The Johnny Manziel era in Cleveland may be close to its end. According to reports, the Browns are leading the pack to trade for Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota, although there are kinks to work out in a potential deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee is reportedly happy with current quarterback Zach Mettenberger, a fifth-round pick in the 2014 draft. Cleveland is far from set at the quarterback position, despite picking Manziel with the No. 22 overall pick last year four rounds ahead of Mettenberger.
Rumor has it the Titans wanted two first rounders in this draft (No. 12, No. 19 and Cleveland's second round pick to move up to the No. 2 pick, which was turned down by the Browns. However, the two first-rounders may not be the sticking point.
DraftInsiders.net reports that the Browns may be willing to cough up those two picks, but they want to retain the second round choice because of their need at wide receiver. Star wideout Josh Gordon is suspended for the entire 2015 season because he violated his substance abuse agreement with the NFL.
Mariota was the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner; two years prior Manziel took home Heisman hardware. Mariota threw 42 touchdown passes against just four interceptions and totaled 4,454 yards through the air. He was also very capable in the running game, piling up 770 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
The Browns obviously value mobility from their quarterback-taking Manziel so high was an indicator-but Manziel failed to develop as a pure passer last season, and created myriad problems off the field. Browns quarterbacks combined for 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in all of 2014. All 12 touchdowns were thrown by Brian Hoyer; Manziel and Connor Shaw combined for no touchdown passes and three interceptions.
The Browns signed quarterback Josh McCown this offseason.
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