NFL Trade Rumors: Cleveland Browns Want Johnny Manziel as Next Quarterback; Front Office Willing to Trade Up
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly trying to pull off a trade in an attempt to get Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel in the upcoming NFL Entry Draft, a source close to situation reported on Wednesday.
According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the Browns are willing to trade up for the chance at taking the former Heisman Trophy winner in the 2014 Draft. Manziel had a prolific two-year career at Texas A&M, becoming the first freshman to win college football's most prestigious individual award.
"However, they [Browns] do have game-breaking receiver Josh Gordon, they are willing to trade up to land Johnny Manziel in the draft if need be, sources said, and have an owner, Jimmy Haslam, who is committed to spending their abundant cap space to try to win quickly," LaCanfora stated in his article.
Questionable Intention
Many NFL analyst are scratching their heads about the Browns' plan to get Manziel without filling up first their head coaching vacancy. The Browns are the only team in the NFL that is still looking to get a head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator.
Many football followers, including Bleacher Report NFL writer Andrea Hangst, believed the report on Browns' intention to select Manziel was just made to make the position attractive for potential candidates.
"While Browns CEO Joe Banner and general manager Michael Lombardi can dangle a trade up for Manziel on a stick to help attract the likes of Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase or Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to their head coaching vacancy, ultimately it's nothing more than a hypothetical. It's a calculated piece of information made public in an attempt to play up the attractiveness of the position," Hangst stated.
Several head coaches have already turned down the Browns head coaching position, though they are still looking into the possibility of getting Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase or Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
However, the Browns' desire to get a mercurial quarterback like Manziel is still confusing for other NFL analyst, who advised the team's front office to get a coach first before plotting their next move at draft night or in the free agency period.