Just two weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback picture appeared to be taking shape. The team was likely to say goodbye to Brian Hoyer while moving on with Johnny Manziel as the future. They would likely add someone via free agency to help backup the rookie quarterback in his second year. However, injuries, fines over lateness and controversial parties suddenly have Manziel's future back in doubt as Hoyer's contract in free agency could become a priority for the Browns.
The latest Manziel drama to hit the headlines involves the quarterback missing treatment and throwing parties. According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, Manziel was fined for missing treatment for his injured hamstring along with throwing a party that caused the Browns to send security to his home. The quarterback was not answering calls and did not show up to team facilities. The part reportedly led to wide receiver Josh Gordon missing team walkthroughs and get suspended for the season finale. Suddenly, Manziel's future as the starting quarterback in Cleveland is in doubt again.
According to Browns' reporter David Zavac, the Browns are not considering offering Hoyer a contract extension in free agency. Zavac writes that several members of the coaching staff are pushing to bring back the veteran as uncertainty rises over Manziel. ESPN's Adam Schefter had previously reported that Hoyer was favoring leaving Cleveland for a team that would give him a chance to start at quarterback next season. The Browns did not look like that team considering they were moving on with Manziel.
Bringing Hoyer back would be a cheap and smart option. The quarterback would likely command at two-year contract at the minimum, but would not cost as much as other available quarterbacks. Hoyer led the Browns to a 7-5 record before seeing his production start to dip. He was eventually benched in favor of Manziel who did very little to prove he was an option as a franchise quarterback.
The Browns also have the draft as an option. Cleveland will have two mid-first-round draft picks. Mary Kay Caboy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Browns have considered selling both draft picks in order to acquire the No. 1 overall pick and grab Marcus Mariota out of Oregon. If the Browns were to draft Mariota, they would likely be saying goodbye to Hoyer. However, there is also the option of trying trade Manziel and re-sign Hoyer to pair with another rookie.
Everything is on the table in terms of the Browns' offense in 2015. The team has plenty of directions they can take the quarterback position and only a handful involve using Manziel as the starter in 2015.
