James Walker of the Columbus Dispatch reports that contract negotiations between the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson “have reached a standstill.”

Walker also reports that the three-year offer made by the Browns last month had a total value of $16 million, including $11 million in guaranteed money.  Anderson’s people rejected the offer, and are seeking a deal of at least five years in duration. 

Absent an agreement, Anderson will become a restricted free agent later this month.   

In 2007, then-Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub was traded to the Texans while in restricted free agency, and he received a six-year, $48 million deal.  Anderson has more playing experience, and the market has matured for another year.

The Browns are expected to place the highest available restriction on Anderson, which would give Cleveland the right to match any offer made, and a first-round and third-round pick as compensation for his services.  Anderson would receive from the Browns a non-guaranteed one-year offer of roughly $2.5 million.  Technically, the Browns could instead use the franchise tag, but the requisite one-year contract would entail guaranteed money in the range of $10 million. 

Our guess?  The Browns will be happy to keep him for another year at $2.5 million, or to trade him for a first-round pick.  If he goes, 2007 first-rounder Brady Quinn would take over at quarterback.