Cleveland Browns Rumors: Johnny Manziel To Be Released March 9, Browns Likely To Draft Jared Goff Or Carson Wentz

If there was any doubt of the Cleveland Browns’ plan to release disgraced quarterback Johnny Manziel, new head coach Hue Jackson put all speculation to rest earlier today. While the team has given Manziel numerous chances over the past two years, he continued to cause trouble—both inside and outside of the locker room. Even though he is only 23-years-old, the former first-round pick is going to be cut by the Cleveland Browns on March 9. But the good news for Browns’ fans is they have the No. 2 overall pick in the draft—and quarterbacks Jared Goff or Carson Wentz could be heading to Cleveland.

As reported by NFL in the beginning of February, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that the Browns were planning on releasing their troubled quarterback. Because of certain league rules and salary cap implications, the Browns could not cut Manziel at the time of the report. With the new league year set to begin on March 9, the Browns are looking to cut ties with Manziel on that date.

The Cleveland Browns have reached a final decision on Johnny Manziel according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. https://t.co/pjGZgsUUM4

— Browns247 (@NFL_Browns247) February 2, 2016

Since the original report, Manziel has somehow managed to get himself in even more trouble. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, he threatened to kill his former girlfriend Colleen Crowley and himself after an argument. While Manziel has denied any wrongdoing in the matter—as he seems to do often—his incidents are just becoming too much for an organization that is finally looking to become relevant again.

While Manziel’s fate was all but sealed after the original report, the latest incident just proved to the Browns that they are making the right decision. As reported by CBS Cleveland, Hue Jackson was not exactly thrilled about being questioned about Manziel.

“His future on our team will be addressed here pretty soon. Obviously there were some people involved in the situation that happened and I feel really bad about those things as they do happen. But I want to make sure that we all understand that, that behavior will not be tolerated as we move forward. Our organization is going to take a stand, and we’re going to move on from those kind of situations as we move forward.”

Even though Jackson’s feelings on Manziel were loud and clear, reporters went on to push him for additional information.

“We’ve talked enough about Johnny, haven’t we? I want guys that have high character and guys that have high football character, and I think those two are a little different. Obviously, there’s been some things well-documented about some players here, and again I take them on a case-by-case basis and see if they fit exactly what it is that I’m talking about when I’m saying that.”

While it is difficult to give up a former first-round pick after two seasons, it is for the better of the Browns’ franchise. With the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Browns have a ton of flexibility. Still in search of a quarterback, the Browns have their pick of California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff or North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz.

As reported by The Inquisitr, the Dallas Cowboys are interested in both Goff and Wentz. With the No. 4 pick in the draft, the Cowboys would likely have to trade with the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 overall pick in order to pick ahead of the Browns. Since Tennessee already has their quarterback in Marcus Mariota, it is really just a question of who the Browns’ staff likes better

A recent mock draft from Bleacher Report has the Browns selecting Goff at No. 2. Another mock draft on SB Nation has Wentz going to the Browns. Whether or not either of these quarterbacks will succeed in the NFL remains to be seen, but the headaches that Johnny Manziel inflicted on the Browns’ organization finally appear to be gone.

Rumors will continue to link the Cleveland Browns to Jared Goff and Carson Wentz in the upcoming NFL draft. While not officially announced, it appears as though Johnny Manziel’s short tenure in Cleveland will come to an end on March 9.

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