The Cleveland Browns are starting to work through what their potential quarterback situation could look like in 2015. With two first-round draft picks the team could go in multiple directions in the offseason, some that might include keeping Johnny Manziel, re-signing Brian Hoyer or totally cleaning house in bringing in someone new. With Hoyer and Manziel both out for the season, Pettine admits that it is anyone's game next season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Hoyer is expected to leave Cleveland in free agency. The veteran quarterback wants the chance to compete as a starter and the Browns will simply not offer him that chance. So now all eyes turn towards Manziel and his potential to be a franchise star. The rookie finally got a start against the Cincinnati and promptly got shut out. Then he got injured in his second game and has been ruled out. With the sample size small in determining his potential, can Manziel be considered an option next season at quarterback?
"He's a player on our roster," head coach Mike Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "He'll get a chance to compete."
The stats on Manziel simply do not say enough. The quarterback is 18 of 35 for 175 yards passing with two interceptions and one touchdown. He was placed on injured reserve after injuring his hamstring in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. His one play of promise was an 8-yard touchdown drive that resulted in him rushing the ball for a touchdown.
Manziel stresses that he wants to be a starting quarterback and he intends to spend the offseason working hard to get better. The quarterback told the media that this season has been frustrating between not playing and also the media scrutiny around him, but that has not halted his confidence.
"It's been a year of growing up for me," Manziel said. "It's a job for me now. I have to take it a lot more seriously than maybe I did at first."
The thing for Cleveland is the two first-round draft picks they own. The team will have two mid-first round draft picks to work with. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are interested in selling both picks for the No. 1 overall pick in order to grab Marcus Mariota out of Oregon. He would likely pair with Manziel for a young rotation. The Browns could also make moves for players like Jay Cutler who could be available. They could also try and sign another veteran like Mark Sanchez or even a younger free agent like Ryan Mallett to push Manziel.
