The Browns sound like they are done with quarterback Johnny Manziel. But a move isn’t likely to happen until the new league year starts March 9.
New executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown put Manziel on notice this afternoon with a succinct statement following his latest off-field incident over the weekend in Texas.
“We’ve been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field,” Brown wrote. “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.
“His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Police in Dallas and Fort Worth are investigating Manziel for a possible assault involving an ex-girlfriend. He was also questioned by Avon police Oct. 12 following an in-car argument with his girlfriend. He wasn’t charged in the Avon incident.
The Browns could cut Manziel as early as Monday following the Super Bowl, but salary cap implications point to the move happening March 9. He has two years left on his four-year, $8.2 million rookie contract.
Manziel was the No. 22 pick in the draft in 2014, but his career with the Browns has been ruined by erratic behavior off the field.
In addition to the run-ins involving police, he spent 10 weeks last offseason in a facility that specializes in treating addiction. He was fined for missing medical treatments in each season and was benched for two games this year for partying and lying about it.
He played 15 games in two years with eight starts, going 2-6. He completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 74.4 rating.
New coach Hue Jackson also weighed in on the latest incident.