The Cleveland Browns once again won a game at the arm of Brian Hoyer. The veteran quarterback continues to prove that he can be a solid starting quarterback in the NFL, capable of getting teams into postseason contention. He has picked the right time to do so considering Hoyer is currently in the final year of his contract and will be looking for a new deal and/or new team come the offseason. However, the Browns are also in an interesting spot having to decide between the veteran and media darling Johnny Manziel to shape their future around.
The Browns are in contention to make the postseason and it is not because of Manziel like some might assume. The rookie quarterback has barely seen the field since getting drafted in the first round as Hoyer continues to find ways to win games. This is putting a slight damper on the future of the rookie quarterback who is reportedly frustrated with his lack of a role on the team. According to ESPN.com, Manziel has been frustrated about not playing at all this season even the quarterback downplayed the idea to the media.
The Browns have barely been able to get a handle on the NFL potential of Manziel because Hoyer is playing too well to take him off the field. So what happens when Hoyer gets the Browns into the postseason and Cleveland opts to re-sign him to a multi-year contract? The Cleveland Plain Dealer notes that a trade of the rookie quarterback will not be out of the question if it means the Browns can put themselves in a position to improve. Cleveland already has two first-round picks to their name for next year. Manziel could garner at least a second-round draft pick if not higher in return. That could entice the Browns to make a move. So who would bite?
The New York Jets would immediately become a candidate to trade for Manziel. The team is currently dealing with the downfall of Geno Smith and the struggles of Michael Vick. General manager John Idzik made note that he was uncertain if the Jets' franchise quarterback was on the roster at the moment which leads many to believe he will either make a trade in the offseason or draft a player like Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. Considering the Jets have a lot of holes to fill on their roster, making a trade for Manziel is not out of the question.
The Dallas Cowboys will be on the list considering Jerry Jones has made it known just how close he came to drafting the quarterback. Given the back issues continuing to plagued Tony Romo, adding Manziel as insurance is not a bad option. The Buffalo Bills would also be ideal. EJ Manuel has yet to show exactly what he is capable of at quarterback and the team will need another quality quarterback on the roster to help push the position.
