The quarterback issues for the Cleveland Browns just got a little more interesting. The team dealt with the competition between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel last season and now has even more problems on their hands regarding the quarterback position for the future. According to Cleveland Browns' owner Ray Farmer, Manziel has entered a treatment facility on Monday in order to be "a better family member, friend and teammate."
Farmer released a statement regarding Manziel simply saying that the Cleveland Browns support the quarterback's decision and believe his health is the most important thing at the moment.
"We respect Johnny's initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process. Our players' health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns," Farmer said.
Manziel's future with the Browns was already in doubt before this announcement and while it is too early to speculate if this will impact his future, Cleveland has some decisions to make immediately. Manziel has been the subject of trade or release rumors since the start of the Browns' offseason after Farmer told the media he was not certain the franchise quarterback was on the roster yet in Cleveland. That means he doubts Manziel to the fullest after the quarterback made more headlines for off-the-field issues than on. The latest news surrounding the rookie certainly does not help.
A contract for Brian Hoyer is likely the priority in Cleveland right now. According to owner Jimmy Haslam, the door is wide open for the quarterback to return in free agency while Hoyer's agent made it clear that was only an option if Cleveland promised he would be the starter in 2015. Hoyer is not interested in competing for the job this offseason. With Manziel out at the moment, Hoyer is the best option the Browns have at quarterback in 2015 regardless of other moves made.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns like the idea of drafting Marcus Mariota and attempting a big jump up the boards to get him. While that might help the long-term outlook for the Browns, it does not fix 2015. Inserting Mariota as an immediate starter is no guarantee while having Hoyer could at least guarantee Cleveland some wins. Acquiring either Nick Foles or Mark Sanchez might also be an option while a deal for Jay Cutler is too high priced.
Right now, there is no trade market for Manziel. People have doubted his talent at the pro level since the draft and his off-the-field issues do not build up his stock. Cleveland will either have to release him from his contract or simply keep the quarterback and hope he develops. Replacing him on the depth chart is now a priority.
