Browns trade QB Dilfer to 49ers
Cleveland gets backup QB Dorsey plus a draft pick; Frye now more likely to start for Browns in 2006

By Staff and Wire Reports

CLEVELAND | The Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers for quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed selection in the 2007 draft, the club announced Thursday.

Dilfer started 11 games for the Browns last season, completing 199-of-333 passes (60 percent) for 2,321 yards. He threw 11 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, and posted a mediocre 76.9 quarterback rating.

"Trent Dilfer played an important role in the making over of our football team last year," General Manager Phil Savage said. "At this point, to add Ken Dorsey and to give Trent the opportunity to go back home to California is a win-win for all parties."

Dilfer went 4-7 as the Browns' starter last season before losing the job to rookie Charlie Frye. In recent months, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel had refused to officially anoint Frye the starter for next season, but Thursday's trade seems to make that move more likely.

Dorsey, who led the University of Miami to a national championship, started 10 NFL games in his three years in San Francisco, including three last season. He completed 48 of 90 passes for 481 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in 2005.

Dilfer, a 12-year veteran who quarterbacked the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl title five years ago, had some high points last year for the Browns. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after torching the Packers for 336 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-24 win.

With the 49ers, Dilfer will serve as a backup for the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft, Alex Smith.

"Trent was a player we had interest in last season," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "We were looking for a veteran quarterback with experience that could help mentor Alex Smith. Trent fits the bill on both counts and we are excited to have him with the 49ers."