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Brian Hoyer

North Notes: Hoyer, Gordon, Lions

January 25th, 2015 at 8:48am CST by Rory Parks

After hearing last night that the Browns would be interested in bringing back Brian Hoyer, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com delves into the never-ending Hoyer-Johnny Manziel saga once again. Specifically, Grossi notes that one of the most overlooked aspects of that conversation is the fact that Hoyer was returning from his first major injury and surgery in 2014. and that it is therefore reasonable to expect a natural uptick in his performance in 2015. Grossi also notes that, if Cleveland does bring Hoyer back, it is unlikely the team would sign another veteran quarterback like Josh McCown, but someone like Mike Glennon may be an option if Manziel does not return.

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the team’s north divisions:

  • The issues concerning Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon often take a backseat to the team’s quarterback drama, but Grossi points out in the piece linked above that the Browns are taking the position that Gordon was active for only five games during the year and therefore fell one game short of qualifying for a credited season towards free agency. If Cleveland is right, and if Gordon does not prevail in a potential grievance protesting the suspension, Gordon will be under contract for 2015 and will be a restricted free agent in 2016.
  • Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes that, even though Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles was healthy for the first time in his career in 2014, he appeared in just five games and is likely down to his last chance in Detroit.
  • Kyle Meinke of the Detroit Free Press looks at the Lions‘ options for upgrading their offensive line in free agency, pointing out that the team is unlikely to have enough cap space to sign the top linemen on the market, but a solid second-tier option like guard Orlando Franklin or tackle Michael Roos could be in play.
  • As they look to address perhaps their biggest position of need, the Ravens met with USC cornerback Josh Shaw during Senior Bowl week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Coley Harvey of ESPN.com writes that tackle Marshall Newhouse is one of the free agents the Bengals will likely let go this offseason.

Browns Interested In Re-Signing Brian Hoyer

January 24th, 2015 at 9:42pm CST by Ben Levine

Brian Hoyer‘s tenure in Cleveland may not be over. Joe Linta, the quarterback’s agent, told Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal that the Browns recently expressed interest in bringing Hoyer back for 2015. However, the agent clarified that the two sides “never got to the numbers part” of the negotiations.

According to Linta, Hoyer would like to sign with a team where he has an actual shot of being the starting quarterback. Ulrich notes that Hoyer will likely sit down with Browns head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer. If the quarterback likes what he hears, he’ll let his agent start negotiating with the team.

“I think the only thing that would make him not [want to] come back is if they said [Johnny] Manziel or whoever we take in the draft or whoever we sign in free agency is going to be the starter and you will only be the backup,” Linta said. “I think that would probably drive him away a little bit.

“If Pettine said, ‘Hey, it’s going to be an open competition again between you and Johnny,’ great, let’s go. … [Hoyer] wants to play. The kid wants to have an opportunity to compete and play.”

Following an ACL tear that ended his 2013 season, the 29-year-old beat out Manziel for the team’s opening day nod in 2014. Hoyer got off to a great start, helping the Browns to a 6-3 record. However, the quarterback proceeded to thrown eight interceptions and only one touchdown over his next four games, and he was replaced in the lineup by the rookie.

Hoyer finished the season with 3,326 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions – all career highs. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) did not rate the quarterback favorably, as Hoyer ranked as the fifth-worst at his position.

AFC Mailbags: Jags, McFadden, Chiefs, Jets

January 24th, 2015 at 8:58am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s start off the morning by checking out some notes from the AFC…

Browns Notes: Manziel, Hoyer, Carter

January 23rd, 2015 at 1:36pm CST by Luke Adams

Addressing the Browns’ decision to release offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan from his contract, head coach Mike Pettine suggested that Shanahan wanted to move on, and the team didn’t want the situation to drag out.

“It’s just very hard to win in the NFL (even) when everybody’s into it and they truly want to be there,” Pettine said. “And again if you have somebody that just doesn’t want to be there, I know it’s easy to say, ‘Hey he’s under contract, hold him to it,’ (but then) there’s a dark cloud over your coaching offices and I’ve been a part of that.”

According to Pettine, there was some discussion about trying to get compensation for Shanahan, who had two years left on his contract, but the head coach didn’t want to “get into that legal stuff.”

