The Cleveland Browns have Johnny Manziel heading into 2015, but if he doesn't start the team may look at trade or free agent options at quarterback, as names like Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Mallett, Michael Vick, Robert Griffin III, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder could be potential targets.
The Browns have major questions moving forward at quarterback and while Manziel may turn out to be a great pro, right now he needs more time and that could mean a Hoyer return. ESPN.com reports that Hoyer is open for a return to the Browns in 2015 and this comes as he is likely to be targteed by the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans on the market. The quarterback class is fairly weak, with Hoyer and Mark Sanchez some of the top names, while Ryan Mallett also could be available.
Hoyer started off the season very well in 2014, leading the Browns to a 7-4 start, but he faltered down the stretch and was eventually replaced by Manziel. Hoyer eventually got back into things after Manziel dealt with an injury, but eventually he was injured as well and now the team is into the offseason. The Browns missed the playoffs once again and ended on a five game losing streak and Manziel also dealt with some controversy towards the end of the year along with Josh Gordon.
Manziel was on IR for the final game of the season, while Josh Gordon was suspended for missing a team function and reports had it because Manziel threw a party. ESPN reported that Manziel was late for a treatment on his hamstring and Gordon also was late and now heading into the offseason the two players have a lot to make up for. Gordon will be a free agent and now Manziel may have to work extra hard to get back into starting position.
Jeremy Fowler wrote at ESPN that the Browns are interested in bringing back Hoyer, but only if the price is right and that could mean he ends up elsewhere. The Browns may look at trade deals if they don't find a quarterback they like in the draft and some have suggested that the Washington Redskins could be a potential partner for a move. Robert Griffin III had an up and down year and while he is likely to return, he could be an option, while reports have Kirk Cousins looking for a trade if he doesn't get the chance to compete for a starting job.
Kyle Shanahan worked with both quarterbacks in Washington and he is now in Cleveland and the team is likely going to try to improve that side of the ball this offseason. The team ranked 20th in passing yards per game and 17th in rushing yards per game and they will have some money to spend on the cap and a double digit amount of draft picks to work with. The Browns won over the Falcons in November, but they lost six of their last seven games and now have some major issues to work on heading into 2015.
