Browns teammate: Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer tied in QB race

Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel?

The Cleveland Browns can go either way.

That’s the word from veteran safety Donte Whitner, at least, who told TheMMQB.com’s Peter King that the locker room is split on which quarterback should be the starter.

Asked about the competition at the position, Whitner said: “It’s been fierce. Two guys fighting for their lives. It’s close. I’d say [the locker room] is split about 50-50. We know they both can play.”

Manziel outplayed Hoyer in Cleveland’s exhibition debut Saturday, a 13-12 loss at Detroit. Manziel completed seven of 11 passes for 64 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, adding six carries for 27 yards.

“It was a good start,” Manziel told reporters after the game. “You have to start somewhere and set a foundation. I got my feet wet, got my first preseason game under my belt.”

ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio notes that it was Whitner, who formerly played for the 49ers, who spilled the beans on San Francisco’s plan to stick with Colin Kaepernick in 2012 even after Alex Smith had been cleared to return from a concussion.

Despite his reputation as a club-hopping QB about town, Manziel is “very quiet” and “very respectful,” Whitner told King.

“He’s earning his keep so far,” Whitner said. “He’s not asking for any privileges. He’s just a rookie, and he’s acting like one. When we have the rookie show, he’ll sing just like the rest of them. As far as football goes, I’m seeing him put the ball on the money like a veteran. Sometimes the receiver drops it. Sometimes the receiver isn’t even looking for the ball and it bounces off him. He’s got the confidence a quarterback has to have.”