Source: Cowboys have no interest in QB Johnny Manziel
Source: Cowboys have no interest in QB Johnny Manziel
The Cowboys have no intention of bringing Johnny Manziel in for a visit or signing him now that he's been released by Cleveland, a source said.
Owner Jerry Jones' fascination with the former Heisman Trophy quarterback is well-documented. Manziel himself has reportedly told associates that once he was cut by the Browns -- Friday's move has been expected for weeks -- he believed the Cowboys would express strong interest.
That won't happen. Manziel's downward spiral and a domestic assault case that currently sits before the grand jury can't be ignored by Dallas or any other team. A source said the Cowboys won't pursue Manziel and doesn't foresee the club having any serious discussions about him, "until he gets his life back in order.''
Dallas police investigated a complaint that Manziel allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, during an argument in January. The case has been submitted to a grand jury to determine if there is enough evidence to press charges on a Class A misdemeanor assault, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Manziel also remains under investigation for a possible violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Paul Manziel spoke publicly about trying unsuccessfully to check his son into area treatment centers, telling the Dallas Morning News in February, "I truly believe if they can't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday.''
The Cowboys owned the 16th pick in the first round of the 2014 draft. Jones wanted to take Manziel. On the morning of the draft, Jones agreed that if any of the defensive players the club had an interest in were on the board -- linebacker Anthony Barr, defensive tackle Aaron Donald or linebacker Ryan Shazier -- the club should select them over Manziel.
All three players were gone. Guard Zack Martin was the top-rated player on the Cowboys board when it came time to pick.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones, head coach Jason Garrett, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and Will McClay, the team's senior director of college/pro personnel, all spoke in favor of Martin. The owner relented and Martin was the pick.
Cleveland selected Manziel six picks later.
Even though Martin has been selected to two Pro Bowls since that day, Jerry Jones has admitted publicly that part of him really wanted to take Manziel. The Cowboys have a chance to do that now.
They won't take it.
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