Johnny Manziel Waived by Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel's time with the Cleveland Browns has come to an end. 

Continue for updates.

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Manziel Released by Browns

Friday, March 11 

The Browns announced they were cutting Manziel on Friday.

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Multiple Teams Potentially Interested in Manziel Trade

Thursday, March 10

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com on Wednesday, the Browns were hopeful a team would offer a draft pick for Manziel. On Thursday, Cabot added three teams might have had interest in the troubled quarterback. 

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Off-Field Issues Cloud Manziel's Potential 

Manziel, 23, has started only eight games in two NFL seasons amid concerns about his on-field preparedness and off-field behavior.   

The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for 1,500 yards and seven touchdowns against five interceptions in 2015. He started six games but was benched at multiple points because of his off-field incidents. The Browns demoted him to third string in November after he lied to the team about partying during the team's bye week.

An injury to starter Josh McCown thrust Manziel back into the starting lineup for a three-game stretch in December, but he sat out the season's final week for reasons that still remain unclear. NFL Network's Michael Silver reported Manziel showed up to practice drunk while he was officially ruled out with a concussion and that the team lied to protect him.

The Browns categorically denied the report, though, and appear to be more than ready to move on. After Manziel was involved in an incident that necessitated police using a helicopter to find him in late January, the team released a statement clearly distancing itself. 

"We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization," director of football operations Sashi Brown said. "His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time."

It was revealed in February that Manziel was under investigation for an alleged domestic violence incident. Colleen Crowley, Manziel's ex-girlfriend, alleged he hit her multiple times, causing her to run to a neighbor's house for help. Dallas police decided to not charge Manziel with any crimes following an investigation.

While he will not face criminal charges, Manziel may be subject to punishment under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. The league's policy does not require a conviction to punish players for alleged off-field transgressions.

As it stands, Manziel's career appears to be crumbling. Agent Erik Burkhardt and LRMR Management Company—LeBron James' marketing agency run by associate Maverick Carter—have already dropped Manziel as a client this offseason. While the Browns are yet to follow suit, it's only a matter of time.

 

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.