Cleveland Browns 2015: Team must try to retain Brian Hoyer

With free agency looming, the Cleveland Browns are faced with many interesting decisions to make in regards to their quarterback situation.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer is at an interesting crossroads during this offseason since there is no telling what he may do. While he spoke to the media a few days ago proclaiming his love for Cleveland and its fans, a part of him believes he will indeed return. Then again, to keep things at an even perspective, he has stated he will do everything he can to continue playing football as a starter and to do what is best for his family.

What should the Browns do in this entire situation?

They absolutely must do everything within their power to retain his services since there is no telling what will happen down the road for the franchise at quarterback. While many are happy that Johnny Manziel checked himself into rehab to get his life and career together, there is no guarantee he will return or even be ready to get back into what it takes to compete at the level needed to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Hoyer has done it and has proven he has what it takes to succeed, provided he gets the right support and quality players around him.

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Even the situation between Hoyer and then offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan could be something that might warrant him finding a better situation to be a part of. Since Shanahan ultimately chose to leave the organization due to its instability and issues arising, the Browns brought in John DeFilippo to be their new offensive coordinator. The only problem with this is the fact that DeFilippo is untested and is on the first year of the job learning what it takes to keep those chains moving.

There is of course that excitement that Hoyer might strike gold with DeFilippo who could be way more open to working with him to ensure success, which he didn’t really have with Shanahan. Both didn’t get along when it came to play-calling since Shanahan has a rather strong character and does things his way. DeFilippo might be a rookie on the job but there is no doubt he will be much more approachable in order to give Hoyer the creative freedom to make decisions on the field that should enable him to have more control of what needs to happen for success.

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) before a game against the Oakland Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Since the entire situation with wide receiver Josh Gordon is a huge mess that will see him miss yet another year of football, the Browns must reassure Hoyer that they will bring in either a top receiving option via free agency or through the 2015 NFL Draft. They literally should give him a complete presentation as to what they plan to do to keep him starting and put him in a position to succeed. The only way it’s going to work to keep Hoyer around in a Browns uniform come 2015 is to reassure him that he’s the main guy they want under center.

Overall, the Browns really need Hoyer more than Hoyer needs the Browns. I’m confident should he hit free agency, he will have a plethora of teams trying to acquire his services and if he does indeed bolt, the Browns will be in a tremendous amount of uncertainty at the position come next season. Things could get even more worse should they miss out on retaining Hoyer and have to start at scratch again at quarterback.

Next: Cleveland Browns 2015: Headed South in AFC North…again?

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