Brian Hoyer Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Browns

Coming into the season the biggest question surrounding the Cleveland Browns was when Johnny Manziel would take over under center. Now that Brian Hoyer has led the offense to a strong start, however, the outlook may be forced to change.

Cleveland ranks 10th in yards per game to go along with a 3-2 record. That's despite being without Josh Gordon, the team's most dynamic weapon on that side of the ball. And with a favorable schedule on the horizon, hopes are beginning to rise.

Alas, the team isn't ready to commit to talks about a contract extension quite yet. Ed Werder of ESPN reports there's been no movement on that front:

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole notes it's a complex situation. The Browns may want to use the franchise tag on Hoyer before making a final decision about the future. On the flip side, the veteran may not feel comfortable signing a long-term deal with Manziel looming over his shoulder:

One thing's for sure: Hoyer is impressing people while moving the hyped rookie further into the background for the time being. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports praised the previously unheralded Michigan State product for helping the Browns stay competitive:

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Doubt Brian Hoyer at your own risk. We've learned that lesson several times in recent months. The sixth-year quarterback and former undrafted free agent looks unassuming enough so he's easy to overlook, at least to outsiders. But he appears to have the full confidence of his teammates, coaches and the fans, and has played a vital role in the Browns' 2-3 start.

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The Browns' starter, who just turned 29, isn't ready to start talking too much about his future. Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group passed along his comments about the situation and the only thing he would really say is that he wants to play.

"I don't think I need to say any more than I'm from Cleveland and this is where I want to be," Hoyer said. "But I also am a competitor, so I want to be somewhere where I'm playing.''

It creates a difficult situation for the front office because it used a first-round pick to acquire Manziel. They will eventually have to make a decision about which direction they want to go at the most important position on the field.

Both players are true competitors who want to start. It's something that will be watched closely in the months ahead. The Browns just have to hope it doesn't become a distraction amid a playoff race.