Johnny Manziel - Pro Football Rumors

Browns Notes: Hundley, Shorts, Hoyer

February 21st, 2015 at 4:39pm CST by Rob DiRe

Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston may be getting all of the attention this draft season, but the Browns may have some lingering feelings for UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley.

The team selected Johnny Manziel in the first round last season, but after proving ineffective on the field and immature off of it, the team will approach the offseason as if they still need to acquire a starting quarterback.

The Browns will probably not have a chance at selecting either of the top two quarterbacks, but Hundley could be available for them in the middle of the first round or even possibly the beginning of round two. The Browns would have considered Hundley in the top 10 picks last year had he declared for the NFL draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter).

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report added to Schefter’s report by writing that the Browns’ staff had been actively petitioning Hundley to declare early last year (via Twitter). He does clarify that the staff has undergone significant changes since then, including offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan moving to a Falcons’ team not in the market for a quarterback, although QB coach Dowell Loggains is now with the Bears, who could consider a quarterback in this drat (via Twitter). Miller also notes that former general manager Joe Banner favored Teddy Bridgewater more than any quarterback in the draft (via Twitter).

Here are a few other notes from around Browns’ camp:

The Browns will have a number of wide receiver options in free agency, but Cecil Shorts could be one of their top targets, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (via Twitter).
Fowler also adds that the team could use Shorts as a complementary piece, while they could look for a true number one wideout in the first round of the draft.
The Browns have not had a chance to negotiate a deal to bring Brian Hoyer back in 2015, writes Fowler. The Browns have expressed interest in making a deal, but Hoyer has been distant while waiting for the fallout of texting scandal between Ray Farmer and an assistant coach becomes more clear.

Browns Eyeing Sam Bradford

February 21st, 2015 at 9:37am CST by Ben Levine

The Browns quarterback situation was a bit tumultuous in 2014, but it was expected to clear up in 2015. That may no longer be the case, as Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole says the organization will “take a real run” at Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (via Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com):

“Bradford, whether they trade for him or whether he gets cut, that’s a guy at the top of their list,” Cole said (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “Bradford is the guy that most people are saying if the Browns have a chance to get him, especially with a relatively cheap trade, say a second-round pick, maybe a third-round, that they’ll take a real run at him.”

The interest in Bradford is curious, especially considering the team’s investment in first-round pick Johnny Manziel only last year. Of course, Johnny Football’s rookie campaign didn’t go as well as many had hoped, but despite the 22-year-old entering a rehab program, it sounded like the organization was still committed to their young quarterback. Manziel finished his rookie season with 175 and two interceptions. He also ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts.

Of course, the team’s pursuit of Bradford would be fruitless if the Rams refuse to give up the 27-year-old. Head coach Jeff Fisher stressed yesterday that the organization plans to keep Bradford, and general manager Les Snead indicated that they’d rather add quarterbacks than subtract them.

“I don’t think that’s the answer,” he told Cabot. “I think the answer is providing insurance in case we do go through more bad luck. Let’s rehab (Bradford). And then when he’s healthy, let’s let him go compete. And I think the guy’s got a chance to be a heck of a starting quarterback. Let’s insure the position. And that just gives us options in case we do have bad luck.”

Following an injury-ravaged 2013 season, Bradford tore his ACL in the Rams third preseason game this past season. In his last full season in 2012, he passed for 3,702 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Browns Notes: Manziel, Hoyer, Cameron, Skrine

February 18th, 2015 at 3:11pm CST by Luke Adams

In one of the last media sessions of the day at the combine in Indianapolis, Browns head coach Mike Pettine spoke to reporters this afternoon and addressed a number of topics related to the team’s eventful offseason. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com, and Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle passed along a few of Pettine’s noteworthy quotes, via Twitter, so let’s round up the highlights….

