Mike Reiss Believes Patriots' Interest in Johnny Manziel Ended with Danny Etling

Johnny Manziel's desire to back up Tom Brady looks like it will go unfulfilled.

Mike Reiss of ESPN reported the Patriots' drafting of LSU's Danny Etling "effectively ends" their exploration of adding Manziel, who is attempting to make an NFL comeback. The Patriots were among the teams at a pro day Manziel held at the University of San Diego.

Manziel previously told TMZ Sports he would join the Patriots "in a heartbeat." The 25-year-old has not played in either of the last two NFL seasons since being released by the Cleveland Browns due to a lack of productivity on the field and myriad off-field issues.

Manziel has been to rehab for substance addiction and reached a plea deal on a domestic assault charge in 2016. He said in an interview earlier this year that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was checked into a hospital last week after a poor reaction to medication.

"Thank you for your concern and kind messages," Manziel said on Instagram. "Unfortunately I had a reaction to an increased dosage in Lithium which I take for my Bipolar disorder. It was a scary moment and I'm especially grateful for the staff at the hospital and all that they've done in the last 24 hours."

The Patriots already have Brian Hoyer and Etling on the roster, making it unlikely they sign Manziel—even for a training camp tryout. The ultimate distraction his signing would cause doesn't seem like a prudent move given there is almost no shot he would make the roster.