The Johnny Manziel saga continues. The Cleveland Browns remain coy about the future of the quarterback. Hue Jackson has told the media that he has not yet spoken with Manziel, but that the team needs a quarterback. The speculation continues. Now, owner Jimmy Haslam is making some clarifying statements about where the Browns stand with Manziel.
When asked if the relationship between the Browns and Manziel could be repaired, Haslam responded via ESPN.com, "I don't think there's any question about that." So does that mean Manziel is returning? Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that Jackson made it clear in his interview that he would want to move on from Manziel. There has not been a lot of support for the quarterback in Cleveland this offseason and many assume he is on the way out. Jackson made it worse by saying he has not spoken with the quarterback. However, one player he has spoken with is Carson Wentz who is quickly impressing at the Senior Bowl.
"This just starts the process of getting to know these young players," Jackson said, via Cleveland.com. "It's just phase one of the process. It's just good to be able to talk to as many guys as we could. It was good to talk to him and find out a little bit about him and I'm sure I'll get an opportunity to find out a little more as we go. It's always hard when you're sitting in the stands watching these young guys, but he has a lot of the characteristics that you look for. Again, it's just so early in this process and until you can really study them and get to know them will you really be able to make a sound judgment."
According to WalterFootball.com, there is a very good chance the Browns select Wentz with the No.2 overall pick. With the Tennessee Titans not grabbing a quarterback with the No.1 overall pick, the Browns will have their selection of anyone they want. Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch are also expected to be in consideration with that pick as well. The Browns are very high on the idea of getting a quarterback early which may or may not dictate the future of Manziel.
The Browns certainly have options. They could draft a rookie quarterback and let them develop while either Manziel or Josh McCown start. They could release Manziel and let McCown start over a rookie. They could start a rookie or they could throw everyone and chase Sam Bradford. The starting quarterback for the Browns in 2016 is anyone's guess right now. One thing is clear, Haslam and Jackson must come to an agreement about where they stand with Manziel and move on from there.