After yet another off-the-field incident, the Cleveland Browns had to make a call on Johnny Manziel. The rumors around the quarterback this offseason have not been positive as many believed Hue Jackson was ready to part ways with the former first-round pick. After helicopters were deployed to find the quarterback following a domestic incident, the Browns are officially cutting ties with Manziel.
According to ESPN's Pat McManamon, the Browns will release Manziel in March following a statement expressing their disappointment in the quarterback. Cleveland will release the quarterback in March in order to avoid the $4.6 million salary cap charge. While the Browns can also try to trade the quarterback, releasing him is the likely option considering his value in the league is not high enough for a quality return.
"We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization," team vice president Sashi Brown said, via ESPN.com. "His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time."
So where do the Browns look for a quarterback? The team has Josh McCown under contract who is currently healing from a broken collarbone. He gives the Browns some flexibility at the starting spot. McCown started last season for the Browns, but injuries put Manziel under center. He could start in 2016 and be a stop gap option should the Browns go younger at the position.
Is Sam Bradford an option? The quarterback will be a free agent this offseason and the Browns have shown interest before. However, if Bradford has his pick of teams, he is not going to Cleveland. According to Jeff McLane of Philly.com, Bradford made it clear last year that he did not want to be sent to the Browns and it is likely that opinion still stands. The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to retain the quarterback regardless, but if he was available, Browns fans should not expect a deal.
All signs point to the NFL Draft for the next quarterback in Cleveland. With the No.2 pick the team has options. Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz are the best available. However, Todd McShay of ESPN.com reports that none of the options are ready to be an immediate starter for any franchise. That is where having McCown could pay off for the Browns. They could easily draft someone like Goff and let him develop for a season. There are no guarantees with this quarterback class which makes any pick risky, but Cleveland has no other option in front of them.
