San Francisco 49ers

Reports: Browns expected to release Johnny Manziel on Friday

Published Mar. 11, 2016 10:42 a.m. ET

Chris Bahr

The Cleveland Browns are expected to release QB Johnny Manziel on Friday, according to the Plain Dealer and an ESPNCleveland.com report.

Stop when youve heard before ... #Browns expected to release Johnny Manziel by close of day.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) March 11, 2016

The long-rumored move would be the official divorce between the franchise and the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Perhaps the only reason it hasn't happened already is because the Browns are holding out hope that they might be able to trade him.

Manziel has been ineffective on the field and a constant distraction off of it during his brief NFL career.

In 15 games (eight starts) over the past two seasons, Manziel has passed for 1,675 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions. He has completed just 57 percent of his passes.

His partying ways that led to a stint in rehab and his brushes with the law -- the latest being an alleged domestic violence situation with his ex-girlfriend in January -- also have tested the Browns' patience.

It remains to be seen whether another NFL team will take a chance on Manziel.

As for the Browns, they reportedly are interested in trading for San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.