Brandon Weeden sees the writing on the wall. He knows with new management and coaches moving in for the Cleveland Browns, his future is in question. With Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi out the door, could Weeden be next? While it is assumed that the former starter could be release, Weeden is making the first move by requesting a change.
According to NFL Media Insider Michael Silver, Weeden has requested a release or trade from the Cleveland Browns in hopes that a change in scenery will help jump start his career after being a first-round draft pick in 2012.
"Given the turmoil with the coaching staff and lack of public support from the most recent front office, he's interested in a fresh start with a clean slate and an opportunity to compete to show he has the talent to develop into a productive player in the league," Silver reported on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access.
Weeden has failed to develop into a starting quarterback after two years with the Browns. He has not had much help around him, sparking the debate of whether or not Weeden could actually develop into a real NFL quarterback with a better coaching staff and supporting cast. Last season, Weeden played just eight games, partially due to injuries and partially due to poor play. He passed for 1,731 yards and nine touchdowns while also tossing nine interceptions.
The coaching staff is not the only reason Weeden was expected to be released. At 30-years-old, his time in the NFL was already assumed to be short. In 20 starts he has done nothing to prove he can be a true starter, but the constant coaching changes will have some teams willing to take a chance on bringing him in. Silver suggests the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be solid options for Weeden.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has also noted the team is looking to make a splash when it comes to the NFL Draft and are seeking a "playmaker" at quarterback. He has mention Johnny Manziel as being the top target and the Cleveland Plain Dealer suggests the Browns may be looking to trade up in order to get the Texas A&M star.
Cleveland will find it hard to trade Weeden. He is not worth much more than possibly a late-round draft pick. Simply releasing him will be the easier option. Weeden's days as a guaranteed starter are likely over, but he could create some competition for teams with a young player at the position.
