Will Johnny Manziel wind up north of the border? Not unless the Hamilton Tiger-Cats make with the money. 
Johnny Manziel’s agent Erik Burkhardt says that he is giving the Tiger-Cats until Jan 31 to work out a ”fair deal,” . Burkhardt adds that Manziel’s salary must be “on par with what Hamilton has paid their QB in recent years, despite not having much on-field success. If no deal is reached, Manziel will move on to “other professional options” (it appears that Manziel’s representation has a personality as bold as the quarterback himself).
Here is the statement, in full, courtesy of NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (Facebook link):
“Despite much speculation and several comments from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and CFL, Johnny and I have remained silent and continued to focus on his training and preparation. Due to the tremendous support, Johnny wants to let Hamilton fans know where things stand and that he has been working hard in preparation for his comeback.
As context, the CFL maintains an archaic and restrictive rule, whereby their teams can claim an amateur players’ rights, and essentially hold those rights into perpetuity, without any consideration or compensation for the player. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL claimed Johnny’s rights when he was a freshman at Texas A&M, and have continued to hold them for over 6 years.
Johnny and I have done our due diligence on the League and team, which has included visiting Hamilton, meeting with CEO Scott Mitchell, as well as multiple meetings and working out for Coach June Jones. All of these interactions have been very positive and served to reinforce Johnny’s excitement for coming out to play for the Tiger Cats. Johnny was pleased to have the opportunity to talk ball with Coach Jones, who has publicly shared his belief that Johnny would be a good fit for the team he’s trying to field.
As Hamilton has announced, and per the aforementioned restrictive rule requirements, they sent us a place-holder contract in order to maintain Johnny’s rights and allow us adequate time to negotiate a deal. During our diligence process and at my request, Hamilton also graciously gave me permission to discuss potential trade options with at least one other club. Johnny and I met with those executives in Texas to discuss their organization and thoughts on Johnny’s market and value around the CFL. However, due to Johnny’s strong relationship with Coach Jones and Hamilton executive Kent Austin, we’ve made the decision to deal exclusively with Hamilton and give them until January 31st to work out a fair deal to make him their Quarterback. So that there will not be any ambiguity in regards to financial expectations, and so the public understands how seriously Johnny is considering this move, I will tell you that we believe ‘fair deal’ means on par with what Hamilton has paid their QB in recent years, despite not having much on-field success. If we cannot reach a deal with Hamilton by this date, we will turn our focus to several other professional options readily available to us.”
Manziel, 25, years old, has not played in the NFL since the 2015 season. In eight career starts for the Browns, the former Heisman trophy winner completed 57% of his passes for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. There could still be untapped potential there, but the longer we go without seeing Manziel on the field, the harder it is to have faith.
He should take any deal he can get and hopefully being sober and will help his play and he can prove himself to NFL teams. Doubt it but you never know.
He’s still an adolescent, self entitled, childish jackass. I hope Hamilton tells him to kiss their a$$ and moves on to an actual football player. Good riddance to an imbecile.
Haha oh you know him personally? Unless you have interaction with him I wouldn’t rush to judgement. Based on your comment I can make a judgement on you as well, but I’m sure you’re probably a decent-ish person.
Go Johnny!
Other professional options? WHAT OPTIONS? Professional drunk? Professional junkie? Professional abuser? Seriously….other than arena league (which you have to admit would be fun to see him in) what other options does this guy have?
Arena league, penal league, McMahon’s relaunch of football. He’s got options. I’d say #2 is most likely
newest member of Mtv’s real world
Lol so he hasn’t changed his attitude it seems. Manziel should be paying teams in the CFL to allow him to play. Hopefully after this next failure he’ll go away
LaVar Ball could sign him.
Pay the dude, he’s the highest profile player the CFL has had in years. You’ll easily make your money back in merch.
The CFL could care less about Manziel. He’s not the profile enhancer that the league wants. And Manziel’s agent should understand he’s not negotiating a contract, he’s negotiating a last chance for his client.
So, by your own words, the CFL cares about Manziel.
You, and others, are acting as if his representation shouldn’t do their jobs properly (as they’re doing), by squeezing out every single penny that they possibly can.
I don’t remember a time in my entire life that I’ve actually wanted to watch a CFL game, but that would undoubtedly change if he were to sign, and I’m fairly certain that I’m not in the minority. Even most of the people who are running their mouths right now would and will tune in to watch him perform once again, and that’s what it’s all about. Eyes glued to the TV, asses in the seats, and merchandise flying out of the door of the pro shop (which all will be the case, rendering every single dollar they fork over to him well worth the investment).
Why doesn’t he just disappear
since the day he walked on the stage when he got drafted (probably even before) he is shown what a loser he really is. No more need be said.