The Cleveland Browns are expected to release Johnny Manziel this offseason and that could lead the team to target Jared Goff in the NFL draft. Manziel has had issues off the field over the past year and reports have the Browns prepared to release the quarterback in March.
ESPN reports that Manziel is likely going to be released by the Browns when the new league year begins next month. Sources say that the team will cut Manziel at the point because the Browns will have enough salary cap space to make the move when the new league year starts. The Browns could look at trading Manziel before releasing the quarterback, but at this point it's unlikely a deal will happen. While nothing has been made official yet, even Joe Thomas admitted that the end is likely near for Manziel.
Thomas spoke about the situation with Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, saying that it's a "sad end to the story in Cleveland for Johnny." Thomas added that Manziel is a " guy that personally I like. I believe he has a lot of talent. He's got the talent to be an NFL quarterback, but it obviously hasn't worked out so far." Manziel has shown some flashes of talent while on the field, but he has been inconsistent and his off the field issues have overshadowed his play.
Thomas also spoke about the potential options the team could take in the offseason, saying the Browns will "probably" draft a quarterback in the first round. Thomas also praised Josh McCown and added that the team should be able to get the "best quarterback in the draft or the second best at worst." Jared Goff has been projected as the option in many mock drafts heading into the offseason, as scouts see him as the top quarterback prospect this year.
The Browns also could look at the free agent market for quarterback options with Brock Osweiler and Sam Bradford potentially being available. Both players should be targeted by their current teams, but there is a good chance they will be on the open market. Robert Griffin is expected to be released by the Redskins this offseason and he also could be a target for the Browns.
