A brief guide to determine if Manziel is a fit for every NFL team
In an ostensible attempt to shatter the internet, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and Johnny Manziel discussed a possible return to football for the former Cleveland Browns quarterback.
Manziel's indiscretions, both on and off the field, turned himself into the NFL's pariah, a figure loathed by fans and personnel executives alike.
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner appears to be making amends for his boorish behavior after being exiled from the league, and a comeback may be in the works for Manziel.
Without further ado, here is a guide to see whether Manziel would be a fit for your favorite team:
Arizona Cardinals: Head coach Bruce Arians has successfully taken chances on players in need of redemption, and Carson Palmer isn't getting any younger. With a host of shaky backup options, it may be plausible to add Manziel on a trial basis.
Atlanta Falcons: "Never forget the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead" isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but nor is Matt Ryan. Sorry, Johnny.
Baltimore Ravens: Although there doesn't seem to be much competition for the third-string role, the Ravens are steering clear of any players with a history of domestic violence after the Ray Rice incident.
Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor was retained for the upcoming season but his long-term future with the team remains cloudy, with an out clause in 2018. It may be worth bringing him in to compete against Cardale Jones.
Carolina Panthers: It may be a fit stylistically but Panthers owner Jerry Richardson doesn't appear likely to sign anyone with a history of domestic violence.
Chicago Bears: It would've been possible had the Bears not signed Mike Glennon to a three-year, $45-million contract this spring. If Glennon fails, perhaps this avenue reopens.
Cincinnati Bengals: Yes, this is a good fit. Head coach Marvin Lewis isn't worried by risk-averse players and it's a smaller market where Manziel could stay out of trouble.
Cleveland Browns: There's a new regime in place from the one that drafted Manziel, but it seems highly unlikely that Manziel would be interested in returning to his house of horrors.
Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones was reportedly so infatuated with Manziel before the 2014 NFL Draft, he had to be talked out of selecting him by his son, Stephen. Dak Prescott is the new face of the franchise, but Jones may not be able to help himself in adding Manziel as a backup.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos are still trying to figure out their quarterback scenario and if anyone can lend advice to him, it's general manager John Elway. Wouldn't rule this out anytime soon.
Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford is entrenched as the starter and the Lions seem intent on keeping their rotation intact. The Lions will pass on Manziel.
Green Bay Packers: No, thank you.
Houston Texans: The Texans currently have a void at quarterback after jettisoning Brock Osweiler to the Browns. Manziel would remain in his home state of Texas, and if that's viewed as a stabilizing influence, Texans general manager Rick Smith should make a few calls.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts made Andrew Luck the highest-paid player in the NFL last June and it would be a waste of capital, no matter how minute, to sign Manziel.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A relatively small market and a lack of stability at quarterback makes Jacksonville one of Manziel's leading options, provided head coach Doug Marrone is on board.
Kansas City Chiefs: Manziel's high-strung style of play doesn't mesh with the Chiefs' offense, and though the franchise disregarded Tyreek Hill's domestic violence history, they'll rule the quarterback out as an option.
Los Angeles Chargers: No more parties in L.A., please, baby, no more parties in L.A.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams still need to give Jared Goff a legitimate chance to show why he was worth the No. 1 pick last summer.
Miami Dolphins: It would make for a great plotline for Season 3 of "Ballers", a free idea for HBO. That aside, no.
Minnesota Vikings: Somewhat intriguing, but ultimately a "no" while Teddy Bridgewater works his way back from a gruesome leg injury.
New England Patriots: LOL.
New Orleans Saints: Payton is the one who discussed a return for Manziel after all, and it's possible he views him as a developmental project while Drew Brees finishes out his spectacular career. This may end up being one of his best options.
New York Giants: After adding Geno Smith to the rotation, it seems unlikely that the Giants need another backup. Manziel in New York would also be the height of sensationalism.
New York Jets: Sure, why not? The Jets seem intent on keeping their quarterback carousel going ahead of the 2017 season, so what harm could be done in adding Manziel into the fray?
Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr was a legitimate MVP candidate prior to a Week 16 injury and owner Mark Davis has taken a stance against players with domestic violence incidents.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles believe Carson Wentz is the face of the franchise, it's not happening.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Unless the seemingly indestructible Ben Roethlisberger retires, Manziel won't be joining the Steelers.
San Francisco 49ers: It would only make sense that the organization who found Colin Kaepernick to be a distraction would sign Johnny Football. Alas, it's a no for the 49ers' new leadership group.
Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have never been averse to adding players with a troubled history. Although he won't unseat Russell Wilson, it's easy to see the Seahawks giving Manziel a trial run and cut him on a whim if it doesn't pan out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Manziel may prove to be too large a distraction for a franchise that's clearly invested in Jameis Winston.
Tennessee Titans: If Manziel is content to sit behind Marcus Mariota for the duration of their careers, so be it, but otherwise it's a no.
Washington Redskins: This seems like a perverse ad-lib, connecting Manziel to one of the most unstable franchises in all of pro sports. After locking up Kirk Cousins for the 2017 season, Manziel won't be going to the nation's capital.