A new era is beginning for the Cleveland Browns once again as Hue Jackson was officially announced as the new head coach of the franchise. Still without a general manager, Jackson will get to work immediately on evaluating the roster in preparation for free agency and the NFL Draft. The Browns have a lot of needs to fill this offseason and the biggest might be the quarterback position as Johnny Manziel's time with the team is likely over.
According to sources via ESPN's Dan Graziano and Pat McManamon, the hiring of Jackson means the release of Manziel. Sources report when the head coach was hired, the Browns' ownership said parting ways with Manziel would not be an issue and Jackson indicated that would be his favored move in order to get on a better path for the future. Jackson played coy with the media when asked about the report.
"I need to get in this building and have an opportunity to sit down and watch tape," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "I don't know Johnny personally. I know who he is, but at the same time I think I have to give everybody on our football team the fair opportunity to see who they are, to truly learn who they are and then make decisions from there."
The release of Johnny Manziel would not come as a surprise to anyone. In two years the quarterback has had more off-the-field issues that on-the-field success. Things came to a tipping point when Manziel was placed under concussion protocol in the final week of the season and then was reported to be parting out in Las Vegas. Sources had been reporting that parting ways with the quarterback would be the likely outcome for the Browns this offseason.
So where does the team go from here. The Browns still have Josh McCown under contract which gives them flexibility at the position. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, McCown will likely stay on regardless of who the Browns bring in considering he is a solid veteran and could serve as a quality backup if anything. The Sacramento Bee is reporting that the future of the Cleveland quarterback position could be Colin Kaepernick who might be available from the San Francisco 49ers. Jackson originally interviewed for the San Francisco coaching job and has been open about his fondness for Kaepernick.
The Browns could try and sweep up Sam Bradford. However, the Browns tried to get the quarterback last year and Bradford's agent made it clear that he had no interest in Cleveland. Robert Griffin III could be an option while Kirk Cousins might be available. There is always the NFL Draft where the Browns could select Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch or Carson Wentz with the No.2 overall pick. One thing is clear, Manziel will be searching for a new home.