Pettine stressed that the Browns have not given up on Johnny Manziel at all. In fact, the head coach visited Manziel last week at his rehab facility and “let him know we’re proud of him.” Pettine believes the young quarterback will make major strides under new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.
While Pettine and the Browns are optimistic about Manziel’s recovery and his future, they will approach free agency and the draft as if they need to find a new starting quarterback, since there are too many unknowns with last year’s first-round pick.
One possibility for the Browns is Josh McCown, and Pettine confirmed that he’s under consideration, though no meeting or visit has been scheduled yet. The head coach added that the door hasn’t closed on re-signing Brian Hoyer, but that the Browns are weighing all their options.
Asked about the possibility of re-signing tight end Jordan Cameron, Pettine said the possibility has been discussed, but it would have to be for the “right price.”
The Browns are making an effort to re-sign cornerback Buster Skrine.
Discussing the hiring of O’Connell, Pettine said the Browns thought they were doing the right thing by letting him finish his work with Marcus Mariota. Although the team has been said to have interest in Mariota, Cleveland’s new QB coach didn’t teach the Oregon signal-caller the club’s playbook, since he doesn’t know it himself yet, according to Pettine.
Pettine “wasn’t thrilled” about Ray Farmer‘s role in ‘Textgate‘ but still feels good about his relationship with the general manager. As for owner Jimmy Haslam, Pettine disputed the notion that Haslam is meddlesome, or that he involved himself in decisions about draft picks or playing time.
The NFLPA’s grievance on behalf of Josh Gordon contends that the wideout wasn’t notified or fined for being late to meetings before he was suspended for it. However, Pettine said today that he did fine Gordon for his tardies prior to the suspension.

Browns Notes: Manziel, Hoyer, Gordon

February 11th, 2015 at 6:11pm CST by Zachary Links

In a chat with reporters earlier today, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that GM Ray Farmer sent text messages to other members of the organization during games this past season, as Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal writes. Still, Haslam remains in Farmer’s corner.

“I think Ray Farmer knows and has [privately] said that he made a mistake in sending those texts,” Haslam said. “Ray feels terrible about it. Ray’s a guy — I’ve known a lot of people — I think he has utmost integrity. And I think it’s important for you all to know that Ray has the organization’s and my full support, and despite the fact that he made a mistake here, it does not affect his standing with the Browns. He is totally focused on doing whatever we’re going to do in free agency and more importantly getting our organization ready for the draft.”

More highlights from Haslam’s chat..

Haslam is glad to see Johnny Manziel entering rehab. “I applaud him for raising his hand and saying I need help,” the owner said. He added that it’s way too early to give up on the polarizing quarterback and the organization “absolutely” believes that he can be a starter in the NFL.
The owner said that he didn’t mandate Manziel going to rehab and has no expectations for when he might rejoin the team.
Some are wondering why the Browns went ahead with drafting Manziel in the face of red flags, but Haslam inferred that the team might not have known everything about his history. “I don’t know how much of Johnny’s personal life was known by everybody then,” Haslam said.
Back in May, former Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains said a text he received from Manziel on the first night of the 2014 draft helped get the ball rolling towards picking him. However, Haslam said that story isn’t accurate and reiterated that Manziel was their top QB on the board.
The Browns are “going to explore every option” when it comes to re-signing quarterback Brian Hoyer, Haslam said.
Haslam wouldn’t rule out possibly trading up to draft a quarterback in the first round. “We’ve said we would do what’s necessary to solve the quarterback situation,” explained the owner.
Haslam expressed disappointment in wide receiver Josh Gordon, saying that he has failed to accept responsibility for his actions. For at least the next year, he says, the franchise has moved on from Gordon.
The Browns will be less involved in free agency than they were last year, according to the owner.
The Browns love restricted free agent free safety Tashaun Gipson, Haslam said. The team is working to keep him.
Despite rumors of heavy fighting within the organization, Haslam says things are going well in Cleveland. He added that it’s a misconception that coaches and executives want out of Cleveland and that the key people like working for the Browns.

Brian Hoyer On Browns Offseason

February 7th, 2015 at 3:17pm CST by Rob DiRe

Free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer is set up to have a very interesting offseason. The Browns enjoyed most of their success in 2014 with Hoyer at the helm, but he struggled down the stretch and hurt his value with some bad performances.

