The Cleveland Browns are keeping all options on the table when it comes to the quarterback position. The team can go multiple directions in 2015 as having two first-round draft picks allows them to have plenty of flexibility. The biggest question is whether or not Johnny Manziel will be part of the future plan for Cleveland, something no one is ready to guarantee.
Mike Pettine was the first to admit there was a big question mark at the quarterback position. The recent drama surrounding Manziel makes things muddy for the Browns as the rookie's maturity and potential to lead come under fire following lateness to team requirements and rumored party that half of Cleveland attended. Owner Ray Farmer voiced his support for Manziel's potential to be a starting quarterback, but hesitated when asked if he could be an elite one.
"I do think he can develop into a solid starter in this league, yes," Farmer said, via ESPN.com. "I think the sample size that's available is small. We all got to be patient. I think there's an opportunity for the guy to make changes, and it's up to him if he's going to make those changes. But I think the talent is in his body to accomplish that."
Farmer might believe that Manziel can be a starting quarterback, he told the media that he would not hesitate to draft another quarterback in this year's draft. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported earlier that the Browns were considering packaging their two first-round draft picks together in favor of getting the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Oregon's Marcus Mariota to either challenge or replace Manziel.
"Nope, I would not. I would not hesitate to take whoever I thought could help this football team and move us forward. The goal is win it's not to draft any particular person or players, simply to win," Farmer said, via the Akron Beacon Journal.
The Browns are also eyeing re-signing Brian Hoyer who led the team to a 7-5 record before struggling in a stretch of games. The veteran would come relatively cheap for the Browns, costing them a two-year deal at the most. No matter who else comes in at quarterback, Farmer confirms that Manziel will stay put with the Browns and get a fair chance at competing.
"He'll be given every opportunity to contribute and compete, and he'll also have to compete against guys that could be draft choices," Farmer said. "They could be free-agent selections. They could be any number of stones that we overturn to try to find the right guy to bring in here to improve our roster."