Police Investigating Johnny Manziel
MONDAY, 4:02pm: A sworn statement from Crowley indicates Manziel struck her on the left ear during their altercation Jan. 30, and the blow left her unable to hear out of that ear when she provided the statement two days later, via Scott Gordon of NBCDFW.com.
Prior to this, the couple argued about another woman Manziel was reportedly seeing, according to Crowley’s affidavit, and the argument escalated to the point he led Crowley to her car forcibly from a hotel room at Hotel ZaZa in Dallas.
Manziel, the statement indicates, then “threw” Crowley into the passenger seat of her car as he planned to drive her home. Once in the car, Crowley then left the vehicle and hid behind bushes. But Manziel, the affidavit states, performed a U-turn and dragged Crowley by the hair back into the passenger seat. After Manziel hit Crowley on the ear, she struck Manziel several times in an attempt to leave the vehicle again only to see him “throw [her] off of him” and onto the floor of the passenger side.
The statement then indicates Manziel said, “Shut up or I’ll kill us both” as Crowley cried. Once back at Crowley’s Fort Worth apartment, Manziel smashed Crowley’s phone before she grabbed a knife. According to her statement, Manziel then fled Crowley’s apartment.
Crowley’s request for a two-year restraining order was granted.
SATURDAY, 8:19pm: The off-field struggles of Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel dominated the early-morning headlines — not only did Manziel’s agent part ways with him, but the Cleveland signal-caller reportedly refused to enter a rehabilitation clinic. There’s now a bit more news on the embattled Browns QB, so let’s take a look at the latest:
- The Dallas Police Department has in fact opened a criminal investigation regarding the domestic violence clams against Manziel, the DPD announced.
- While reports yesterday indicated that no charges would be filed against Manziel, Crowley has given a statement to the Dallas Police Department and has indeed requested that charges are filed, according to Lopez (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- A judge has issued a protective order that requires Manziel to stay away from his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, for two years, and also mandates that him to pay $12K in legal fees, reports Rebecca Lopez of WFAA (Twitter link). Manziel was involved in an incident with Crowley last month — the disturbing details of which have recently come to light — and the judge found that there “was reason to believe that family violence occurred,” tweets Lopez.
- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has tried to reach Manziel on several occasions, and received no response, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds that Haslam seemed “frustrated [and] emotional.” Rapoport also passes along the full text of Haslam’s comments to the media via Twitter.
- The Cowboys had no interest in acquiring Manziel even before his latest off-field troubles, as team sources tell Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Manziel “was never on [the Cowboys’] radar.” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has long been rumored to be intrigued by Manziel, but Hill reports that Dallas’ front office remains steadfast in its opposition to bringing in Manziel, who is expected to be cut by the Browns. For his part, Manziel reportedly has expressed a desire to play for the Cowboys.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report
Super Bowl Players In Contract Years
On Sunday, we learned the potential fates of two upcoming free agents who appeared in the Super Bowl, as both the Broncos and Panthers intend to use the franchise tag on linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Josh Norman, respectively. While Miller and Norman were the most high-profile pending FAs playing in last night’s contest — they ranked first and fifth, respectively, in our most recent 2016 free agent power rankings — they aren’t the only players headed for the open market. 
Denver has a whopping 25 players set to hit free agency (nearly half its roster), while Carolina figures to have a bit less turnover, as it has only 16 pending free agents. The entire list for both clubs is below, with restricted free agents (RFA) and exclusive rights agents (ERFA) included (those labels are explained here).
