NFL teams
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Browns GM eager to pop Manziel hood -- but that can wait

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer sees an NFL starter in Johnny Manziel but seems in no hurry to rush him onto the field.

Farmer, who addressed the local media Tuesday, understands “everybody is eager to see what’s under the hood” with Manziel, the Browns’ backup to quarterback Brian Hoyer entering Thursday’s game at Cincinnati.

Popping that hood could take some time. Meanwhile, Farmer is pleased with the developments of both quarterbacks. He wouldn’t take back his No. 22 overall pick of Manziel in May, he said.

“The (goal) is for him to be successful over a long period of time, not just for a moment or a flash,” Farmer said. “We’re going to put together the right group to make sure everything’s in place. He’s going to be ready, and we’re going to be ready when he does get that opportunity.”

Farmer declined comment on the contract status of Hoyer, a free agent after this season, saying "we'll see what happens between then and now.” The Browns are 5-3 under Hoyer, who’s thrown 10 touchdowns to four interceptions this season.

Asked if he’d like to see Manziel play more than a down or two -- maybe getting a full series while spelling Hoyer -- Farmer said that depends on the opportunity and the context but generally, “I want Johnny to play when Johnny’s ready to play.”

“Our goal is to build long-term success here,” Farmer said. “That’s a process.”

The Browns face a difficult decision with Hoyer, who no doubt won’t take backup quarterback money and would be more satisfied with a mid-tier starter’s deal. The Browns can give him that, franchise/transition tag him or walk away knowing Manziel is under contract for three more seasons.

The approach to such a scenario is simple: Do what’s best for the team.

“No challenge at all,” Farmer said.

Maybe Farmer can get a full evaluation on Manziel behind the scenes, with his limited reps, but until he sees significant snaps on Sundays, it seems difficult to know if he’ll channel Brett Favre or Christian Ponder.

Sooner or later, Farmer must decide when the trigger is worth pulling -- to see "what it looks like, and what it could be," as Farmer put it.

During a press conference lasting nearly 20 minutes, Farmer gave the impression he's high on Manziel. But by saying he'll play "when Johnny's ready to play," that leaves wiggle room for several different long-term scenarios. Perhaps that was by design.

On a side note, Farmer also praised first-year coach Mike Pettine's ability to motivate players today while considering the roster’s future.

“I think Mike Pettine is awesome,” Farmer said. “I’m all in on Mike Pettine.”

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