The NFL has many disgruntled stars that simply don’t work out in their current environments for whatever reason. We’ve discussed guys like Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick in past articles and thanks to some recent changes, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel’s hat has been tossed into the ring, as well. It’s still possible the Browns keep backing the party boy and he ends up being their franchise passer, but his recent demotion makes that rather unlikely.
While his act may have worn thin in Cleveland, Manziel is still a marketable name that can and will sell both NFL jerseys , customizable football jerseys, and tickets. He also is still an interesting young talent that could easily develop into a very solid starting quarterback. That could have him on the move via trade following the season. But where could he go? We’ve got nine solid potential landing spots for the Johnny Manziel rumors to stop in:
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones loves him some Johnny Football. Not only did the controversial owner think long and hard about drafting Manziel in the first round two years ago, but Manziel is from Texas and went to school there. If Manziel is done in Cleveland, the writing could be on the wall that a return home is in the works.
New York Jets
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been solid in 2015 but he’s not a long-term answer and it seems the Jets aren’t sold on Geno Smith, either. A talented defensive-minded team with a strong running game could be a competent quarterback away from competing for a title. Saying that’s Manziel could be a reach, but it’s not crazy to think he’d be the short and long-term fix the Jets have been looking for.
If not Dallas, why not Houston? The Texans didn’t seem overly enamored with Manziel when they passed on him with the #1 overall pick two years ago, but if the price is right, they should consider the move. They haven’t had a true franchise passer since Matt Schaub and could use a jolt in the offense. Manziel hypothetically fits their system, but it is certainly worth wondering if they’d take a chance on another immature talent after parting ways with Ryan Mallett mid-season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Smith seems entrenched in Kansas City, but it could be time for a change in what looks to be a second straight losing season for the Chiefs. Kansas City does have some talent behind Smith, but Andy Reid’s offense asks for an athletic passer who can take shots down the field. Smith has never brought the latter to the table, but Manziel certainly would.
Philadelphia Eagles
This one might hinge on Chip Kelly staying in town, but it doesn’t have to. Kelly actually originally recruited Manziel at Oregon and the athletic passer could be perfect for his up-tempo scheme. Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez have been utter failures and Manziel could give the offense a fresh, much-needed spark. Even if Kelly is on his way out of town, the Eagles sorely lack a real presence under center and could make a big move to land a talented passer with some upside.
Washington Redskins
RG3 is done and Kirk Cousins has delivered nothing but mixed reviews as a starter. If Cousins can’t finish the 2015 season strong, he could be on his way out. Whether or not head coach Jay Gruden gets another vote of confidence may not matter, as Manziel has potential and would also help sell tickets. The Redskins will probably be in the market for a quarterback upgrade and in a trade with the Browns, they could unload their own troubled passer in RG3.
Chicago Bears
This might be the best spot for both teams involved, as the Bears have been rumored to want to part ways with Jay Cutler and his hefty salary. Cutler has actually cut down on the turnovers this year and looks more the part of a seasoned veteran passer, but if first-year head coach John Fox wants to move on, trading Cutler for Manziel wouldn’t be the worst way to do so. On the flip-side, Cutler could enter Cleveland and give the Browns their best established arm talent since, well, ever.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams are a fairly well coached team with a stud running back and an elite defense. The one thing they’re missing? Competency out of the quarterback position. This might be my favorite landing spot for Manziel, as his speed could be showcased on the turf in St. Louis and with their beastly running game and defense, he wouldn’t be asked to cure all that ails them right away. Jeff Fisher could be on his last leg as head coach, too, so he may need a splashy move under center to save his job.
San Francisco 49ers
Last but not least are the Niners, who appear to be very much done with Colin Kaepernick. Blaine Gabbert isn’t really a long-term option, either, which could have them looking outside of the franchise for their next quarterback. Odds are they opt to get that guy via the 2016 NFL Draft, but Manziel could be a potential upgrade. Kaepernick could be included in the trade and the Browns could have a new passer to come in and compete with Josh McCown.
Think there is a better spot for Manziel or sold he stays with the Browns? Let us hear it in the comments below!
