The Cleveland Browns have some major questions at quarterback heading into 2015, as the team may look at a trade up in the draft for Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston over Johnny Manziel starting, while Brian Hoyer could be an option to return in free agency.
The Browns had a tough finish to the season, losing five straight games after being in playoff position and now they are looking to bounce back in 2015. Manziel and Josh Gordon had bad ends to the season as well, as both players were disciplined for missing team events and Manziel was hit with a scathing report on ESPN.com about his performance and preparation this season. According to ESPN Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi, Ray Farmer said in his season-ending press conference that the Browns would not rule out picking a quarterback in the draft this year.
The Browns may look at bringing back Brian Hoyer at the "right price" as Tony Grossi at ESPN writes that the team could sign Hoyer as a free agent. Last year Hoyer started the season 7-4 before faltering down the stretch and while he will have interest from the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, the Browns look like the spot he would rather be. Hoyer reportedly wants to have the chance to start and he may get that with how Manziel ended the year.
According to ESPN.com, the Browns could look at extending Hoyer before he hits the free agent market. Hoyer threw for 3334 yards and 12 touchdowns with 13 interceptions in 14 games last season. The Browns also may look at trading up in the draft, as they are the only team with multiple first round picks and they have the most overall picks in the draft as a team. Winston and Mariota could be potential targets if they slip past the first couple picks, but most mocks have those players going number one and two.
Farmer, owner Jimmy Haslam and new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo all said after the season that they didn't know who the quarterback would be yet in 2015, with DeFilippo saying Manziel will have a "clean slate" with him. Manziel had the chance to start some games, but according to a report from Jeremy Fowler and Pat McManamon, Manziel was not well-prepared for his starts and continued to participate in nightlife activities, including drinking.
The report was not good for Manziel, as some unnamed players called him a "joke" and also a source said he was found "drunk off his ass" the morning before the Browns final game. Manziel and Josh Gordon were reportedly disciplined for their actions in the final week of the season and at that time Manziel was on the injured list. Gordon was suspended for Week 17, his second suspension of the season after starting off missing 10 games following a failed drug test.
