Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel kicked off his comeback efforts today in Texas, playing two quarters in the Spring League. NFL teams took notice, with at least eight teams sending representatives, according to Yahoo’s Charles Robinson (Twitter link).
Robinson also noted that at least 17 NFL teams have caught a glimpse of Manziel this week as he ramped up activities. Though it is a long way from the NFL, the appearance marked Manziel’s first on a professional field since December 2015.
Manziel’s overall goal, of course, is to land an NFL contract and he is reportedly willing to accept a practice squad deal with no guaranteed money to prove that he belongs in the league. If he can not catch on with a team, the Heisman Trophy winner has not ruled out a move to the CFL.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- After the trade of Aqib Talib, the Broncos could use a little depth at the cornerback spot. According to Denver 7 ABC’s Troy Renck, former Denver defensive back Kayvon Webster be interested in returning to the team (Twitter link). Renck notes the Broncos are more likely to see what their options are in the draft before bringing back Webster, who played four seasons in Denver before spending time with the Rams in 2017.
- The Lions have an opening at tight end after the departure of Eric Ebron to the Colts. The team thinks 2017 rookie Michael Roberts could fill that role, Tim Twentyman of detroitlions.com writes. Roberts only caught four passes during his first season in the league, but the fourth-round pick does offer intriguing upside. As a senior at Toledo, he hauled in a whopping 16 touchdowns.
- In February, Michigan defensive tackle and potential first-round pick Maurice Hurst was not allowed to participate in the NFL Combine after doctors discovered a heart condition. He was not later needed for a medical recheck, a common practice in the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. A recheck is only needed when further imaging or examination is deemed necessary.
Ok….as a packer fan…I would totally sign manziel to the practice squad. Having watched 3/4 season with hundley, I’m willing to roll the dice with him as a third QB.
(Plus it would be humorous to have 2 ex browns QBs backing up arod….but still rather take them over hundley)
Packers are probably a good fit for Manziel. In a small market like Green Bay there is less chance of him getting in trouble with the law. He could become a cheese bandit but nothing much more serious than that.
If he doesn’t cut mustard with the football team it only takes a small push to get him across the border into Canada and your problem is solved.
Most of Johnny football’s trouble happened outside of Cleveland. He simply got on a jet and flew to LA or Vegas.
If Denver is really that hard up for a corner, why not call Justin Gilbert? His suspension should be up by now.
I’d love for Manziel to come to the Pats, you look it how hard it appears he’s been working, and how bad he wants back in the league. Adding him would lessen the need to take a QB with the Pats first 3 picks allowing them to go something like OL, CB, EDGE
I don’t think he could be the second coming of Doug Flutie but you can never be sure about such things. The QB that has to eventually follow Brady is in a no win situation anyway.