Johnny Manziel's future with the Cleveland Browns continues to fall further and further in doubt with each game the quarterback remains on the sidelines. For any other backup quarterback, this would be considered completely normal, but this is Manziel who was being thrown endorsement deals before even being drafted. When the Browns opted not to put in the quarterback while Brian Hoyer was tossing interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons many began to speculate if Manziel will be headed elsewhere next season.
Hoyer did not look good against the Falcons, but did enough to get the win which is what really matters. He escalated a game-winning drive that resulted in a 37-yard field goal as the seconds clicked off the clock. Hoyer was messy in the game. He finished going 23-of-40 for 322 yards with three interceptions. Things were looking grim, but head coach Mike Pettine kept the veteran in despite having Manziel on the sideline.
Everyone from ESPN.com to the Cleveland Plain Dealer has speculated that the future for Manziel involves a trade. Hoyer is playing well in a contract year and could easily be re-signed by Cleveland given his familiarity with the offense and chemistry with the players. That leaves Manziel likely packing his bags. The quarterback could easily garner the Browns a high draft pick and considering they already have two first-round picks for 2015, adding another top pick would be welcomed. Currently sitting with a chip on his shoulder, Manziel says he just wants to play.
"Obviously, I have a chip on my shoulder for any team that passed me, not just the Texans,'' Manziel said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think when my time comes, and I have a chance to play and show what I'm made of in this league, hopefully, I do make some people regret not taking me.''
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that Johnny Manziel could be a trade target for the New York Jets depending on the status of their front office. Cimini believes that if John Idzik remains the general manager than Manziel is not destined for New York. However, Cimini believes that if someone new comes in to manage then Manziel has a shot because quarterbacks like Jameis Winston are viewed as a risk.
The Houston Texans could also be an option. The Ryan Fitzpatrick experiment failed. Ryan Mallett is done for the season in a year his contract is expiring. Tom Savage is an unknown. Manziel told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he was under the impression the Texans wanted to draft him in 2014. IF that is true, they could still show interest and bring in the quarterback for the future.
Manziel's future remains up in the air. If Cleveland re-signs Hoyer are they really doing him any favors by keeping Manziel around? Several teams have quarterback issues to address and Manziel could find himself becoming a priority.