The Cleveland Browns have a new issue with Johnny Manziel entering rehab treatment and that means he may not be ready to start next year and that could lead to the return of Brian Hoyer as a free agent, while the team may look at trade deals to get Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston or someone like Nick Foles or Kirk Cousins.
The Browns came into the offseason with numerous questions even before the news hit about Manziel, including that Josh Gordon would be suspended for another season for violating league rules. The Browns started the season 7-4 last year and were in the playoff race before Brian Hoyer faltered down the stretch and now the team is basically restarting when it comes to the QB position. According to ESPN.com, Manziel entered treatment to help him become a "better friend, teammate and family member" and while he could be ready for camp, he may not be in position to start.
There were reports after the season that Manziel was not prepared enough during his starts this year and that now looks correct after the latest news. A report from Jeremy Fowler and Pat McManamon detailed some of those issues, including Manziel's frequent partying and anonymous quotes from teammates saying he was not prepared enough. The Browns released a statement saying that the team stands behind Manziel through this process, but he likely will have some competition in the form of a veteran next year.
The Browns said before this news that they would not discount drafting a QB in the draft this year and now they may look at free agent options as well. Hoyer remains a target "at the right price" for Farmer, while Mark Sanchez is a potential option that could sign. The team also could explore trades during the draft to move up for someone like Winston or Mariota, or they could explore trades for more established players. Winston has many risks and it likely will take the top pick to get him, which will cost the Browns.
The Browns come into the draft with two first round picks and they also have the most picks of anyone in the draft. That would allow Farmer to move up if he wants and he also can use that as ammo for a veteran QB. Jay Cutler likely will not be moved, but the Bears could be swayed by draft picks and the Browns have cap space that could potentially handle his contract. Kirk Cousins is out there with the Redskins, while reports have the Eagles looking at trade deals for Nick Foles, as they want to move up for Mariota. The Browns have a number of options to look at, with Tony Grossi reporting that Hoyer likely has an "improved probability" of returning after the latest Manziel news. Hoyer wants to start and after the year Manziel had, he could get the chance to do it again in 2015.
The Browns finished the season 7-9 and on a five game losing streak and now they have major questions with Manziel and Josh Gordon. The Browns are back at square one, but they could turn that into a positive if they end up with a solid quarterback heading into the 2015 season.