The autumn winds have been swirling harder lately with trade talks involving the lowly Cleveland Browns.

Disgruntled receiver Braylon Edwards was shipped out to New York a week ago for a cast of nameless characters.

Now, quarterback Brady Quinn – and his four bedroom, five bathroom house – are apparently on the market.

The Buffalo Bills must be laughing hysterically.

Quinn earned the starting nod from coach Eric Mangini after weeks of neck-and-neck competition with Derek Anderson during the preseason.

The boy wonder from Notre Dame started the first three games of the season against Minnesota (5-0), Denver (5-0) and Baltimore (3-2), the No. 9, No. 1 and No. 12 ranked defenses in the league.

Without a doubt, Quinn struggled, completing 61 percent of his passes for one touchdown and three interceptions as the Browns lost all three contests. Carrying a quarterback rating of 62.9, he was benched at halftime in the loss to the Ravens.

Anderson seized the opportunity to regain the starting job, and promptly tossed a trio of interceptions in the second half against Baltimore.

Naturally, he was named starter days after the 34-3 trouncing against Cleveland’s AFC North rivals.

The former Pro Bowler put the Browns in a position to defeat Cincinnati at home, but couldn’t muster up a scoring drive in the closing minutes of regulation or at all in overtime as the Browns lost, 23-20.

Anderson then threw up a clunker, finishing 2-17 for 23 yards and an interception amid whirling winds in Buffalo. Somehow, the Browns eked out a 6-3 win in an embarrassing excuse for professional football.

Apparently, that performance cemented Anderson into the starting role. As the trade deadline approaches, Quinn appears to be the odd man out, despite only playing in six career games.

Mangini’s claim that the team isn’t looking to move Quinn holds little merit. The Browns have been quick to unload anyone at any chance they get. Just ask Edwards or Shaun Smith or Kellen Winslow.

With the current makeup of the roster, the team is destined for a season of near 3-13, regardless of who suits up under center.

But 2 for 17 is 2 for 17. Bills’ quarterback Trent Edwards even completed 52 percent of his passes, despite the attempt by Buffalo’s fans to run him out of town.

Anderson has the edge in arm strength, but can’t convert short throws. Quinn can find receivers within 10 yards, but struggles to make downfield passes.

After the trade of Edwards, which receiver is Anderson going to find 40 yards down the field? Chansi Stuckey and Mike Furrey don’t exactly strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.
Quinn has posted better numbers against stingier defenses, but hasn’t received enough of an opportunity to grow with the offense.

The Browns are awful, no matter who takes the snaps. But at this point, it makes sense to be patient with Quinn instead of dealing him after just six career games.

At this point, though, no quarterback can right this sinking ship.

Running the wildcat formation with Josh Cribbs every snap might be the option that produces the most offense.