New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has a great QB in Drew Brees, but he is always on the lookout for a backup that could potentially develop for once Brees retires. And now it would appear Payton has someone on his radar.
Ian Rapoport is reporting that Payton had breakfast with Johnny Manziel the week of the Super Bowl, and they discussed a return to football. There is some thought that Brees could be a good mentor, and Rapoport suggested Payton could make the most of his talent.
Manziel has had substance abuse issues that seemed to drive him entirely out of the NFL. There has since been talk of him trying to make a comeback. There are some who will still see the talent that led to the Heisman Trophy, although there have been plenty of questions about what kind of future he might have in the NFL.
I realize there are some specific distinctions between Johnny Manziel and Colin Kaepernick, but the fact that this meeting happened, and we still don’t know what is going on with Kaepernick raises more questions than answers. We still don’t know what Kaepernick might ask for in a contract or in a potential role.
Manziel clearly is only going to be a backup initially if he returns to the NFL. It is possible Kaepernick wants more of a guarantee. Of course, aside from John Lynch mentioning there might have almost been a deal, there has not been thing one suggesting Kaepernick is getting any sort of sniffs around the league. Make of that what you want.
Sources: #Saints coach Sean Payton & Johnny Manziel were spotted together Super Bowl week, at breakfast. They discussed a return to football
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2017
FA QB Johnny Manziel has kept a low-profile as he trains for a return. #Saints coach Sean Payton appears to have taken an interest in him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2017
The #Saints still need a backup QB. Payton could make the most of Manziel’s talent. Drew Brees would be a perfect mentor. A lot makes sense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2017