The Cleveland Browns are reportedly ready to move on from Johnny Manziel, as the team is expected to release the quarterback when the new league year begins in March.
Manziel's future with the team has been up in the air for most of the season and after the quarterback was involved in another off the field incident, it's likely he will be released. According to ESPN.com, the Browns are preparing to release Manziel in March after the quarterback was questioned in an incident involving his girlfriend in Texas. The Browns released a statement about the situation, saying the team was disappointed and that Manziel's "status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules."
Even before this incident, Manziel's future in Cleveland was not certain. New head coach Hue Jackson has spoken multiple times in the media since being hired and has said that the team needs to address the quarterback position. The Browns have the number two pick in the draft and they are expected to look at a quarterback with that selection. Manziel had an up and down season on and off the field for the Browns and his issues away from football may keep him from lasting in Cleveland.
Manziel had multiple issues off the field this year, including missing a team medical checkup for a concussion at the end of the season. Manziel has had some issues with the team on social media and all of that could lead to the Browns letting go of Manziel. ESPN reports that the team likely will wait until the new league year begins, as they do not have the cap space to cut Manziel and deal with his $4.6 million cap hit. But once the league year begins, the cap is expected to rise and will give the team enough space to make the move.
Manziel was at the Miami Heat-Dallas Mavericks game this week and according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Manziel declined a request for an interview from Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com. Manziel could be a target for a number of teams if he is released, even with the off the field issues, as Jerry Jones has reportedly been interested in adding Manziel. Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas thinks the move is unlikely, while Ed Werder at ESPN reports that multiple teams could be interested in Manziel.
Werder writes that Manziel has "told people" that the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs could be potential landing spots for next season. The Chiefs could look at Manziel as a backup option for Alex Smith, while the Cowboys could look at Manziel as a backup option for Tony Romo. The Rams are looking to upgrade at the quarterback position over Nick Foles and Case Keenum and while Manziel might be a risk, it might be one the team thinks is worth it as they move to Los Angeles.