A large part of the downfall of the Cleveland Browns in 2013 was the quarterback play. The team placed blame on plenty of people, but the truth is players like Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell failed to do their jobs. As the Browns enter a rebuilding phase, both quarterbacks are expected to be released.
The Browns ran a three-man quarterback rotation and all three failed to generate any success. Campbell led the pack with 2,015 yards on the season for 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Weeden put up 1,731 yards for nine touchdowns and nine interceptions while missing several games due to injuries. Brian Hoyer also got action for 615 yards and five touchdowns.
ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi reports that both Weeden and Campbell are likely out once the official offseason for the NFL begins following the Super Bowl. Both moves are certainly no surprise. Weeden has failed to get anything going in his two years with the team after being drafted in the first round. Many had hoped Norv Turner at offensive coordinator would have worked well for Weeden, but instead he failed to improve while injuries hurt his progress.
Campbell played 45 percent of the Brown's offensive snaps this season. He is set to make $3.25 million in 2014 and that is far too much money for a quarterback who is just 1-7 as a starter. The only player who appears safe is Hoyer who tore his ACL midway through the season.
So where does Cleveland look after releasing two failed quarterback projects? Owner Jimmy Haslam has a plan to do whatever it takes to acquire Johnny Manziel in the upcoming NFL Draft. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Haslam is planning on trading up to try and draft the former Texas A&M star with the top pick.
The Browns have attempted to make this type of move work before. They failed while trying to trade up for Robert Griffin III and ere left with Weeden. Now, the Browns have the No. 4 pick and the No. 26 pick and could do some trading to get Manziel before Houston or Jacksonville does.
The Browns are trying to stir some excitement into their franchise. Currently in the midst of a head coaching search once again, Cleveland is desperate to find their franchise player. Manziel's explosive style of play could be just the ticket to some success.
