With the Cleveland Browns officially hiring Hue Jackson as their next head coach, Johnny Manziel is expected to be released. According to ESPN's Pat McManamon, sources believe that Jackson intends to release the quarterback once the official offseason begins. He reportedly brought the idea up to the ownership during his interview and they stressed that would not be an issue. With Manziel hitting the market come free agency, where could he potentially land?
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that potentially only one or two teams will show interest in the quarterback given over the past two years his off-the-field issues have clouded any on-the-field production he had which was not much. Schefter, like many NFL Insiders, believe Manziel's best option in the league is with the Dallas Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones has been open about his love for the quarterback. Dallas came close to drafting him. They need a backup to Tony Romo and Jones has said he is willing to take a risk at the position. All signs point to Manziel.
Rich Gosselin of DallasNews.com, believes the Cowboys will take a serious look at Manziel, but he does not believe it is a good fit. Gosselin believes Jones will favor the idea of acquiring Manziel because he is still young and more of a sure thing than a rookie like Jared Goff or Pazton Lynch. It would be considered a safe move for the team. Acquiring Manziel for Dallas is technically a low risk move. Romo is the starting quarterback and that is not being questioned. This would give Manziel a chance to develop behind a success and established veteran with little pressure on his shoulders. The issue is that Manziel has ties to Texas and not great ones in terms of partying which has gotten him in trouble in the past.
ESPN's Todd McShay has ranked Goff, Lynch and Carson Wentz as the best quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, but he would not hinge a franchise on them. With the No.4 pick, the Cowboys are not expected to select a quarterback off the bat, but they could target someone in a later round. They would likely be left with Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg and Cody Kessler. None of them are sure things either which could push Jones to acquire Manziel who already has NFL experience.
It really is a toss up if Dallas is going to get Manziel or not. Jones and Romo have both stressed they cannot afford to get it wrong when it comes to the backup position. The team wants someone young they can develop for the future. That might be Robert Griffin III. It could be a trade for someone like Zach Mettenberger. It could be a contract to Manziel. The team has options.