Brian Hoyer is keeping a very close eye on the developments surrounding the Cleveland Browns and their number of issues headlining the team's offseason so far. The official NFL offseason has yet to even begin and already the Browns are dealing with much more drama than they expected after issues with Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon. With Hoyer noting that the texting scandal facing the front office will factor into his decision of whether or not to return, what do the Browns do at quarterback for 2015?
The Browns were prepared to make Hoyer's contract a priority in 2015. General manager Ray Farmer made it clear that the door was wide open for the veteran quarterback to sign a new contract with the team and Hoyer said he would certainly consider it, but only if he was guaranteed a starting job. With Manziel currently admitted into a rehab facility, that seems like any easy request to grant. However, the NFL investigation into text messages sent during games has Hoyer ready to head elsewhere.
"To read the stories and see what's going on, I'm just as interested as you guys are to see where that comes out," Hoyer said, per ESPN.com. "Especially because, when you read it it has to do with the quarterback situation and play-calling. That's something that could affect how I feel about (free agency). For me, I'm looking forward to see what comes out of that."
If Hoyer does not return, the Browns must take another path at quarterback simply because Farmer told the media he is not certain when Manziel will be returning and when he will be ready to take the field again. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the Browns are preparing to be aggressive in a trade up in the draft for Marcus Mariota, but that would require a lot of draft picks, ones the Browns might not want to give up.
According to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole, there are several teams showing interest in a trade for Sam Bradford and the Browns could be one of them. Cole reports that some teams are favoring a trade for Bradford over attempting to draft Mariota or Jameis Winston simply because they know what the Rams quarterback can do. Bradford is owed $13 million this upcoming season, but he is a short-term commitment with potential longevity if he can prove he is healthy.
The Browns could also target free agents like Mark Sanchez or Ryan Mallett to be a stop-gap option as they determine the best route to take with Manziel. Farmer told the media that while he does not doubt Manziel is a playmaker, he is unsure what type of quarterback he can become. Cleveland needs options as insurance.