Johnny Manziel Not Viewed as Browns Starting QB Heading into Free Agency, Draft

Despite selecting him in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft and finally giving him the starting gig late in the season, the Cleveland Browns aren't sold on Johnny Manziel as the team's starting quarterback heading into next season.

Far from it, in fact. Coach Mike Pettine confirmed as much, per Adam Schefter of ESPN:

He also spoke about Manziel's decision to enter rehab and the team's support of him during that time, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer:

It's hard to blame the Browns for not putting all of their eggs in Manziel's basket. His habits off the field proved to be a distraction, and while the hope will be that rehab addresses many of those issues, it's no guarantee.

Manziel also struggled when he got his chance. In two starts, he had 112 passing yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. So the Browns haven't exactly been given an indication by Manziel's play that he can be the answer at quarterback.

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On the other hand, the Browns might simply be trying to motivate Manziel this offseason. It's possible their lack of faith in Manziel is a tactic to push him to be better and more dedicated in 2015. 

Whatever the case may be, the Browns have made one thing very clear—to be the team's starter in 2015, Manziel will have to earn the gig.