Josh McCown does not view Johnny Manziel as a threat. That alone makes the Browns’ quarterback situation much more stable than it was last season.
McCown, a respected veteran with a golden reputation but not many wins on his 12-year N.F.L. résumé, was signed by Cleveland as a free agent to provide stability at the quarterback position and to mentor Manziel, who nearly partied himself out of the league as a rookie.
They share Texas roots, but McCown and Manziel have grown close in Ohio.
“Josh is a pro — he’s been doing this a long time,” Manziel said Thursday night after Cleveland’s 20-17 exhibition loss to Washington.