There has been a lot of speculation regarding the Cleveland Browns and their quarterback situation. On one hand, the team is 6-4 and firmly in the race for the AFC North crown under starter Brian Hoyer. On the other hand, Hoyer and the Browns mustered just seven points in a winnable game against the Houston Texans yesterday. Oh, and something about Cleveland having some guy named Johnny Manziel. Someone told me that was important too.
How the Browns finish the season will be crucial for the future of both quarterbacks. Should Hoyer lead them to a first-place finish in their division and a playoff berth, then it is likely the Browns will re-sign him in the off-season, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent. To re-sign him, however, the team might be forced to trade Johnny Manziel.
Manziel has barely seen the field with Hoyer playing solidly. He's appeared in just two games and attempted just one pass (which was an incompletion). But the Browns did invest a first-round pick into Manziel after a flashy and impressive career at Texas A&M. The former Heisman Trophy winner could be an injection of life into what has been a pretty listless franchise over the last decade.
If the Browns miss out on the playoffs, though, Cleveland will likely turn to the phenom Johnny Football. That wouldn't be too bad for Hoyer, as it appears as if he'll have his fair share of suitors in free agency.
"Brian Hoyer and [Texans coach] Bill O'Brien worked together in past and have an interest in doing same in future, per league sources," wrote ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Hoyer trusts O'Brien as much as any coach in the league from their time together in New England, per sources, and would welcome a reunion."
"Titans HC Ken Whisenhunt, who worked with Hoyer in Arizona, also has interest, per sources. Cleveland has been in wait-and-see mode on Hoyer, whose contract expires after this season. Some around the league believe the deal could get done only as soon as the Browns truly are ready to make Hoyer, not Johnny Manziel, their long-term quarterback."
Hoyer has thrown for 2,542 yards and 11 touchdowns against only five interceptions this season. However, he is only completing 55.7 percent of his passes.
