Before going down with a very serious knee injury, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer was giving the franchise some much needed hope last season. After Brandon Weeden showed the Browns that it was time to move on, Hoyer took over as the starting QB in the third week of the season against the Minnesota Vikings.

In that game, Hoyer tossed the rock all over the field completing 30 passes in 54 attempts for 321 yards. Hoyer threw three touchdowns in that game to three interceptions. He was far from perfect, but it was an exciting change of pace for Browns’ fans, as Hoyer led the team to a 31-27 victory over the Vikings.

Hoyer got the start once again in their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In this game, Hoyer was much more under control completing 25 of 38 passes for 269 yards, and two scores. He did not throw an interception. The Browns also took home the victory in that one, and the city of Cleveland felt like they had found their man.

Unfortunately, early in their week five Thursday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Hoyer took off on an 11-yard scramble before being brought down awkwardly Bills’ LB Kiko Alonso. Hoyer tore his ACL on the play, ending his season. The Browns went back to their uninspiring ways without Hoyer, finishing the year with a 4-12 record.

Cleveland drafted former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The pick has Browns’ fans excited, but new head coach Mike Pettine considers Hoyer to be the starter entering the season. Manziel is an incredibly intriguing talent, but Hoyer is not going to give up his job without a fight.

On Monday morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Browns are trying to sign Hoyer to a contract extension. His deal expires at the end of the 2014 season.

It is very interesting that the Browns are exploring a contract extension with Hoyer before the season even starts. They have publicly committed to him many times, but this would be the ultimate commitment.

Manziel is a very exciting player, but this appears to be Hoyer’s job to lose at the moment, and contract negotiations are not making things any dimmer for him.