Given Johnny Manziel‘s struggles both on and off the field, the team is interested in bringing back Hoyer for 2015. Hoyer may have other suitors however, and is not a lock to return to Cleveland.

Hoyer spoke out about some different parts of the offseason at the Great Big Home and Garden Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, and a few local writers were able to share his thoughts. All links on Hoyer’s interview are via Twitter, or from previous PFR posts.

On offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan being unhappy with the team, Hoyer said, “To say I was unaware, I’d be lying,” according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also noted how unusual the situation was. “Speaks for itself,” said Hoyer, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. “You don’t just leave a job to leave.”
On Josh Gordon‘s most recent suspension, Hoyer said “It’s disappointing it’s gotten to this point. Hopefully he can figure it out,” writes Cabot.
Hoyer admitted that he wasn’t aware of the severity Manziel’s personal problems, according to Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald. Hoyer said “It takes a big person to take those steps. I’m hoping for the best for him,” according to McManamon.
On whether he would get the chance to start for a team in 2015, Hoyer said “Yeah, no doubt,” according to Cabot.
With free agency still a month away, Hoyer notes that it is early to think about where he will end up, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. On the chances of returning to the Browns in 2015, Hoyer said “All options are on the table,” per Cabot. Whether Hoyer signs with the Browns or not, McManamon writes that the team will hold a special place in the QB’s heart. “For me all options are on the table, and obviously Cleveland has a big place in my heart,” Hoyer said. “My heart is here. Regardless of whether I’m here or not, I want to see the Cleveland Browns to do well.”
Grossi also noted that Hoyer is interested in finding out what happened with the Browns and “Textgate,” and passes along Hoyer’s thoughts on his relationship with quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.

AFC North Notes: Manziel, Browns, J. Jones

February 3rd, 2015 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Experts in the field say that a rehab program may not be effective, particularly for young people, if they’re not willing to go on their own, but that’s not the case for Johnny Manziel, who voluntarily entered treatment last Wednesday, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Based on Manziel’s willingness to seek help, friends and family of the Browns quarterback are confident that he’ll take it seriously and do the work needed to get well, according to Cabot.

While we wait for updates on Manziel and wish him the best, let’s check in on a few other items from out of the AFC North….

Responding to tweets from his followers about the likelihood of the Browns retaining a pair of their notable free agents, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com put the odds of Brian Hoyer‘s return at 51%, but gave tight end Jordan Cameron just a 1% chance to re-sign (Twitter links).
Although Ben Tate was a disappointment, rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West had solid rookie seasons for the Browns in 2014. Still, Pat McManamon of ESPN.com thinks running back is a position the team ought to address in the offseason, perhaps by bringing in a veteran to complement the youngsters.
Within his look at 10 of the most noteworthy NFL storylines to watch this offseason, ESPN.com’s Mike Sando (Insider link) suggests keeping an eye on the Ravens‘ offense and the Steelers‘ defense, after the two rivals lost coordinators Gary Kubiak and Dick LeBeau, respectively.
Wide receiver Jacoby Jones may be a luxury rather than a necessity for the Ravens, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, who explains why the club may consider cutting one of the most productive kick returners in football this winter.

Cole’s Latest: Browns, Draft, Revis, Wilfork

February 3rd, 2015 at 2:06pm CST by Luke Adams

As free agency and the draft inch closer, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report figures to be busy, providing the latest buzz from around the NFL. Today, he has posted two videos passing along the whispers he’s hearing regarding the Browns’ plans at quarterback and what lies ahead for two key Patriots defenders. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights….

