Johnny Manziel's New Coach Mike Sherman: Didn't Make Trade to Leave Him on Bench

A day after trading for quarterback Johnny Manziel, Montreal Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman suggested that Manziel could potentially make his first start for the team Thursday.

"We didn't bring him here to have him sit on the bench..." Sherman said, per the CFL. "We will see how the week plays out."

On Sunday, Manziel and offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice were acquired by Montreal in exchange for defensive end Jamaal Westerman, wideout Chris Williams and two first-rounders (2020, 2021).

Manziel, 25, signed with the Tiger-Cats ahead of the 2018 season, though he was brought aboard as Jeremiah Masoli's backup and didn't start for the team in the regular season. In the preseason, he completed 21 of his 31 passes and threw for a touchdown.

Despite spending the season as a backup, Manziel is remaining patient with his new team.

"When I'm ready, they will give me the chance," he said in his introductory press conference, per the CFL.

Expectations are high in Montreal, however. 

"We have acquired an exceptional quarterback with undeniable talent," general manager Kavis Reed said, per ESPN.com. "With his great mobility, his athletic abilities and his instinct we believe that he will have a positive impact on our offense."

"This is a move both Kavis Reed and I felt we needed to make at this time," Sherman added, per Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette. "Neither one of us believes in the status quo and felt we needed to shake things up. Johnny is someone we believe can elevate one of the most important positions on our team. I look forward to reuniting with Johnny again and working with him."

Sherman and Manziel have indeed come full circle. Sherman recruited Manziel to Texas A&M in 2011 when he was the Aggies head coach, though Manziel became the starter under Kevin Sumlin in 2012.