The Browns drafted Johnny Manziel in the first round, but they still want to sign quarterback Brian Hoyer to an extension before he plays out the final year of his contract.
Hoyer’s agent advises against holding your breath until it happens. Joe Linta told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that discussions about an extension have taken place, but that his client is unlikely to sign one at this point.
“It will be a very difficult deal to do. We’re always open to talking with the Browns, but we’re content to wait and see what happens down the road,” Linta said.
You’d expect no other response from a player with any belief that he can win the starting job and succeed in the regular season. Hoyer’s value to the Browns or other teams looking for a quarterback would skyrocket if he proves that he can sustain last year’s flashes of good play over the long term.
If Hoyer winds up giving way to Manziel, he’d have less security but he’d also be able to go somewhere he might have a better chance of playing than he would once Manziel is installed as the starter. He’d also be giving up a lot less money than he would if he signed an extension at one level and then put himself on another level with his play in 2014.