Here’s more on the Browns:

  • Initial reports suggested that Shanahan may have had an issue with the team’s commitment to Johnny Manziel, but Pettine dismissed the notion that the former OC wanted out because of Cleveland’s quarterback situation: “I think a lot of people are just putting that out there as a possible reason where he looked at it and said, ‘Hey, the QB situation’s not great and this is one of the reasons I want to get out of here.’ I won’t get into details, but in his reasoning to me that was not a part of it.”
  • While Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has often been cited as a catalyst for the Manziel pick, Haslam didn’t exactly rave about the young quarterback this week, suggesting that selecting a QB in the first round of this year’s draft is on the table. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal has the details and quotes.
  • Jeremy Fowler and Pat McManamon of ESPN.com spoke to nearly 20 Browns sources to try to determine what went wrong during Manziel’s first NFL season, and found a handful of worrisome patterns both on and off the field.
  • The Browns’ chief contract negotiator, Sashi Brown, reached out to Brian Hoyer‘s agent Joe Linta a week ago to re-open communications between the two sides, according to Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. Grossi writes that while it may have seemed at one point like a foregone conclusion that Hoyer would be moving on, “that tide is turning” and the veteran could re-sign.
  • Hoyer is scheduled to sit down with Pettine, GM Ray Farmer, and new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo in the next week or two, and what he hears in those meetings may determine whether or not he instructs Linta to pursue a possible extension with the club. Linta on his client: “Brian would love to stay — if the situation were good for all parties. He’s looking forward to meeting those guys over the next couple of weeks.”
  • CFL receiver Duron Carter, who was previously said to be in talks with the Browns, Colts, and Vikings, is now down to two finalists, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (Twitter link). It’s not clear which clubs are the finalists, but the Colts and Vikings have been cited as frontrunners throughout the process, so it’s possible Cleveland is no longer in the mix — that’s just my speculation though.

Browns Notes: DeFilippo, Manziel, Hoyer

January 22nd, 2015 at 1:05pm CST by Zachary Links

In his 2015 salary cap outlook for the Browns, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap writes that the team faces an interesting decision with cornerback Buster Skrine. They drafted a replacement for him in Justin Gilbert but Skrine is the more proven commodity and he came up with four interceptions in 2014. Fortunately for the Browns, they have a good amount of cap space and can afford to hedge their bets by retaining him. Here’s more out of Cleveland…

  • At today’s introductory press conference, new Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo said he isn’t sure if his starting quarterback “is in the building or not,” according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). Brian Hoyer, of course, is set to hit unrestricted free agency, leaving 2014 first-rounder Johnny Manziel and undrafted rookie Connor Shaw on the depth chart at this time.
  • DeFilippo said hasn’t studied Hoyer much but will meet with him this week, according to Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram (on Twitter).
  • Head coach Mike Pettine admitted that he has had some “healthy debate” with GM Ray Farmer but says that talk of “friction” between the two is overblown, according to Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald (on Twitter).
  • DeFilippo said he and Pettine have discussed having an experienced former play-caller on the staff at quarterback or wide receiver coach, according to Cabot (on Twitter). DeFilippo does not have previous play calling experience in the NFL.
  • Pettine told reporters, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal (on Twitter) that he only offered the offensive coordinator job to one person.

Browns GM Talks Manziel, Hoyer, Gordon

December 30th, 2014 at 11:03am CST by Luke Adams

Appearing before reporters in Cleveland today, Browns general manager Ray Farmer addressed a number of topics, including the status of quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has been the subject of a number of headlines related to his action on and off the field in recent weeks. According to Farmer, Manziel’s words don’t mean anything — it’s all about action, and the rookie has the opportunity to make changes. Farmer adds that he believes Manziel can develop into a solid NFL starter, and that patience is required (all Twitter links via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal).

Here’s more from Farmer, with all links heading to Ulrich’s Twitter account:

  • The foundation in Cleveland isn’t perfect, but it’s heading in the right direction, according to Farmer.
  • Asked about the possibility of releasing Manziel, Justin Gilbert, and Josh Gordon, the GM said he intends to discuss the possibility with the club’s coaches — if it happens, it won’t happen today.
  • While Manziel will be given an opportunity to compete for the QB job in 2015, the team will try to bring in a signal-caller through free agency, trade, or the draft as well. Farmer didn’t rule out the possibility of using a first-round pick on a quarterback for the second consecutive season, which would be easier to stomach since the Browns had multiple first-rounders in 2014, and will again in 2015.
  • Farmer acknowledged that Brian Hoyer has some leverage heading into free agency, and will have to make some decisions that will determine whether or not he returns to Cleveland.
  • The jury’s still out on the quality of the Browns’ first draft under Farmer, according to the GM, who added that the team made a lot of changes to its processes following May’s draft.
  • Farmer reiterated that owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t make the call to draft Manziel.
  • Noting that he expects Gordon’s camp to contest his one-game suspension, Farmer said he’s not willing to call the embattled wideout a lost cause. According to Farmer, the Browns will try to help their players, and if those players don’t want the help, then the team will move on.
  • In spite of Gordon’s uncertain future, Farmer says he doesn’t regret not drafting a wide receiver in May.

