NFL Rumors: Latest on Johnny Manziel, Giants Coaching Search and More

Don't let the upcoming divisional round fool you. There are plenty of headlines being made off the field in the NFL as the offseason is in full swing for 24 of the league's 32 teams. 

Here is the latest surrounding some of the NFL's biggest rumors.

Manziel Exit Expected

With the Cleveland Browns hiring Hue Jackson to be their new head coach Wednesday, per ESPN.com's Pat McManamon, changes are looming for the perennial doormat. 

It looks like one of the first casualties of the Jackson era in Cleveland will be quarterback Johnny Manziel, per Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo:

Dan Graziano and Pat McManamon of ESPN.com expanded on the rumors:

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According to a source close to the situation, the topic of Manziel was discussed at length in meetings between Jackson and Browns ownership. In those discussions, Jackson indicated that he would prefer the organization move on from Manziel if he were to become coach, and he was told that would not be a problem.

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The only way to describe Manziel's time in Cleveland is puzzling, as the quarterback who appeared in just 15 games over the first two seasons of his career tested the limits and patience of the organization's management with his off-field antics. 

The latest incident was his disappearance before the team's final game of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which included an appearance at a Las Vegas casino in which he donned a blond wig and called himself Billy. 

Now comes the decision on whether the Browns will trade or cut Manziel. Cleveland has an opportunity to take a stellar young arm in the draft this season, whether it be Memphis' Paxton Lynch, California's Jared Goff or Michigan State's Connor Cook, and he can be groomed under Jackson's new system. 

They will obviously have to gauge interest around the league to see if there is a market for Manziel. Other than Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressing his admiration for Manziel, there hasn't been anything else reported. 

Giants High on Two Coaches

While change might be familiar for a franchise like Cleveland, that's not the case with the New York Giants. 

The team is looking for a different coach for the first time in 12 years after Tom Coughlin resigned in early January. They lost out on one of their targets after Jackson signed with the Browns. Sports Illustrated's Michael Silver suggested that New York waited too long to pursue him:

But there are still plenty of options available for the Giants, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports:

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was not in the league last season after being relieved of his duties following the 2014 season. He was interviewed by the Giants on Monday, according to the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano. 

With a 66-46 record in seven years with Atlanta, Smith put together some solid regular seasons. The problem was that he wasn't able to win the big game, winning just one playoff game in five trips to the postseason. 

Doug Marrone offers less experience as a head coach with just two years at the helm of the Buffalo Bills from 2013 to 2014, where he went 15-17. 

They are just two of six candidates that have been interviewed, including the team's offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The consensus around the league is that McAdoo is the favorite for the job along with Smith. 

Per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, the Giants would "like to get this wrapped up this week or next."

This isn't just your regular run-of-the-mill coaching vacancy in the NFL. This is one of the most historic, successful franchises in the league, and the team should go with someone who has been around the organization, like McAdoo, or someone who has tasted success as a head coach, like Smith.

The Rams Could Have Company

The Los Angeles Rams (yes, get used to reading that, folks), could have some company in Inglewood, California, sooner rather than later. 

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos would "pounce" at the chance to join the Rams once he "has a chance to process the opportunity."

Sources also tell Pro Football Talk that the Chargers are starting to work with the NFL to finish a deal that could get them to Inglewood. 

Getting a second team in Los Angeles would be big for Rams owner Stan Kroenke, as Florio states:

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Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Kroenke currently can’t begin selling premium products such as naming rights, club seats, PSLs, and sponsorships for his new stadium until 2017. If Kroenke makes a deal with the Chargers now, Kroenke can begin to sell premium products immediately.

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Kroenke and Spanos would have to work out whether the Chargers are a partner in this new Inglewood project or just a tenant. If Spanos wants to be partners, it would cost him more than the $550 million relocation fee. 

This is a deal that plenty of owners would do if put in Spanos' shoes. Playing in a state-of-the-art facility in one of the biggest markets in America would give the Chargers exposure they've never experienced before. 

Adding that to the fact that they would have a built-in rivalry with an out-of-conference opponent that can further fuel football in the area will only help.