The Cleveland Browns have been held back by quarterback issues in recent years and the team appears uncertain they are going about the right way to fix them. LAst year they drafted Johnny Manziel in the first round in hopes that the Texas A&M star was worth the hype around him. The end result was Brian Hoyer winning the starting job and Manziel barely seeing the field. Now after a stint in rehab, the Browns might be more ready to give up on Manziel than they are letting on.
The Browns have maintained the stance they are sticking by Manziel regardless of what has happened this offseason. Head coach Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer continue to voice their support for the quarterback saying they expect him to reach his full potential with the team. However, is that really the case as the team eyes moves for players like Marcus Mariota or Sam Bradford?
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Browns are close to giving up on the idea that Manziel is their future quarterback. This idea certainly goes against what the Browns are saying in public, but it would not be a shock if it were true. Cleveland has stated their doubts about the quarterback position and Manziel plays a part in that. After all the hype surrounding him leaving college, Manziel's rookie season on the field was forgettable going just 18-of-35 for 175 yards and two interceptions. He ran nine times for 29 yards and one touchdown.
The idea the Browns might move on from Manziel has come up in the past. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns tossed the idea around of trading Manziel for Bradford during the NFL Scouting Combine. The Cleveland Plain Dealer confirmed they did offer up a first-round draft pick for the quarterback proving there are big doubts about Manziel.
The issue for the Browns is that once again they are preparing to enter a football season with a real question mark at the quarterback position. They acquired Josh McCown, but he is coming off a dismal season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With two first-round draft picks, the Browns would be wise to try and grab Mariota in a trade up or get Bradford if possible. At least that would give them someone that looks better on paper.
