The Cleveland Browns have publically supported Johnny Manziel to the media since the quarterback admitted himself into a rehab program, but internally that might not be the case. The Browns continue to try and figure out their quarterback situation as no one on the roster is inspiring much confidence at the moment. As trust begins to waiver on Manziel, will Cleveland have no choice but to trade up for a quarterback in the draft?
Some members on the Browns' roster have been adamant that Manziel still has the support of his teammates, while offensive tackle Joe Thomas went on ESPN radio and noted that the quarterback must win back the trust of coaches and players and alike.
"I think he's going to have to prove to the team that football is important and being the man, being the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is important, it is his goal, his single goal in his life," Thomas said, via ESPN 1540 AM. "You know, I think he lost probably a lot of trust among the guys on the team last year by the way he handled himself once he became the starter. And I think he had a lot of time to reflect, I'm guessing, after the season was over by the comments he made in the media and by his actions, checking himself into rehab. ... I think those were really positive steps."
This statement comes off the reports from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the Browns were preparing to part ways with Manziel saying the franchise was "90 percent" done with the quarterback. This goes against what head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer has said to the media during the entire offseason. However, it does follow the report from NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the Browns attempted to toss Manziel in for a potential trade for Sam Bradford. Nothing has been done, but it is not for a lack of trying from the Cleveland Browns.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are still interested in a trade up for Marcus Mariota. This move has been speculated for the entire offseason given the Browns have two first-round draft picks to work with. If they wanted to trade up to the No. 2 pick, they would not be sacrificing a lot in order to do so. If the Browns feel Mariota is the guy for the franchise, a move up is necessary. The lingering doubt of Manziel could force the team to trade. The quarterback is set to return from rehab in time for spring workouts. The Browns will do heavy evaluating before the draft comes around at the end of April.
