The storyline around Johnny Manziel continues to get worse as the Cleveland Browns quarterback struggles off the field. After the franchise released a statement hinting that the former first-round pick would be released come the end of March, speculation ran wild about where Manziel could land. The Dallas Cowboys immediately became the favorite as they search for a backup to Tony Romo, but now the team is denying any interest in the troubled quarterback.
According to Mike Leslie of WFAA Sports, the Cowboys are no longer pursuing Manziel as an option for 2016 following the latest allegations of domestic violence between the quarterback and his girlfriend. Earlier in the week, ESPN's Ed Werder was reporting that Manziel was telling friends the Cowboys wanted to sign him once he was released from the Cleveland Browns. The idea seemed logical considering owner Jerry Jones had been very vocal about his love for the quarterback and intentions of drafting him two years ago.
The Dallas Morning News reported that front office officials were trying to turn Jones away from signing Manziel upon his availability. Jones told the media that the Cowboys were making the backup role a priority this offseason and were not necessarily sold on drafting someone. The only fueled the rumors that Manziel was the quarterback being targeted for the role. Now, if the Cowboys do not want to seek a rookie prospect, Robert Griffin III would be the best available option. With players like Brock Osweiler expected to remain with their respective teams, Griffin is the best option. While he differs in style from Romo, he comes with NFL experience and potential on the field.
According to Leslie, the draft is the likely option for the backup role regardless of what Jones said. Numerous mock drafts have the Cowboys taking a quarterback in the first two rounds. The No.4 pick seems like an odd spot to grab a backup quarterback, but if Jones and company feel Carson Wentz, Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch are the best options to develop then they need to grab them right away. The Cowboys spent a fair amount of time with Wentz at the Senior Bowl. His stock his hit an all-time high and could be the best move for the team.
Manziel's future in the NFL is murky. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the chances any team takes a shot at acquiring the quarterback are slim simply because of how big if a liability he is. Manziel's father, Paul, told the Dallas Morning News that the first priority for the quarterback needs to be seeking help before he attempts to play in the NFL again.
