The Cleveland Browns continue to determine their commitment in Johnny Manziel and things like minicamp and training camp will be big factors into that decision. The quarterback had a roller coaster rookie season and offseason that saw his name in the headlines for too many things outside of football. Now the Browns are trying to see if he really is the future of the franchise as trade rumors begin to surface for quarterback help heading into 2015.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, early returns on Manziel have been positive. Coaches and teammates have been raving about his focus on the football field and maturity as a leader. Manziel is not competing for a starting spot this season. That role will go to Josh McCown, something Mike Pettine has already confirmed. However, Manziel is competing to remain on the team past this season as quarterback coach Kevin O'Connell remains confident the second-year pro can eventually be a starter.
"All the things that make (Tom) Brady and (Peyton) Manning special, Johnny Manziel is capable of doing those things," O'Connell said, via ESPN.com. "Now it is on him to continue to learn it and apply it to his game. Wherever Johnny goes I think he will be a great pro and I think he is going to work extremely hard to become the best possible player that he can be. I think the sky is the limit. The NFL has a funny way of allowing the cream to rise to the top no matter where you are picked. I think Johnny is immensely talented. I think he is incredibly talented."
According to ESPN's Matt Williamson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon could be available via trades either this season or next as the team prepares to move forward with Jameis Winston. The chances Glennon is traded this year is slim to none, but he could be a hot commodity next offseason. If McCown and Manziel turn out to not be the answer for Cleveland, the Browns are expected to explore a deal for Glennon. The same can be said for both Kirk Cousins and Zach Mettenberger next year.
For now, the Browns are putting their faith in McCown with Manziel as a backup. Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Duke Johnson were added to help the quarterbacks improve in 2015, but if that does not workout than the Browns will be at square one.
