The Cleveland Browns must decide if it will be worth chasing Brian Hoyer with a contract extension or to simply start over at the quarterback position altogether. The team was not expecting to have this type of drama headline their quarterback position, but the uncertainty surrounding Johnny Manziel and the expiring contract for Hoyer have put the Browns in a tough position. With a new coordinator in place, what will Cleveland opt to do for 2015 and beyond?
Good news for the Browns is they have two first-round draft picks that afford the team flexibility. According to NFL.com, the best offseason move for the Browns could be to start over at the quarterback spot and try and get one of the two top rookie options. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has been reporting that the Browns are eyeing a draft trade up for Marcus Mariota, but Jameis Winston could an option if affordable.
The Browns will enter next season with John DeFilippo at offensive coordinator. He has never called an offensive play at the NFL level before. Head coach Mike Pettine says he will be more involved in that aspect, but the team is really starting from scratch on that side of the ball. Combine the next coaches with the departure of leading receiver Josh Gordon and top tight end Jordan Cameron and the Browns can simply not allow themselves to screw up the quarterback job.
Manziel's time as a starter appears to be over for the near future. The rookie quarterback checked himself into a rehab program and general manager Ray Farmer admitted that he is uncertain if Manziel will be ready come training camp, but the team will continue to support him during this time. Support does not mean giving Manziel the starting job.
That leaves Connor Shaw and Tyler Thigpen as the lingering options for the Browns, making Hoyer a priority. However, signing Hoyer is not going to be easy as several teams are eyeing the veteran as a viable option to help their offense rebuild. Hoyer is the logical option for the Browns, but the quarterback is really uncertain if he wants to jump back in to a team currently in the middle of an NFL investigation.
The Browns should prioritize getting a rookie quarterback and start over. The team would sign a veteran for to help with development, but the number of changes taking place for the Browns means the team should aim for Mariota and Winston and begin building the long-term picture instead.
