Hue Jackson told the media that the Cleveland Browns need a quarterback and now that remains as true as ever. With more and more details emerging regarding the domestic violence charges against Johnny Manziel, it is a guarantee that the Browns release the quarterback once they are allowed to per NFL rules. That leaves Josh McCown as the lone starter on the team and a need for a franchise player. The Browns will explore all options for help including looking at promising backups.
According to Peter King of MMQB.com, the Browns will have interest in Brock Osweiler who played as backup to Peyton Manning with the Denver Broncos. Osweiler played this year on an expiring contract and after showing success in the starting role, his value increased in the league. Osweiler went 5-2 as a starter this season with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He looks poised for NFL success, but the issue is that the Broncos know that and need him.
According to John Elway via the Denver Post, the Broncos will make sure to retain Osweiler, but doing so will not be easy. The team is already prepare to use a franchise tag on Von Miller. If they cannot get Osweiler signed to a new deal, they risk losing him to teams like Cleveland or Houston who need a starter as well. King reports the Browns would not hesitate to shell out some money on the quarterback.
With the No.2 pick in the NFL Draft, the Browns could select a rookie for the starting role, but Todd McShay of ESPN reports that could be risky considering the talent level entering the draft. Players like Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz are the highest-rated players, but they are no guarantee for success in the league. The Browns could draft someone and use McCown as a stop-gap player, but they run the risk of setting themselves back further.
There is a chance players like Sam Bradford, Nick Foles or Ryan Fitzpatrick become available for Cleveland. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Eagles will not use a franchise tag on Bradford and will chase Foles who could be released from the Los Angeles Rams. Now, the Philadelphia Inquirer has denied that report, but there might be some truth to it. The Browns could also try and swoop in with a deal for Fitzpatrick who has not committed to a return to the New York Jets.
The Browns have not yet said they will release Manziel, but it can be assumed considering the statement the team released expressing disappointment in the quarterback's actions. It is hard to see a situation where Manziel returns although Jackson told the media that he will do anything he can to help the quarterback turn things around.
"And then No. 2, I don't know Johnny. I've never talked to Johnny. But I don't want to see any young man's life be at risk in any situation," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "I know our organization well enough that the powers-that-be would reach out and create any environment that could help. Because we're not about hurting people. We're about saving people. I know that without question.''