Rumor Wire: Browns, Bucs Near A Decision On Quarterback Controversy?

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

With the 2009 season just a few weeks away, the pre-season is in mid form, with many players fighting for positional battles on the depth chart.

This pre-season has experienced multiple quarterback battles over the past month, most of them coming to an end this week.

However, there are two battles left in the NFL, which are currently held by the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For the Browns, quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson have been in a tight competition according to head coach Eric Mangini. Many have felt that it's been Quinn's job to lose, yet the Browns coaching staff has kept everyone on their toes.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a different story, however. Reportedly a three-way battle between Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown, and Josh Freeman, every quarterback has gotten their fair amount of playing time in the pre-season.

As early as today, however, the final two battles could be coming to an end within the next couple of days.

Rumors have swirled that Cleveland's decision is still up in the air. While some reporters think a starter could be named after the pre-season, it wouldn't be a shock either if a decision wasn't made until next week.

The Buccaneers have reportedly stated that they will most likely make their decision after the pre-season game tonight against the Miami Dolphins. A starter was thought to be named a few weeks ago, but finally we may find the starting quarterbacks for these franchises, hopefully within a couple of days.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?