Last month, Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer was a guest on PFT Live and told us that he loves playing for his hometown team but a chance to start would trump remaining in Cleveland if things broke that way.
The topic of Hoyer’s future in Cleveland has been a popular one this season as the quarterback’s strong start has made it look like they will have to decide how to handle Hoyer’s impending free agency and the presence of Johnny Manziel. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported recently that Hoyer would not sign a long-term deal with Manziel looking over his shoulder, which led to questions for Hoyer about the report. Hoyer evaded it at first, but eventually gave a version of what he told us in September.
“I don’t think I need to say any more than I’m from Cleveland and this is where I want to be. But I also am a competitor, so I want to be somewhere where I’m playing,” Hoyer said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Browns have said they’re open to negotiating a deal during the season, but every good performance gives Hoyer less reason to make that happen. He’s selling himself to the entire league now and there’s no reason to stop doing that whether or not Manziel’s presence is an issue for him in 2015 and beyond. Continued success will force the Browns to choose between signing him, franchising him or letting him hit the open market unfettered and all three options will pay off for Hoyer financially and you don’t make those kinds of commitments for players who will be riding the bench.