The Cleveland Browns have publically supported Johnny Manziel throughout his off-the-field issues. However, it is looking more and more likely that is simply a front and internally the franchise is preparing to part ways with the former first-round quarterback. Set to depart a rehab facility next week in time for spring workouts, Manziel could be on the move to another team sooner rather than later. With competition high for Marcus Mariota, the Browns are looking at a different route to acquire a starting quarterback.
The rumors around Manziel have been running wild ever since ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Browns were "90 percent done" with the quarterback. According to Mack Ferguson of Chat Sports, the Browns are now discussing a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that would involve dealing Manziel and a high draft pick for Sam Bradford. The source reporting the trade talk is "very close to an agent involved in the trade talks" according to Chat Sports.
This deal is certainly not crazy to believe and might be more than just another Manziel rumor. It has been widely reported that the Browns like Bradford. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the team originally offered a first-round draft pick for the quarterback. It has also been reported that the Browns are not ready to fully invest in Manziel despite what they continue to say to the media. So the thought that the team would prefer to trade Manziel for Bradford is not far-fetched.
The difficult part of this report is whether or not the move will actually go through. What interest do the Eagles really have with Manziel and a high draft pick? If anything, the Eagles are trying to move farther up the boards to get Marcus Mariota, not accept a lower draft pick in exchange for a quarterback that might not be ready to play. The Eagles have Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley along with Bradford. Acquiring Manziel would likely mean that Sanchez was the starter Week 1 unless Chip Kelly is about to get really crazy with deals moving up the boards.
Browns coach Mike Pettine told the media that all options are on the table once Manziel returns from rehab according to Cleveland.com. That could mean he competes with the newly signed Josh McCown for the starting job. He could simply be released if he struggles in practices or he could be traded. Manziel's value on the market is really an unknown considering he barely saw the field last year. If teams bank on the potential he showed at Texas A&M, someone like the Eagles could make a deal.
One thing is certain; the Browns are not settled on their quarterback rotation. With two first-round draft picks, they have flexibility. The team could eye Mike Glennon or Kirk Cousins in a trade. They could sell picks to the Titans and draft Mariota. They could hold off and make a move for Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley. The team has options and one of them is shopping Manziel to the Eagles.
