Cleveland Browns

Four teams desperate enough to consider Johnny Manziel

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) greets players after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

These four teams should consider themselves desperate enough to take on any quarterback, including Johnny Manziel.

The quarter point of the season has arrived in the NFL, and some teams are beginning to get desperate. Whether it’s the realization that their quarterback position isn’t where the team thought it was or injuries, some teams could make moves soon. On Wednesday, it was announced that the suspension of Johnny Manziel had been lifted.

The troubled quarterback is still fixing his issues, but his agent has stated that his goal is to get back into football. Now that his suspension is over, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some teams check in and find out how he’s doing. Most are going to stay away, but there might just be some teams desperate enough to take a flyer. Here are some teams that may have reached that level.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are off to a slow start under new head coach Adam Gase. Ryan Tannehill hasn’t been great for the Dolphins, and it could be time to look another direction. While some would argue that the team should give him more time with his head coach, it won’t be as easy if the team finishes near the bottom of the league.

If they really wanted to take a flyer near the end of the year when they are out of it, seeing what Manziel has to offer would be the ultimate desperation gamble. It’s a move that shouldn’t be done unless they are completely out of it.

The Dolphins’ fans are starting to get impatient with their quarterback situation, and Tannehill is in his fifth season. Most quarterbacks don’t even get that long to prove themselves in the league these days. Either he shows he has it soon or he doesn’t.

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are another team on the verge of a quarterback collapse. They almost seem right for an everything collapse, but that’s neither here nor there. Jay Cutler is what he is and there is no one on the roster behind him to build around unless they think Matt Barkley has a chance.

If the Bears are going to go another direction at quarterback soon, they might be desperate. They’re likely heading for a very high pick in the draft next season, and it is ripe with quarterbacks from which to choose. In fact, they’d be probably best off sticking with Cutler and getting someone to develop behind him until they are ready to take over.

That’s the smart strategy to run with. However, never underestimate a team’s ability to go nuclear. Looking at Johnny Manziel as an option on the roster would be something that would be considered nuclear. John Fox can’t afford to string together too many playoff-less seasons in Chicago, and he might get to a point where he throws everything at the wall.

Let’s hope for the sake of Bears fans that doesn’t mean reaching out to a troubled quarterback. Take the smart approach and draft one. Let him learn, don’t rush him and everyone can be content with that decision.

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) fumbles the ball after getting sacked by New York Jets linebacker Trevor Reilly (57) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

2. New York Jets

Todd Bowles has an issue in New York. He has a defense that is playoff caliber, but he doesn’t have a quarterback. The Jets thought that guy was Ryan Fitzpatrick, and he even held out for more money from the team. In the past two weeks, Fitzpatrick has turned into a disaster, and the team is without a quarterback.

They drafted Christian Hackenberg this year and Bryce Petty last year. They also have Geno Smith on the roster. However, if the Jets had any confidence in the world in those guys, they likely would have gotten their chance already, save Hackenberg.

If the Jets really are desperate to look for a quarterback, then Manziel is always the rip cord option. They have to make sure they don’t like what they have in the other three first, though. Any desperation move like this certainly wouldn’t be this season for New York.

Going after a guy like Manziel means the team did something horribly wrong. For whatever reason, that trend seems to always come and find the Jets. Hopefully, the quarterbacks they already have work out.

Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) gets a hand on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. San Francisco 49ers

Here’s a wild and crazy idea. The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to having a quarterback steal all of the national headlines. They also need a quarterback since it’s become clear that Blaine Gabbert isn’t the guy. If they aren’t going to give Colin Kaepernick another chance, then they’ll have to turn to someone.

Just imagine Johnny Manziel in a Chip Kelly offense. The two enigmas almost seem like a perfect marriage of chaos and coincidence that the world needs to endure. The 49ers have nothing to lose by taking a flyer on him either near the end of the season.

If he isn’t ready to play, then they lose nothing. There is nothing to lose for a team that is throwing caution to the wind right now. It’s going to take a couple of years to get things turned around and it’s going to take a lot more than a quarterback.

At this point, the 49ers shouldn’t be saying no to anyone without taking a look. This is a team that went from having what they thought was a quarterback of the future, to not having one at all. If there is one team truly desperate enough, it might be San Francisco.