A promising start to the 2014 campaign for the Cleveland Browns ended with a resounding thud, as the team lost its final five games amidst a quarterback controversy that included a few headache-inducing twists and turns. Where do the Browns go from here? Who'll be back with the team in 2015? We look to answer these questions and more in our latest Browns Rumors Roundup.
What to make of Brian Hoyer & Johnny Manziel?
The man who started the 2014 season as the Browns' starting quarterback, Brian Hoyer, says he's open to returning to Cleveland even if Johnny Manziel is on the roster.
However, he wants to have a chance to start.
"He loved Cleveland and he loved the fans, his teammates," agent Joe Linta said, via ESPN.com. "He would have no problems coming back as long as it's a fair competition."
With all the hubbub surrounding the party that Johnny Manziel either did or didn't throw before Week 17, no one knows for sure exactly what the organization's next move will be yet or how the two QBs will factor in to the franchise's future plans.
Kyle Shanahan a wanted man
He may have led the Browns to just a 23rd-best rank in total offense (324.6 yards per game) and 27th-best ranking in points scored per game (18.7 ppg) in his first year with the club, but offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is being targeted by the San Francisco 49ers as they assess their current head coaching vacancy.
Courtesy of the Northeast Ohio Media Group's Mary Kay Cabot:
#browns oc Kyle shanahan on 49ers list of HC candidates, per source.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 29, 2014
The son of long-time NFL coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle has occupied the role of offensive coordinator with the Texans, Redskins and Browns. He has been coaching in the NFL since 2004.
A third man in the QB mix for 2015?
Browns GM Ray Farmer says the team won't hesitate to use another first-round pick on a quarterback if the situation calls for it.
Per Marc Sessler of NFL.com, "asked if the team would hesitate to draft another first-round passer, Farmer said Monday, point blank: "I would not."'
However, Farmer isn't giving up on Johnny Manziel just yet.
"I do think he can develop into a solid starter in this league, yes," said Farmer. "I think that the sample size available is like you said, small. I'd say to that end, we all gotta be patient. I think there's an opportunity for the guy to make changes. It's up to him if he's going to make those changes, but I think the talent is in his body to accomplish that."