On Wednesday, rumors surfaced that the Cleveland Browns were preparing to trade Brian Hoyer to the Houston Texans in exchange for wide receiver Andre Johnson. At first glance, this deal made total sense. ESPN's Ed Werder got minds thinking after he announced the Browns had signed quarterback Rex Grossman to add to the mix of Hoyer and Johnny Manziel. That spawned an entire circle of rumors about how Hoyer was expendable to the Browns given the idea that Manziel would likely start Week 1 anyways. Head coach Mike Pettine is now going on the defense, shooting down all of these reports.
The idea the Browns would trade Hoyer is not insane, just not practical at this moment. Most assume Manziel will be the starting quarterback for Cleveland. The team drafted him in the first round for a reason and he is the fan favorite. Hoyer is certainly no slouch, proving that he has all the talents needed to start for the Browns and bring them success, which is why these rumors started in the first place. Grossman is a capable backup so the Browns rotation could be set with or without Hoyer.
The Houston Texans' quarterback situation is leaving a lot to be desired no matter how much support head coach Bill O'Brien voices towards the playoffs. Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed two interceptions in the first preseason game. Rookie Tom Savage was sacked twice. Getting Hoyer could certainly improve the unit.
Then there is the matter of Johnson. The wide receiver is not happy in Houston. He made the clear when he questioned his future with the franchise. The Browns are prepared to lose their leading receiver, Josh Gordon, to a lengthy suspension. They had been linked to a trade for Johnson in the past, so why not now?
Everyone from CBS Sports' analyst Sage Rosenfels to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle bought into the idea of the trade, hinting that major move could be in the works. However, Pettine is speaking up saying Hoyer is not for sale.
"No, absolutely not," Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "We were looking to upgrade that third spot. We think the world of Brian and he's been really solid for us. He's done nothing to have that job taken away and we're really pleased with where he is. A lot of people don't realize when he played in Detroit, it was his first live action since coming off a serious knee injury and we thought he handled himself very well. We're not going to comment on every story that's out there,"
For now, Johnson will remain with the Texans for the season. If he is lucky, they trade him over the summer. The Browns will continue to deal with the media attention of Manziel and Hoyer and work to replace Gordon for within.
