It is officially the Johnny Manziel show in Cleveland. The Browns announced on Tuesday that the rookie quarterback would be starting in Week 15 as the team prepares to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns have been struggling heavily on offense and Manziel was responsible for their only offensive touchdown in the past three games. Head coach Mike Pettine made the move and now all eyes shift to the future of Brian Hoyer.
According to Pettine, Manziel gives the team the best shot at winning on Sunday. FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported the move which Pettine stressed was simply a football move and nothing personal.
"This decision is really not about Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel, it is about the Cleveland Browns. We are always going to make decisions that we feel are in the best interest of the team," Pettine said in a statement via ESPN.com. "Brian has done everything that has been asked of him and he has done so as a true professional. ... We are trying to get the offense to perform at a higher level. Johnny has worked very hard to earn this opportunity and it will be very important for every member of the offense to elevate their play for us to obtain our desired result."
Hoyer has one touchdown drive in his past 29 series. He has played well as a starting quarterback, getting the Browns to a 7-4 record, but his struggles in the past five games have been a cause for concern. Suddenly Hoyer's stock is dropping and as he prepares to enter free agency, teams will notice this benching. So where could Hoyer be headed if Manziel remains the starting quarterback?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hoyer is not expected back in Cleveland. The veteran quarterback wants a team that will allow him to start games and with Manziel on the roster, that might no longer be the Browns. Hoyer has some big names to compete with on the market. Mark Sanchez, Michael Vick and Ryan Mallett will all be available as well as a trade of Robert Griffin III and top draft prospects.
Judging by free agency in the past, Hoyer cannot command a lengthy contract in free agency. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Hoyer can probably get a two-year contract similar to what Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chad Henne earned. The Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans could all be frontrunners to sign Hoyer, but it will all depend on how much money he tries to command.
