Cleveland Browns: Multiple former players are trying to get another shot at the NFL
By Ryan Rosko
In hopes of reigniting his football career, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has made an important decision but it’s probably not what many expected.
For the longest time, the best bet for Johnny Manziel to have any chance of reestablishing his NFL career following his stint with the Cleveland Browns was to join the CFL. Well, that didn’t happen.
When WWE Chairman Vince McMahon announced that the XFL was coming back, Manziel being in that league made too much sense.
However, that won’t happen either since the league will not start playing games until 2020. Also, the new XFL will have rules prohibiting people with negative histories, therefore, removing Manziel from consideration.
So, with no XFL or CFL, what has Manziel decided? He announced via Twitter that he has joined The Spring League, a developmental football league.
Back in Texas where it all started. I'll be joining @TheSpringLeague in Austin to get #ComebackSZN started! Can't wait to get back on the field and show NFL scouts what I can do! #cantwaitforspring pic.twitter.com/zMk5223HCc
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 14, 2018
NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport reported that practices start on March 28, the season will end on April 15, and more than 20 teams are expected to scout the former Browns’ QB.
Johnny Manziel reports to the Spring League on March 28, and the season ends April 15... in time to attend a team's OTAs if it works out. More than 20 teams are expected to attend practices and games to scout him and others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 14, 2018
Games can be watched on Turner Sports Live. For many reasons Manziel will be a focal point but he is certainly not the only one looking to get back into the NFL. In fact, two players looking to achieve that same goal also have ties to the Browns: Former TE Kellen Winslow Jr. and RB Ben Tate.
Winslow was Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2004 but injuries derailed what was a very promising career. After four seasons in NE Ohio, Winslow also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. He last played in an NFL regular season game in 2013.
Manziel was a bust from the start. He played in just 15 games over two seasons for the Browns before they moved on from him. Tate played in just eight games for Cleveland in 2014.
Other notable names that will be playing are former New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw, former Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson, and former Kansas City Chiefs QB Ricky Stanzi.
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This will be the last shot for some of the players in The Spring League. Even if Manziel and/or Winslow excels, neither will be signed by an NFL team. On the other hand, expect to see someone get a deal. Whoever that is though won’t be a big name most will instantly remember.