Jason La Canfora’s latest dispatch for CBSSports.com as he tours various training camps comes from out of Berea, Ohio, after his trip to Browns camp. Leading off his column, La Canfora explores the competition between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, writing that Hoyer has surprisingly looked faster and more nimble than the highly-touted rookie. While Manziel still has time to make up ground, everything that La Canfora has seen and heard so far suggests to him that Hoyer should keep his job as the starter heading into the regular season.
Let’s dive into the rest of La Canfora’s piece and round up the highlights….
- There have been extension talks between Jordan Cameron and the Browns, but the two sides aren’t close to anything. La Canfora hears that the Browns’ offers were in the $5-6MM per year range, so it’s possible Kyle Rudolph signing a deal worth about $7MM annually with the Vikings will help boost the team’s offer and accelerate discussions. According to La Canfora, Cameron admitted that he’d had a look at the numbers on Rudolph’s deal.
- La Canfora praised general manager Ray Farmer, who has installed a diverse collection of front office executives around him since being promoted to GM earlier this year. “We definitely made some changes,” Farmer said. “I think we have a good mix now. We added some folks – older guys who have a depth of experience – and guys that have a lot of history in this league. Those guys will be beneficial, as well as the young guys who are eager to grow and learn. So we are in a position where we can share ideas and learn together and hopefully improve the Browns.”
- Expect the Browns to be as active as any team exploring wide receiving options on the waiver wire this years, according to La Canfora, who adds that he wouldn’t be surprised if the team pursues Montreal Alouettes standout Duron Carter (the son of Cris Carter) once the CFL season is complete.
- In La Canfora’s view, the battle in the backfield between free agent signee Ben Tate and rookie third-rounder Terrance West will be much more competitive than the QB competition. If West continues to make strides in pass protection, he has the ability to make an impact immediately.