Brian Hoyer's success is forcing the quarterback to begin answering questions about his future. It is no secret that Hoyer has an expiring contract and the Cleveland Browns must start to think about whether or not he is a long-term option for the team. The veteran quarterback has the Browns competitive for the first time in a few seasons which could make him a hot target in the offseason. Are the Browns preparing to make an offer or move on?
Hoyer was never meant to be a long-term option for the team. The Browns named him the starting quarterback with the idea that he would be a stop-gap type player while Johnny Manziel develops behind him. The twist in the story is that Hoyer is playing well and the Browns have won some solid games this season. So does Cleveland stick to the original plan or keep Hoyer despite him not being a fan favorite?
According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the Cleveland Browns have no intentions of re-signing Hoyer in the offseason. The two sides have not even begun to discuss a contract extension and likely will not. No, Hoyer is not a marquee quarterback and he has certainly seen his struggles this season, but the Browns are 3-2 on the year while sitting in third place of a wide open AFC North. The Browns have a chance to make a run this year if Hoyer can keep up his respectable numbers. Why not sign him?
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported early that the Browns are in a tough spot when it comes to determining their quarterback future. Hoyer's contract is expiring. Manziel has not been on the field enough to have his potential truly evaluated. The Browns have two first-round draft picks to work with in a season where players like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley will be available. Trade rumors have circulated. Hoyer is downplaying the idea that Manziel is playing a role in his plans for the future, but it is hard to deny the idea.
"I don't think I need to say anything more than I'm from Cleveland, and this is where I want to be," Hoyer said, via Ohio.com. "But I'm also a competitor, and I want to be somewhere where I'm playing."
If the Browns do not make a move on Hoyer, someone else will. The quarterback told reporters that he simply wants to play and plans on being on a team that allows him to do so.
