The Cleveland Browns continue to go on the defense regarding Johnny Manziel. The team can simply not escape the quarterback rumors despite not giving in to getting Sam Bradford and not drafting a quarterback over the past weekend. Many still believe the Browns will make one more move before the season begins considering the number of question marks surrounding the position. However, general manager Ray Farmer is once again taking the podium and defending Manziel's future with the team.
"Johnny's been good since he's been around the Browns family," Farmer said, via NFL's Total Access. "I commend the young man for taking the necessary steps that he felt were needed to take. That being said, since he's been back here, he's been good. He's doing everything he's been asked to do. He seems dialed in and focused and that's what it's about, making football his first priority for us on this end, but, again, inevitably, we're really focused on making sure the young man has his life together."
Farmer made it clear that just because the Browns signed Josh McCown to a three-year, $14 million contract, the team is not giving up on Manziel. Farmer said that the Browns liked the veteran leadership and knowledge that McCown brings to the field and they believe he can be successful while Manziel develops. Last year was not a good example of what McCown is capable of considering how badly he played for Tampa Bay. However, during his stint with the Chicago Bears the quarterback showed a good number of promise.
Regardless of what Farmer says, the quarterback rumors will continue. Everyone has come out in support of Manziel, including McCown, but if the second-year pro struggles again Cleveland could have issues. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are not seeking trade deals for anyone else, but they are out there if the team gets panicked. Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon, Kirk Cousins and Zach Mettenberger could all be available.
Cleveland is hoping to take the spotlight away from the quarterback battle as another grows with the running backs. The Browns selected Duke Johnson to add to the rotation despite having the successful tandem of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. According to Farmer, the team plans on using Johnson in more passing situations than pure rushing ones, but that will still take away touches from Crowell and West.