The Cleveland Browns drafted Johnny Manziel in 2014 with the intentions that he would be the face of the franchise at some point. They brought in veteran Brian Hoyer to potentially start if Manziel took time to develop. It appeared like their quarterback situation was set. However, the Browns did not have much confidence in the situation as they let on to the media and now reports of failed trades are coming out as Cleveland is once again seeking help at the position for the future.
According to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, the Browns attempted to trade leading wide receiver Josh Gordon to the Philadelphia Eagles in order to acquire Nick Foles at the quarterback position. Sheridan writes that the trade failed because of Gordon's track record. Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly nixed the offer because he was reportedly concerned about the two-game suspension Gordon served in 2013 and was uncertain if he would still be a head case or not.
Kelly made the right call. Shortly after the trade was presented Gordon was suspended for 10 games in 2014 leaving the Browns without their leading wide receiver. Foles ended up starting the season at quarterback before getting injured and ending his year early. However, the future of Foles is very unclear and Cleveland could actually look to try and negotiate another trade for the quarterback during this year's offseason.
The Browns need quarterback help and the Eagles could be looking to deal. Foles is entering the final year of his contract and his future with the franchise is less than guaranteed as Philadelphia eyes Marcus Mariota. Cleveland has Hoyer heading to free agency and Manziel currently serving a stint in rehab with just Connor Shaw left on the roster. Foles could be the quarterback that helps them into the future as they move past Gordan and potentially Jordan Cameron.
The Browns have been linked to several quarterback trades recently. The Washington Post reported the team attempted to offer a fourth-round draft pick for Kirk Cousins prior to the 2014 season and the Redskins declined the move. Could Cleveland try again to acquire Cousins? He would be cheaper than a fourth-round pick as he struggled in place of Robert Griffin III last year and is entering the final year of his contract.
Cleveland is also being linked to trade up for Mariota in the draft. They are not certain Hoyer is looking to return to the team in free agency as the Browns undergo more changes than previously expected. Owner Jimmy Haslam noted that the Browns are not giving up on Manziel and his future, but they are uncertain when the quarterback will return from his admission into rehab. The Browns are rebuilding on offense and it will start with the quarterback spot as they aim to get a franchise player in sooner rather than later.
