The Cleveland Browns had a tough finish to the season and moving forward the team may look at options other than Johnny Manziel at quarterback, as Brian Hoyer could return on a free agent contract, while an RG3 trade, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Mallet or Kirk Cousins could be options over drafting a QB like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota or Brett Hundley.
The Browns opened the season 7-4, but they fell apart down the stretch while losing five straight games and bouncing between Johnny Manziel, Brian Hoyer and Connor Shaw. Hoyer was benched after a couple of ineffective games for Manziel, but the rookie did not last long before going down with an injury. Manziel found himself in some controversy at the end of the season after allegedly throwing a party and missing treatment for his injury and that could force Mike Pettine to keep him on the bench to start 2015.
After Hoyer started the season 7-4 many wondered if Cleveland would give him a long term contract in the offseason, but now things are not as certain. Hoyer faltered down the stretch and then was injured himself and now that the regular season is over, he should have a number of suitors. Pro Football Talk reported earlier in the season that the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans could be interested in Hoyer and NY Jets also could be in that mix as well.
Hoyer was having a solid season before falling off down the stretch and he ended up playing in 14 games and starting 13 of them. Hoyer went 242-of-438 overall for 3,326 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and he was benched in the Week 13 loss against Buffalo. The team opened 6-3 over the first nine games and general manager Ray Farmer said that Hoyer would be a target for the Browns this offseason. ESPN.com reported that Hoyer's agent said that he would have "no problems" coming back to the Browns, but that if he does he hopes it's a "fair competition".
Manziel may have played himself out of getting any benefit of the doubt moving forward and that could open up Hoyer to return. Hoyer could start with Manziel learning as a backup for year two, but it's likely that Hoyer will be looking for a decent long term deal or at least a couple of years wherever he signs. While Manziel is likely to remain in Cleveland for now, next season he may have to prove much more to get the chance to be the starter again. The Browns are likely to explore quarterbacks in the draft, with Farmer saying the team is open to all options with their multiple picks.
Some have suggested Kirk Cousins could be a short term option since Kyle Shanahan worked well with him in Wahsington, but it's likely Cleveland explores free agency or the draft over a trade. If Winston and Mariota go early, the team can look at Hundley as an option, while one of the veteran QBs or Hoyer could be the answer before they decide to give Manziel the reigns.
ESPN.com reported in Week 17 that Hoyer was likely to leave the Browns, but Cleveland could be more motivated to try and keep him after the way things ended with Manziel. The Browns finished the season 7-9 this year and they went just 2-4 in the division and lost their final five games of the year. The offense ranked 20th in passing yards per game with just 216 and the rushing defense was the worst ranked in the league.
