The Cleveland Browns cannot seem to get settled. The franchise thought they had everything figured out last season when they drafted Johnny Manziel in the first round of the NFL Draft hoping the quarterback could live up to the hype he garnered in college. That has yet to come true which has the Browns searching for other options at the position and getting a lot of dead ends in the process.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported earlier in the offseason that despite their public support of Manziel, the Browns are about"90 percent" done with the quarterback and ready to move. Officially out of rehab, Manziel is expected to join the Browns for offseason workouts, but Cleveland is not ready to guarantee his roster spot just yet as they search for other quarterback options. However, as recent deals get denied, it could be Manziel and Josh McCown for 2015.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Browns offered a first-round draft pick and Manziel in exchange for Sam Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles. This trade has been lingered for weeks as many speculate Chip Kelly wants Marcus Mariota and not Bradford as his starting quarterback. However, NJ.com's Mark Eckel is reporting that Bradford has told his agent if he is traded to the Browns he will not sign a long-term contract next offseason. Bradford is entering the final year of his deal with a chance to be a free agent next season.
This has officially ended trade talk with the Cleveland Browns. Eckel writes that because Bradford is not willing to sign an extension, the Browns are not looking to give up a lot to get him. That leaves Cleveland back at square one. The team could draft another rookie in a later round. Brett Hundley, Bryce Petty and Garrett Grayson could all be around come the third round of the NFL Draft. That would be an easy move for Cleveland, but would give them a very young rotation.
The team could look to another trade that will not cost as much. The Tampa Bay Times is reporting Mike Glennon is available while Kirk Cousins with the Redskins could also be an option. This would allow the Browns to use their first round pick on other pressing needs like a wide receiver. Still in need of that No. 1 threat, several mock drafts believe if a quarterback is not drafted in the first round, players like Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker could be good fits for the Browns.
