Brian Hoyer is very aware of his expiring contract with the Cleveland Browns. He is also very aware of the rookie hot on his tails. With Johnny Manziel waiting in the wings for his chance to take over the Cleveland Browns, many are speculating just how committed the team is to Hoyer for the future. Trade rumors have been running wild as Hoyer continues to keep the Browns competitive. According to the veteran quarterback, he just wants to be on a team that will let him play.
Hoyer cannot seem to escape the media drama even when he is playing well enough to keep the Browns winning. The quarterback is fresh off a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and having to answer questions regarding Johnny Manziel and his future. Much has been made about the quarterback contest. NFL experts have floated around numerous situations for Cleveland's future, including trading Hoyer and trading Manziel. The only thing Hoyer is focused on is playing football and continuing to be on a team that gives him that chance.
To make matters worse, a report surfaced from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report stating that Hoyer had informed the team that he would not sign a long-term contract if Manziel remained on the roster. The idea did not seem too crazy. Of course Hoyer wanted to be "the man" considering how well he as playing this season and Manziel on the roster did not offer him that opportunity. However, the veteran quarterback denies the idea.
"I don't know who got that report. That's something that I have an agent to handle and right now I'm focused on Jacksonville. I don't think I need to say any more than I'm from Cleveland and this is where I want to be. But I also am a competitor, so I want to be somewhere I'm playing," Hoyer said, via Cleveland.com.
Hoyer's upcoming contract negotiations could become complicated mainly due to Manziel. How much does the team re-sign a six-year veteran for when there is a rookie quarterback waiting to take his place? Hoyer currently ranks in at No. 8 in quarterback rankings while working off a salary that will pay him a cool million at the end of the season. In comparison, Andy Dalton comes in at No. 9 and is making $16 million. Joe Flacco ranks at No. 10 and he is earning $14.6 million. Is Hoyer worth $10-12 million?
The Browns and Hoyer have not begun negotiations on a contract extension. Hoyer stresses that this is where he wants to play, but if the quarterback continues to excel, he will want his due money. Josh McCown took the same approach. His stock will be high and if the Browns are unwilling to pay him a large deal, someone else in the league will.