Publicly, the Browns have been supportive of quarterback Johnny Manziel as he works to get his off-field issues in check. Privately, it sounds like they might be thinking differently. In an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike (audio link) on Thursday, Chris Mortensen estimated that Browns officials have “90%” moved on from Manziel in their own minds.
Of course, the Browns added veteran signal caller Josh McCown this offseason, which was a reaction to their question marks concerning Manziel. Also this offseason, the Browns dangled their No. 19 pick to the Rams in an effort to pry away Sam Bradford. Bradford was eventually sent to the Eagles in a swap for Nick Foles since the Browns could not offer a quality quarterback to St. Louis. Mortensen doesn’t see the Browns being able to get Bradford from the Eagles since he’ll likely be their Plan A under center once healthy. On top of that, Bradford wouldn’t sign an extension with Cleveland, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to give up a significant asset to acquire him.
Ultimately, the Browns are very unsure about Manziel’s future in the league and it’s no coincidence that they have searched high and low for alternatives this offseason.