With Johnny Manziel preparing to be out of the picture for the Cleveland Browns, the team is once again looking at quarterback options to take over the franchise. The position has plagued the team in recent years as they simply cannot find a permanent starter. Hue Jackson and company are hopeful that could change this year, but the market is weak and options are limited. Will the Browns draft the future of the franchise while bringing on a veteran to help in the short-term?
The Browns have the No.2 draft pick this season. According to owner Jimmy Haslam, the chances that it is used on a quarterback are high. The issue is what the draft market has to offer and whether or not it is worth selecting one that early. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the quarterback class this year might not be ready to lead a team in Week 1. Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch are the highest-rated options, but the talent drop off is not huge between them and players like Cody Kessler, Jake Coker and Kevin Hogan. The Browns must weigh their options.
"If there's a quarterback there at pick No. 2 or pick No. 32 that we feel is the best option, the best fit for our organization and our football team, then we need to go get him. I do believe that this team does need a quarterback," Jackson said, via Cleveland.com.
The Browns have Josh McCown under contract who could start for the team as a stop-gap option. In terms of production he was up and down last year and an injury ended his season early. He is 36, but the quarterback could compete for one more year and help the Browns develop for the future. According to Jackson that is the biggest priority. He would rather have a short-term quarterback in now if it means long-term success down the road.
The Browns have been linked to a deal for Sam Bradford, but Jeff McLane of Philly.com does not believe it will happen. According to sources, Bradford is not high on the idea of signing to the Browns. He already made it clear that if traded there he would not sign an extension. Given the current state of the team, it is safe to say that remains true.
Could Colin Kaepernick be a realistic option? According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Kaepernick wants out of San Francisco and in to New York. The Jets plan on having Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter. Knowing Kaepernick is unhappy, the 49ers could try to trade the quarterback and hope a team like the Browns bite.