Earlier in the offseason, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Cleveland Browns were "90 percent done" with Johnny Manziel. However, as the quarterback reports to voluntary workouts following an offseason stint in rehab, the team is denying the idea that they are moving on from last year's first-round draft. While they plan on keeping Manziel around for another season, that does not mean they are done looking at quarterback options.
Head coach Mike Pettine took to the podium as the Browns kicked off workouts and made it clear that Cleveland was still very much invested in the future of Manziel. There are have been a slew of rumors regarding whether or not the franchise would be better off attempting to trade or simply release the quarterback, but Pettine likes what he sees in Manziel and is holding the faith in the quarterback.
"I use that number 90 percent, too, about the accuracy of reports that are out there, being 90 percent inaccurate," Pettine said, via NFL.com. "I don't know where (Mortensen) would have gotten that from. (Manziel is) very much in our plans, and as we said, his career with us just hit the pause button. We've said this before, he's got to get himself right as a person first before we worry about Johnny the football player."
While Pettine is making it clear he believes in Manziel, he is not ruling out the idea of trading up for Marcus Mariota. The Browns first attempted to acquire Sam Bradford in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mark Eckel of NJ.com reported Bradford told his agent he would not sign a long-term contract if traded to Cleveland so that ended those reports. Armed with two first-round draft picks, the Browns could easily make a move for Mariota which might require jumping all the way to No. 2. Pettine is not against the idea.
"It's all about value," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "It's making sure that you're getting value for the pick and you're adding value to your roster and players that can help you in the short term and in the long term. I think everybody's at the point where all the teams call around, they call each other and I think everybody says, 'We're looking to trade up. We're looking to trade down.' I think you never truly know 'til you get close."
The Browns have Josh McCown and Manziel as their main two quarterbacks and that might not be enough to get the job done. In need of defensive line help and top wide receiver, the Browns could target those positions in the first and then chase a quarterback like Bryce Petty or Garrett Grayson in a later round. With the extra pick, the team certainly has options and flexibility.
