The Dallas Cowboys could still be interested in Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I definitely wouldn't rule it out based on what I've heard internally, in this organization, the way Jerry (Jones) has brought him up - and wasn't even asked about him. He just brought him up on his own. So I would not put that past him," said Williams, via CBS Sports.
Manziel has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. "Johnny will be our starting quarterback on Sunday," said head coach Mike Pettine, via the Browns' team website. "He's been solid in the building over the last couple of weeks and we are hopeful he takes this opportunity to continue to build on the progress he's made on the field throughout the season. The goal for every game is to go out and win, and Johnny needs to show that he can put us in position to do so during these last four weeks of the season."
The Browns have the worst record in the entire league at 2-10 and are coming off a crushing defeat against AFC North rival the Cincinnati Bengals 37-3. The Browns have lost quarterback Josh McCown for the season with a broken collarbone, and after Austin Davis' poor play against the Bengals last week, Pettine likely felt that he has no choice but to start Manziel down the stretch of this season.
Manziel has a record of 1-2 as a starter for Cleveland this season and faces a favorable matchup against the 49ers this weekend. Manziel's number have been strong this season, throwing for 933 yards with five touchdowns to two interceptions, and the former first round draft pick looks like he has clearly improved in his second year in the league.
Teams around the NFL will likely be watching how Manziel performs down the stretch of this season, as he could garner some interest for a trade before the draft. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently been connected with Manziel ever since showing interesting in the young quarterback at Texas A&M. The Cowboys and other teams could seek a trade to acquire Manziel for 2016, but if he leads the Browns to some victories down the stretch of this season, don't be surprised if Cleveland wants to hold onto him. The Browns have a tough stretch after San Francisco with the Seahawks, Chiefs, and Steelers, and by then end of that time, Cleveland's front office will probably have come to a decision on Manziel's future with the Browns.