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported yesterday that the Browns are optimistic that Johnny Manziel, currently in rehab, will be ready to go for training camp, and don’t plan to walk away from the young quarterback. Still, according to Cole, it sounds as if the team is mulling the possibility of trying to trade up for one of the top two signal-callers in this spring’s draft. Cole reports that Cleveland prefers Marcus Mariota to Jameis Winston, and may be well-positioned to make a move, since no other team has two 2015 first-round picks to dangle in an offer.
Cole echoes a weekend report from Adam Schefter, indicating that the Jets and Bills will have interest in Darrelle Revis if he reaches the open market. According to Cole, the Jets will be a “major player,” particularly since Revis loves New York and would seriously consider a reunion with the team. Before Revis hits free agency though, the Patriots will likely try to work out a long-term agreement, and Cole says the cornerback will take a couple weeks to decide whether or not he wants to continue going year to year as he approaches age 30. Of course, the Pats could also simply pick up Revis’ 2015 option, but that would result in a $25MM cap hit.
Vince Wilfork‘s cap number for 2015 jumps up to nearly $9MM, and the Patriots could save most of that total by cutting him this offseason, as Cole observes. Given Wilfork’s shaky performance down the stretch (he recorded a -6.0 grade in the postseason, per Pro Football Focus) and New England’s tendency to cut ties with longtime contributors when they’re no longer providing value, that doesn’t necessarily bode well for the big defensive lineman. However, Cole says Wilfork likes the idea of going out on top, so it’s possible he’ll decide to retire.

AFC Notes: Cody, Manziel, Hightower, Bills

February 2nd, 2015 at 6:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The Ravens made their release of defensive tackle Terrence Cody official today, cutting ties with him just weeks before he was scheduled to hit free agency. The timing of the move can be explained by Cody’s off-field legal troubles — according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links), the Baltimore County Police Dept. announced today that Cody has been indicted for animal cruelty by a grand jury, and was processed and released on a $10K bail. In a series of tweets, Zrebiec details the charges against Cody, which include multiple counts of animal abuse or neglect involving a dog, illegal possession of an alligator, and marijuana possession. A former second-round pick, Cody figured to draw some interest in free agency, but the charges against him figure to diminish his value significantly.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

The fact that Johnny Manziel has entered rehab does not mean he must be placed in the NFL’s substance abuse program, but the league would have the power to do so. League spokesman Greg Aiello has declined to confirm one way or the other whether the Browns quarterback will enter into the program, according to Mike Wilkering of Pro Football Talk.
Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower will undergo labrum surgery now that the team’s season is over, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Hightower should be ready to go for the 2015 season.
Mike Rodak of ESPN.com takes a look at potential release candidates on the Bills, predicting that the team will at least think about cutting linebacker Keith Rivers, guard Kraig Urbik, and cornerback Leodis McKelvin.
Prior to hiring Joker Phillips as their new wide receivers coach, the Browns interviewed former Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow for the position, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap previews the Chargers‘ offseason, suggesting that the team should do what it can to re-sign free agents like King Dunlap and Brandon Flowers.
Titans fans could surely be frustrated by the production of former player (and current Patriots linebacker) Akeem Ayers, but ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky believes the organization missed out on another defender who played last night. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett gave the Patriots fits during the Super Bowl, and Kuharsky wonders what could have been had Tennessee pursued him in free agency in 2013.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Johnny Manziel Enters Rehab Program

February 2nd, 2015 at 10:02am CST by Luke Adams

After a disappointing rookie season during which his off-field behavior was placed under the microscope, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has voluntarily entered rehab, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter). Brad Beckworth, a friend and advisor to Manziel and his family, confirmed today that the signal-caller had checked into a treatment facility.

“Johnny knows there are areas in which he needs to improve in order to be a better family member, friend and teammate and he thought the off-season was the right time to take this step,” Beckworth said in a statement (TwitLonger link via Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports). “On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”

With Brian Hoyer eligible for free agency this winter, Manziel currently has the inside track on the Browns’ starting QB job for the 2015 season, but the club is expected to bring in some competition at the position, possibly by re-signing Hoyer. If there were concerns about Manziel’s off-field behavior within the organization, the fact that he’s being proactive about seeking help should be an encouraging sign for the Browns.

“We respect Johnny’s initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process,” Browns GM Ray Farmer said in a statement of his own (TwitLonger link via Garafolo). “Our players’ health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns. We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player. Johnny’s privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same.”

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.