The Cleveland Browns have been trying to fight off Johnny Manziel rumors since drafting the quarterback last year in the first round. With off-the-field issues becoming a problem, the Browns have publically maintained their support for the former Texas A&M star as he prepares to leave a rehab facility in time for spring workouts. However, NFL sources continue to report that internally Cleveland is ready to quit on Manziel, leaving the team to once again speak out in his favor.
On Tuesday, Mark Ferguson of Chat Sports reported the Browns were shopping a high draft pick and Manziel to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Sam Bradford. The report was not totally surprising considering the Browns have reportedly had interest in Bradford since the NFL scouting combine and even attempted to trade a first-round pick for him. However, the Browns are denying any truth to this rumor.
According to editor Shawn Starr of local Cleveland Browns site Dawg Pound Nation, the report that the franchise is seeking a Manziel, In the originally report, Ferguson cited his source as someone close to an agent involved in the trade, but Starr writes that a deal of this magnitude would only be discussed by those at the very top of the organization and would stay in house.
It is really unknown just how serious the Browns are at attempting to get Bradford. The Cleveland Plain Dealer confirmed the team attempted to acquire him with a first-round draft pick. The idea that Manziel would be offered up as well is not crazy. ESPN's Chris Mortensen has already reported the Browns are "90 percent done" with Manziel and head coach Mike Pettine admitted the quarterback will have to battle for his spot. The Browns are prepared to start Josh McCown at quarterback which has fans believing this will be another dismal year for the franchise. Bradford would easily be the better option for the team.
Of course Cleveland could easily acquire Marcus Mariota in the draft and put all of this to rest. The team has two first-round draft picks at their disposal. However, the Browns might not like the idea of getting another rookie into the mix while the price for the former Oregon star is likely very high. Pettine continues to remain comfortable in the idea of starting McCown.
"We wanted to stabilize it and we feel we did that with Josh," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "You've got to look at what [McCown] was dealing with -- the supporting cast, along with the offensive coordinator essentially getting sick right before the season and he essentially had to take on a lot of those circumstances himself. It was a difficult thing for him."
The Browns are not exactly loaded with playmakers for McCown to work with. He certainly had talent around him in Chicago while getting success with the Bears. If the Browns can get a few stars in the draft, they might be able to make things work with McCown.