Cleveland Browns News: Johnny Manziel Might Get Another Chance
The latest Cleveland Browns news suggests that Johnny Manziel could become the starting quarterback once again, according to ESPN.
Dallas Cowboys star Tony Romo is not the only quarterback in the NFL to go down with a broken collarbone this season. Josh McCown joins him for that dubious honor during the loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. That is a big blow to the Browns because McCown was supposed to have finished the season as the starter. His maturity and reliability made him a much better option than the other two quarterbacks in Cleveland. Now, that option is gone.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine opened up a can of worms for himself when he refused to name the new starting quarterback for Cleveland. Many felt that Austin Davis would have been given the nod since he looked pretty solid in replacing McCown. However, Pettine did not want to further complicate things for himself in case Davis struggles in practice this week. That means that Manziel, who was demoted to third string quarterback, potentially gets another chance to step on the field this season.
The Browns have been searching for a franchise quarterback for what seems like an eternity now. Though there were some hesitation when he was drafted, some in Cleveland were hoping that Manziel would have been that person. Based on his inability to stay out of trouble off the field and his inability to win on the field, the franchise might feel that it is time to cut the chord and look at other alternatives. McCown is fine as a placeholder, but the team definitely needs to find their quarterback of the future.
Cleveland is sitting at a 2-9 record, which ties them for last place in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. That means that they’re most likely going to be picking within the first five choices in the upcoming draft. Memphis University starting quarterback Paxton Lynch has seen his stock rising quite a bit this season and could be the first player selected overall. Jared Goff from University of California will more than likely be available later on the top ten, so the Browns can always fall back on him in case Lynch is already taken.
As for Manziel, a fresh start in a new city could be exactly what he needs. Not that the city of Cleveland is the source of his problems or anything, but the Browns do not appear to be a franchise that can help him reach his potential. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has long been known as someone that is willing to take the risk and willing to spend money to make sure that his players are watched over. Though he still remains committed to Romo, Jones has acknowledged that a backup quarterback is a priority.
If Dallas takes a different route, then Johnny would have other options in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers are more than likely going to be parting ways with Colin Kaepernick, so they might be willing to take a flyer on Manziel. Chip Kelly might be willing to take a chance since none of his quarterbacks have worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York Jets are still looking for their quarterback of the future since Geno Smith has not won them over. Manziel might be an option for any of those teams.
Will Johnny Manziel play another game for the Cleveland Browns?
[Featured Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images]