Carolina Panthers
- Frank Alexander, DE
- Chris Scott, G
- Cortland Finnegan, CB
- Tyronne Green, G
- Stephen Hill, WR (RFA)
- Ben Jacobs, LB (ERFA)
- J.J. Jansen, LS
- Kyle Love, DT
- Josh Norman, CB
- Brad Nortman, P
- Mike Remmers, T (RFA)
- Amini Silatolu, G
- Charles Tillman, CB
- Mike Tolbert, RB
- Fernando Velasco, OL
- Joe Webb, QB
Denver Broncos
- C.J. Anderson, RB (RFA)
- Omar Bolden, CB
- Sam Brenner, C (ERFA)
- David Bruton, S
- Josh Bush, S
- Andre Caldwell, WR
- Todd Davis, LB (ERFA)
- Vernon Davis, TE
- Bennie Fowler, WR (ERFA)
- Ryan Harris, T
- Ronnie Hillman, RB
- Malik Jackson, DE
- Shiloh Keo, S
- Brandon Marshall, LB (RFA)
- Evan Mathis, G
- Lerentee McCray, LB (RFA)
- Brandon McManus, L (ERFA)
- Von Miller, LB
- Jordan Norwood, WR
- Brock Osweiler, QB
- Matt Paradis, C (ERFA)
- Tyler Polumbus, T
- Antonio Smith, DE
- Danny Trevathan, LB
- Kyle Williams, WR
Broncos Win Super Bowl 50
If this was Peyton Manning‘s final game, he went out on top. The Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10 thanks in large part to their stifling defense —they allowed 315 offensive yards, but they sacked Cam Newton seven times and forced four turnovers. Von Miller posted 2.5 sacks (and was named Super Bowl MVP), DeMarcus Ware added two of his own, while Malik Jackson added a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Manning wasn’t great, completing just 13 passes for 141 yards and one interception, but the running game lead the way, as C.J. Anderson busted loose for 90 yards and one score.
Carolina certainly didn’t play poorly, especially on defense — they allowed just 194 Denver offensive yards, and sacked Manning five times. But Newton wasn’t at his best, completing less than 55% of his passes for 259 yards and one interception. Defensive end Kony Ealy was the star on the Panthers’ side, posting three sacks and one interception.
Both clubs have quite a bit on their plate as the offseason begins. The Broncos will wait to hear Manning’s decision on retirement, and then make their own decision on retaining him. Additionally, they’ll try to re-sign (or franchise) Miller, as well as find a way to keep Jackson. The Panthers, meanwhile, need to retain cornerback Josh Norman, and perhaps add more depth in the secondary and along the offensive line.
The offseason has begun! Who’s ready?
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Clarification On Nick Foles’ 2016 Cap Charge
Earlier today, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported that new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has interest in bringing Rams quarterback Nick Foles back to Philadelphia. That report was met with some skepticism, based not only Philadelphia’s apparent interest, but on Los Angeles’ cap situation were they to trade Foles, so it’s worth clearing up Foles’ contract status.
After acquiring Foles from the Eagles last offseason, the Rams in August signed him to an extension, locking him up through 2017 (that final season could void based on personal and team performance, but for this discussion, that note is largely irrelevant). As part of the multi-year deal, Foles received a guaranteed $6MM roster bonus, to be paid on the third day of the 2016 league year (which falls on March 11).
[RELATED: Rams have discussed pursuit of Peyton Manning]
Whether or not the Rams will be responsible for that roster bonus on their 2016 cap is based entirely on when they would potentially trade Foles. If they dealt him to the Eagles before March 11, Philadelphia would take on the bonus, and thus add $6MM (plus 2016 Foles’ base salary of $1.75MM) to its cap. If Los Angeles waited until after March 11 to trade Foles, it would take on the $6MM charge in the form of dead money.
Obviously, we can’t speak to the veracity of the report indicating the Eagles’ interest in Foles. But if the Rams do hope to trade Foles to Philadelphia (or any club), they need to do so before March 11, and incur only $2MM in dead money (the result of Foles’ signing bonus accelerating onto their cap). Otherwise, a trade would result in $8MM in dead money for Los Angeles, a charge that wouldn’t be palatable given that Foles’ 2016 cap number if he’s on the roster is $8.75MM, just $750K more.
Thanks to Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap both for providing this article clarifying Foles’ contract, and for answering further questions via email. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Peyton Manning’s $2MM Super Bowl Incentive
The No. 1 storyline revolving around Super Bowl is undoubtedly the future of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, and whether he’ll choose to retire following tonight’s contest. Nearing age 40, Manning surely knows this is his last and best opportunity to win a second Super Bowl ring, and he’s obviously motivated to do so. But Manning also has a financial stake in the game, in the form of a $2MM incentive negotiated into his contract nearly a year ago.
