Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine admitted that they are searching for a quarterback this offseason, but clarified that it does not mean they have already given up on Johnny Manziel.

Browns started Brian Hoyer in the majority of their games last season before eventually giving Manziel a chance to prove his worth, but Cleveland did not get the results they want as they failed to make the playoffs.

With Hoyer hitting free agency and Manziel failing to live up to expectations, Pettine admitted that they are evaluating their quarterback options. He insisted that Manziel will still be a top option for next season, but they are eyeing additional QB -- either via free agency or in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Browns are continuously being linked to the possibility of drafting Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is working with incoming Browns quarterback coach Kevin O'Connell in the combine.

Pettine did not deny nor confirm their interest in acquiring Mariota, but team owner Jimmy Haslam said last month that they did not hire O'Connell as their QB coach because they are planning to draft Mariota to replace Manziel.

"We didn't hire Kevin because he's training Marcus," Haslam said via ESPN. "We didn't hire him because he trained Johnny last year. We hired him because -- and I've never met Kevin, let me say this -- but our people, particularly coach Mike Pettine, think he's a very, very smart, competent offensive/quarterback coach."

Haslam also had some kind words for Manziel, saying that they are not ready to give up on the young quarterback, who was the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Browns owner also praised Manziel for his decision to enter rehab for treatment after being involved in off-field issues last season.

"I applaud him for raising his hand and saying 'I need help.' We're going to do everything we can to support him. Our primary interest is making sure that he gets well, if you will. Fixes himself," Haslam said.

Like Haslam, Pettine also lauded Manziel's decision to enter rehab and he is hoping that the former Texas A&M standout will show improvements next season.

"He's in a much better place now than before he went in," Pettine said of Manziel. "He's very determined to come out of it in a much better way."

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