Johnny Manziel is trying to make an NFL comeback, and it appears he has multiple teams’ attention.
And the New England Patriots reportedly are among them.
The beleaguered ex-NFL quarterback is trying to right the proverbial ship of his pro football career, and that took another step forward Thursday when he took part in the University of San Diego’s Pro Day, according to ESPN’s Eric Williams.
In total, 13 teams were in attendance to watch him throw to the receivers, with the Patriots being one of them.
Scouts from 13 NFL teams confirmed by the school were on hand to watch Johnny Manziel throw at the University of San Diego's pro day: Bears, Browns, Chargers, Giants, Chiefs, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, Titans, Lions, Jaguars, Panthers and Bucs. https://t.co/Le43snoSdf
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) March 22, 2018
It appears that Manziel also may have piqued the Pats’ interest, as they brought the QB to get an official weight, according to Bruce Feldman.
I’m told there were 12 NFL teams in attendance for USD’s Pro Day where Johnny Manziel was throwing for receivers. The Patriots brought Manziel inside to get an official weight for him. (He’s back up to 199 lbs.)
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 22, 2018
At the end of February, NFL Network reporter Mike Garofolo indicated that Manziel would be willing to join a practice squad and play for no guaranteed money. Just over an hour later, the quarterback appeared to confirm that by tweeting out that he would, in fact, play for free and that he just wants to return to playing football.
There is no question the raw talent he possess, which earned him the Heisman Trophy in 2012. But after being selected 22nd overall in the 2014 draft, he failed to live up to expectations, due to both performance and off-the-field issues.
Tom Brady obviously is the Patriots’ starter, but he’s just one of two New England quarterbacks, with Brian Hoyer serving as the backup. New England has dabbled in these situations before, most notably signing Tim Tebow during the 2013 preseason. Tebow was released before the regular season started.
