The drama surrounding Johnny Manziel simply cannot seem to calm down as the quarterback continues to have off-the-field issues. With a new coaching staff and general manager preparing to come in and take over the Cleveland Browns, Manziel is not helping his future as many believe he could be headed out depending on who takes over the team.
According to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, Manziel did return to Browns' team facilities for exit interviews after being deemed AWOL over the weekend following reports that he was partying in Las Vegas with a concussion. McManamon is reporting the Browns are being very coy about what Manziel's future holds in Cleveland as the team will first get a new coach and front office in place before determining what will happen with the quarterback position.
"As the owner you do have say," owner Jimmy Haslam said, via ESPN.com. "I just don't think right now is the time to comment on that. There will be plenty of time to work on that over the next several months."
If Manziel hits the market this offseason, the Browns could take their high draft pick and select his replacement. According to NFLMockDrafts.com, the future of the Browns' franchise is Jared Goff and not Manziel. With the No.2 pick, the Browns could easily select Goff who is being viewed as the best quarterback in the draft this season and hope he turns out better than Manziel did. The Browns have Josh McCown signed through 2018 as an insurance plan. They could select someone like Goff, Paxton Lynch or Carson Wentz and either start them right away or let them develop behind McCown for a season.
Is there is a situation where Manziel sticks around in Cleveland? The quarterback hiring will have a major impact on whether or not the quarterback stays put. Could a hiring of Chip Kelly save Manziel? Kelly was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles and according to Sports Illustrated, he is being linked to the Browns. Kelly and Manziel would be the ideal fit for one another. Manziel's versatility on the field is the perfect complement to Kelly's offense.
Kelly is not the only player being linked to the Browns. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Doug Marrone is set to interview for the team. Adam Gase and Teryl Austin will also be interviewing along with Patriots' defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. The high draft pick make the Browns an attractive landing spot for a new coach as they can bring in their own quarterback. Manziel might find himself on the outside looking in as a result.
