2010 NFL Free Agency: Five Places Derek Anderson Could Land

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson now is a free man.

After being released by the Browns on Tuesday, mainly due to his hefty contract, he can sign with any team that wants him.

The question is, who wants him?

Anderson made the Pro Bowl in 2007 as an alternate, winning 10 of his 15 start and throwing for 3,787 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

He posted an above average passer rating of 82.5 that year, but it was all downhill after that. In fact, the second half of 2007 wasn't as good as the first half.

Over the next two seasons, Anderson lost his starting job more than once and became known for having extremely low passer ratings, interceptions, and poorly thrown passes.

To be completely fair, Anderson's main target was Braylon "Brick Hands" Edwards, a pass-dropping, quarterback-killing machine who has Mark Sanchez on his "kill" list at the moment.

Still, it is up to the player to play and overcome adversity, and that is something Anderson failed to do the last two years in Cleveland. But a guy who has a rocket arm and a Pro Bowl on his résumé at the young age of 26 will find another team.

Here are five franchises who might be giving Anderson's agent a call.

Arizona Cardinals

Kurt Warner has retired, and Matt Leinart will start for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010. But that doesn't mean the Cardinals are all that confident in the former first round pick out of USC.

Leinart has been uneven in his pro career and is known more for his off-field antics than he is for scoring NFL touchdowns.

Carolina Panthers

Matt Moore is slated to be the starter for the Panthers going into 2010. He has fewer starts than Anderson, but he had a 98.5 QB rating in seven games last year with only two interceptions.

However, the Panthers have no depth at the position with the departure of Jake Delhomme, making this team a good candidate for Anderson.

St. Louis Rams

Marc Bulger is on his way out of St. Louis one way or the other. Even if they draft a rookie, they may not want to throw said rookie out there this year, opting instead to let him hold the clipboard.

Anderson would be a good transitional quarterback because of his pro experience.

While this kind of "mentor" situation may not be ideal for a guy still barely in his late 20s, Anderson's options are limited because of how poorly he has played the last two years.

Buffalo Bills

This wouldn't be a bad choice for Anderson because their situation is currently so muddled that if he has another year even close to what he had in 2007, he'd be viewed as a franchise savior and earn another good contract.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Not as far-fetched as you might think. The Steelers could be without the services of Ben Roethlisberger if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decides to suspend the Super Bowl MVP, regardless if charges are filed or not.

If this does come to pass, and Anderson hasn't signed elsewhere, Anderson's arm and mobility are perfect for Bruce Arians' offensive schemes.

Plus, it would give Anderson a chance to play his old team twice a year, and judging by Anderson's refusal to speak after the season because he "had nothing good to say," it's safe to say he would be playing with a chip on his shoulder.