working out for ya, Coach Nolan?), Rodgers waited until pick #24 to get scooped up by the Packers. Green Bay figured that Brett Favre would retire soon, and selected Rodgers as his heir apparent.

Well, according to a report out of Mississippi, the young prince has at least another season to wait. Al Jones, writer for the Sun Herald and old friend to #4, wrote that Favre is leaning towards coming back for another season with the Pack. Quote Brett:

“For the first time in three years, I haven’t thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer.”

Meaning longer time for Aaron Rodgers to stroll the sidelines. What’s really interesting here is that Rodgers signed a five year contract worth $7.7 million, meaning that if he doesn’t play next season, then ‘09 is shaping up as a make or break year for him.

Whatever happens, might I suggest both QB’s start drawing some comics or painting some landscape pictures on those clipboards as way of a 2nd career? (Unless of course, they’ve started doing that all ready…)

Aaron Rodgers, Brady Quinn, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, take a number