In March of 2015, Manning agreed to a $4MM paycut, lowering his base salary from $19MM down to $15MM. However, Denver inserted clauses that allowed Manning to earn that money back: he’d get $2MM for winning the AFC Championship Game, and another $2MM for winning the Super Bowl. Obviously, he’s already secured that AFC title game incentive, and now the Super Bowl payday is on the line.
Needless to say, an extra $2MM probably isn’t needed to motivate Manning for tonight’s game (especially given that he’s earned nearly $250MM during the course of his career). Regardless, we’ll all be waiting to see if Manning announces his retirement after the Super Bowl, as he’s reportedly told friends that he plans to do. If not, however, he probably won’t be retained by the Broncos, and the Rams are one club that has discussed the possibility of pursuing Manning.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
PFR Originals: 1/31/16 – 2/7/16
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- We began our Offseason Outlook series, taking a team-by-team look at what lies ahead for each club during the next few months:
- Pro Football Rumors recently launched an Instagram account: @ProFootballRumors. Each day, we’ll be sharing conversation-inspiring images about the hottest topics in football. From there, we invite you to give us a like, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and even share the link with a friend. Give us a follow @ProFootballRumors!
- In our latest Community Tailgate post, Luke Adams asked: Where will the Raiders ultimately end up?
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.
Week In Review: 1/31/16 – 2/7/16
Headlines:
- Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has reportedly told friends he’ll retire.
- Calvin Johnson has similarly told friends (and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell) that he plans to retire.
- After much speculation, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch intends to retire.
- The Eagles signed edge rusher Vinny Curry to a five-year, $47MM extension.
- The Raiders expect to remain in Oakland for the 2016 season.
Franchise Tags:
- Broncos – Von Miller, LB (likely)
- Eagles – Sam Bradford, QB (conflicting reports)
- Panthers – Josh Norman, CB (likely)
Free Agent Rumors:
- Bears – TE Zach Miller seeking $5MM per year (link)
- Bengals – WR Marvin Jones plans to test free agency (link)
- Broncos – LB Danny Trevathan expects interest from Bears (link)
- Chiefs – club working on extension for S Eric Berry (link)
- Raiders – LT Donald Penn wants to talk contract (link)
Signed:
- Jets – Dri Archer, RB (link)
- Saints – Vick Ballard, RB (link)
- Washington – Ziggy Hood, DL (link)
Retired:
- Justin Tuck, DE (link)
Off-Field:
- Johnny Manziel:
- RB Montee Ball arrested (link)
Panthers Likely To Franchise Josh Norman
The Panthers will likely place the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman in the event that the two sides can’t reach a long-term deal, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Clubs can begin using tags on February 18, and have until March 1 to assign their franchise tender.
Contract discussions between Norman and Carolina haven’t been abundant, or at least haven’t been made public. The closest the club has come to acknowledging the dilemma of retaining Norman was general manager Dave Gettleman last month telling David Newton of ESPN.com that it will be a “headache” attempting to retain not only Norman, but the rest of the Carolina free agent crop.
[RELATED: Broncos intend to placed franchise tag on LB Von Miller]
The franchise tag figure for cornerbacks will likely come in at $14-15MM, so Norman will earn a hefty payday even if he and the club can’t come to a long-term agreement. But it’s worth wondering what such an extension would look like. I looked at the issue back in November, arguing that Norman should be in line for a deal in the Richard Sherman/Patrick Peterson neighborhood: $14MM annually, and approaching $20MM in guarantees.
According the Over the Cap’s data, the Panthers currently have roughly $19.6MM in projected cap space heading into the 2016 offseason, so while fitting in a one-year franchise-tag salary of $14-15MM is possible, the club would be financially strapped, especially when including 2016 draft class cap charges. But Carolina could release defensive ends Charles Johnson and Jared Allen in the coming month, moves that would save the club nearly $20MM in cap space, making a franchise tender for Norman more palatable.
