CFL Extends Contract Window as Johnny Manziel Addition Considered

The Canadian Football League extended quarterback Johnny Manziel's 10-day negotiation window Friday in an effort to allow the league to evaluate Manziel and decide whether it will allow him to play this season.

According to TSN (h/t ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert), the Hamilton Tiger-Cats own Manziel's exclusive negotiating rights, and his agent recently notified the organization that he intended to open the 10-day window.

Prior to the CFL's extension announcement, Manziel and the Tiger-Cats would have had 10 days to agree to a contract before he became a free agent.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the league expects Hamilton to be given permission to sign Manziel, saying he would "be surprised" if it doesn't happen.

The Cleveland Browns selected Manziel with the No. 22 overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft after a standout collegiate career at Texas A&M that included a Heisman Trophy.

Due to a mixture of poor play and off-field issues, however, he was released by the team following the 2015 season.

In two seasons with the Browns, Manziel went 2-6 as a starter, threw for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions, and rushed for 259 yards and one score.

Manziel hasn't appeared in a professional football game since his release, but he worked out for the Tiger-Cats in August.

Hamilton is currently a CFL-worst 2-8, but it is 2-0 since former Hawaii, SMU, Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers head coach June Jones took over as the head man.