Browns Notes: Gordon, Manziel, Gilbert

December 29th, 2014 at 5:09pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says he won’t tolerate bad behavior or poor effort from any of his players, including young stars Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert, or Josh Gordon. “I think this is the ultimate team game, and I think a player who can’t show up for meetings, can’t make practice, can’t make weight lifting, disrespects himself,” said Haslam after the Browns’ 20-10 loss to the Ravens, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. More out of Cleveland..

  • Browns safety Donte Whitner is all for getting rid of players who can’t comply with team rules, Cabot writes.
  • For his part, Manziel denies reports that he threw a party last Friday in Cleveland and says he was just out with some friends, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
  • Brian Hoyer said he hasn’t heard anything from the team about wanting to retain him, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron-Beacon Journal (via Twitter). Meanwhile, coach Mike Pettine says that the quarterback situation is “very much a question mark,” as Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets.
  • Pettine says that Gordon is now at a crossroads with the team: he wants him to remain with the club but also wants him to be accountable for his actions (via Ulrich on Twitter).
  • Pettine says that he has a good relationship with Hoyer, but he isn’t sure if the stars will align for a reunion, Ulrich tweets.
  • The Browns should back up their talk by releasing Manziel and Gordon, Pat McManamon of ESPN.com writes.

Browns Place Johnny Manziel On IR

December 24th, 2014 at 10:38am CST by Rob DiRe

WEDNESDAY, 10:38am: The Browns have officially placed Manziel on IR, along with defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, the team announced today (via Twitter). The two moves accommodate the previously reported roster additions of long snapper Charley Hughlett and defensive lineman John Hughes.

MONDAY, 3:56pm: Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will not be available for the last game of the season against the Ravens, according to Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com (via Twitter). Manziel injured his hamstring in last week’s loss to the Panthers, and the injury would have reportedly forced him to miss a few weeks had this not been the last game of the year.

The team’s other quarterback option with experience is Brian Hoyer, who started for most of the season before being benched for Manziel. His status for Sunday’s game is uncertain due to a shoulder injury as well, which could leave the Browns without their two top quarterbacks.

The next option is undrafted rookie Connor Shaw, who the team signed after the draft this season. The former University of South Carolina quarterback is expected to get the lion’s share of the reps with the first team in practice this week in anticipation of the matchup with Baltimore (via Twitter).

According to Grossi, the team is also considering bringing in a quarterback from outside the organization, to serve as a backup under the circumstance where Hoyer cannot dress for the game. Grossi expects that the team will bring Rex Grossman in as an emergency option for Week 17 (via Twitter).

Grossman played under Kyle Shanahan for years, first with the Texans as a backup and also during their time together in Washington. Grossman was also with the team for a few weeks this August, and should have some comfort level, if not familiarity, with the offense.

Browns coach Mike Pettine was asked about the prospect of bringing in Grossman, and was noncommittal but noted that the team was exploring their options, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (via Twitter). Pettine said he would get together with general manager Ray Farmer and they would look into how to proceed.

Johnny Manziel To Start For Browns

December 9th, 2014 at 11:43am CST by Luke Adams

After Brian Hoyer got the nod at quarterback one last time for the Browns last week vs. the Colts, the team has elected to turn to its prized rookie for Week 15. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (via Twitter), Hoyer and Johnny Manziel have been informed that Manziel will start for Cleveland this Sunday against the Bengals.

The Browns nearly pulled off an upset at home on Sunday against the Colts, but Andrew Luck led Indianapolis to a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Despite the Colts’ small margin of victory, it was Cleveland’s defense and special teams that kept the team in the game, while Hoyer had one of his worst games of the year, completing just 14 of 31 passes for 140 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. In his last three starts, since Josh Gordon‘s return, Hoyer has compiled a QB rating of just 45.6 and thrown seven INTs.

Even if the Browns were to win their last three games to finish with a 10-6 record, there’s no guarantee they’d make the playoffs, given the level of competition in the AFC. With Hoyer struggling and the team’s postseason chances slipping away, it makes sense for the club to see what Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in May, can do in the starting role.

Unless Manziel struggles mightily down the stretch, it’s very possible Hoyer has played his last game for the Browns. Hoyer, who is in a contract year, had a strong first half this season, fueling speculation that he could sign a long-term extension with the team, but his overall performance in 2014 suggests he’s probably not Cleveland’s QB of the future.

Monday Roundup: QB Dilemmas, Pitta, Lewis

December 8th, 2014 at 9:02pm CST by Rory Parks

After predictably non-committal responses in his post-game press conference yesterday, Browns head coach Mike Pettine said today that “it’s natural to lean the other way” when considering who his starting quarterback should be moving forward (per ESPN.com’s Pat McManamon) The “other way” in this case is, of course, Johnny Manziel, whom Dennis Manoloff of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes will get the nod over the struggling Brian Hoyer in next week’s matchup against Cincinnati.

Now for some more links from around the league:

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