The Cleveland Browns have all but made it clear that they will be releasing Johnny Manziel. The team released a statement on Tuesday in light of a recent incident involving Manziel in Dallas. The terse statement said the following:
"We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. 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."
The NFL has a rule that says that any player that ends the regular season on an active roster cannot be released until the Monday after the Super Bowl. It is safe to say that Manziel will be part of any such releases. I suppose something could change that, but nothing about this statement suggests the team actually wants to keep him around.
Since taking over as head coach, Hue Jackson has been meeting with various players on the team. Reports have said he did not include Manziel in the first group of players with which he met after getting hired. The Browns hold the No. 2 pick, so quarterback is strongly in play. And of course, there will be other potential options via trade.