If - and that's still a big "if" - the perennially downtrodden Cleveland Browns are interested in keeping quarterback Brian Hoyer beyond this season, the time to strike on a contract extension may be now.
His current pace of production coupled with Johnny Manziel's presence make for an exceedingly precarious situation for the Browns. But the driving force behind getting a deal done right this very moment could be the recent injury to Arizona Cardinals quarterback, Carson Palmer, according to Mike Florio of NBCSports' ProFootballTalk.
The Browns, according to Peter King of MMQB.com via Florio, haven't made Hoyer a contract offer since May 2014. Palmer, who signed a contract extension just last week, tore his ACL a mere two days later, according to ESPN.
Hoyer tore his own ACL last year. Could he be persuaded to take a shorter term deal that offered real value and real security due to fear of re-injury?
Two years, $18 million, fully guaranteed. With Manziel under a highly affordable contract through 2017 and the Browns holding fifth-year option for 2018, inking Hoyer through 2016 gives the Browns maximum flexibility. Manziel may not like it; if he doesn't, he should commit himself to beating out Hoyer. If that happens, the Browns would be able to justify benching Hoyer, since Manziel by rule can't get a new contract until after the 2016 season.
Giving Hoyer, who has never received a serious payday since entering the league, a contract with that much guaranteed money could entice him to stay on, albeit only on a shorter term deal, allowing the team more time to assess both he and potential heir apparent, Manziel.
With the way that Hoyer is currently playing, his value will only continue to rise, making the prospect of signing him to a contract extension increasingly costly. And with Manziel waiting in the wings, the time for a decision one way or the other is fast approaching for Cleveland.
