3. Auditioning for 2015
You can downplay the significance of Manziel taking over under center in Week 15 with the Browns slipping out of playoff contention all you want. But any which way you dissect this situation, solid play out of Manziel over the next three games will put him atop the depth chart over the offseason and likely signal no contract for Hoyer.
Yes, Hoyer is in line for a new deal. Back at the start of November when Hoyer was dealing for the Browns, we wrote about how a Thursday night win against these same Bengals could possibly lift the Browns to the playoffs and perhaps lock Hoyer into a starting job beyond this year.
Clearly, Hoyer’s fortunes have been reversed. The 29-year-old soon-to-be free agent could be available if Manziel can play well in his absence.
