Scott Sargent/WFNY

Complete with a lede that includes the “Johnny Manziel money sign,” we have reports out of Columbus that city officials (clad in Browns gear) believe it’s only a matter of time before .

Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council President Andrew J. Ginther and Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady showed up at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland to make a pitch for Columbus to become home to the team’s new training camp. Coleman, an ardent Bengals fan, even wore Browns gear. The Browns are exploring a new home away from their current facilities in Berea, and the Columbus group offered financial incentives of an undisclosed amount to entice Browns owner Jimmy Haslam their way. It’s likely the city and county would support the Browns’ new facilities, if needed. Two sources at City Hall said the group left the Sunday meeting thinking it was “a matter of when, not if” the team announces its relocation to Columbus.

Before me-first Cleveland-based fans get all in a tizzy because they may have to drive to see the team which they have ALL SEASON to see in Cleveland, they should note that the team has long been looking into ways to win back a generation of fans that swapped their rooting interests for teams that actually win football games. It wasn’t all that long ago that we saw maps of as Columbus became infiltrated with Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The team has already ramped up their advertising in the market. Moving camp to Columbus would be a logical step in regaining some traction in that area, especially among younger fans who have yet to plant a flag in the ground with regard to a specific team.

Factor in that the Browns have seemingly outgrown Berea as a hosting complex, and a move is imminent. Columbus as an ultimate destination would make the most sense.