The 28-year-old Norman has certainly put himself in a great position heading into unrestricted free agency, as 2015 was easily the best season of his four-year career. He was named first team All Pro and selected for his first Pro Bowl, and posted solid raw statistics, producing career highs in both interceptions (four) and passes defensed (18). Norman was well-regarded by advanced metrics as well, finishing as the league’s 12th-best corner by Pro Football Focus’ grades.
[RELATED: Latest on Eagles’ franchise-tag decision on QB Sam Bradford]
For his part, Norman is ready to ink that contract that he feels he’s earned. “Because from day one, I’ve always been cashing in on myself,” Norman told Schefter this week. “If you don’t cash in on yourself, who is going to do it for you? If you don’t think you’re doing your job, who’s going to do it for you?”
I ranked Norman, set to play in his first Super Bowl later today, fifth in our most recent 2016 free agent power rankings.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
East Notes: Curry, Eagles, Jets, Giants, Fins
Edge rusher Vinny Curry became the latest Eagle to sign a long-term extension with the club this week, inking a five-year deal that will keep him in Philadelphia through 2020. And while the initial guarantee of Curry’s $47MM deal was reported as $23MM, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com reports (via Twitter) that the full guarantee is actually only $18MM — the remaining $5MM is for injury only. Corry also passes along Curry’s cap charges from 2016-2020 (Twitter link): $3MM, $9MM, $11MM, $11.25MM, and finally, $12MM in 2020.
There’s more news from the East divisions, so let’s dive in:
- The Jets have hired Jeff Hammerschmidt as assistant special teams coordinator, the club announced via press release. Hammerschmidt spent the past four years as Colorado State’s special teams coach, and also worked with the team’s running backs and tight ends. He’ll serve under Brant Boyer, whom New York hired away from the Colts earlier this week.
- In his latest offseason preview, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap takes a look at the Giants, noting that the club’s main goal in the next few months should be working out contract solutions with receiver Victor Cruz and tackle Will Beatty. A strong effort during the free agent period, opines Fitzgerald, will be key if Big Blue wants to compete in 2016.
- Ryan Tannehill was essentially banned from calling audibles last season, so much so that receiver Greg Jennings isn’t sure anyone knows what the young Dolphins quarterback is really capable of, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “[H]e hasn’t been given the reins to where he has the liberty and freedom to call his shots sometimes,” said Jennings. “It’s almost like taking a baby who’s six years old and he still has a bottle in his mouth. Gotta take it out and see if he can drink out of a cup.”
West Notes: Lynch, Irvin, Nolan, Cardinals
Appearing on Dave Mahler’s radio show on 950 KJR, former Seahawks fullback (and current NFL Network commentator) Michael Robinson said “it’s fair to assume” that Seattle will part ways with running back Marshawn Lynch prior to next season, per Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk. Seahawks general manager John Schneider said last month that Lynch may retire, but the smart play for Beast Mode is probably to force the team to release him, as he wouldn’t have to return signing bonus money if he’s cut. If Seattle does release Lynch, they’d save $6.5MM against their 2016 salary cap.
Let’s take a look at a few more notes from the West divisions:
- Vinny Curry‘s recent extension with the Eagles is a good sign for Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin, opines Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com. Curry’s contract — five years, $47MM, $18MM guaranteed — could set a target for Irvin, who is heading for unrestricted free agency, and as Kapadia notes, is probably a more versatile player than Curry. Irvin did suggest last month that he’d accept less money to stay in Seattle.
- Longtime NFL coach Mike Nolan expressed interest in the 49ers defensive coordinator position earlier this year, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). Nolan, of course, served as San Francisco’s head coach 2005-08, but spent last season as the Chargers’ linebackers coach. He’s been linked to the Cowboys’ defensive backs position this offseason.
- Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill believes that with a “couple more pieces,” his club will be a Super Bowl contender in 2016, writes Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Bidwill voiced his faith in Arizona’s “core players,” which makes it sound as though the club will target upgrades on the margins. Indeed, head coach Bruce Arians said last month that while the Cardinals will look for pass rush help this offseason, they don’t expect to make a big splash in free agency.
- In their efforts to complete a deal for a new stadium, San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer and Chargers owner Dean Spanos have spoken by phone this week, but have yet to meet face-to-face, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The two sides are expected to begin more formal talks soon, per Acee.