The saga of beleaguered quarterback Johnny Manziel rages on. Johnny Football’s story took another wild turn this week when reports broke that the CFL forced his release from the Montreal Alouettes and further banned any other team in the league from signing him. It is not yet known the exact reason for Manziel’s ban, but some context is probably needed. Most will laugh this off as another Manziel slip-up, but precisely why Manziel got released and banned really is important. Due to a history of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and just poor decision-making in general, it’s easy to assume Manziel did something heinous. That may be true, but it’s also possible he simply broke the guidelines of his CFL contract, which have to this point been kept secret by the league. However, we do know from Manziel himself that there were strict guidelines, some dealing with drugs and drinking, but also tied to medication, testing, and even therapy. If Manziel failed to deliver in any regard or decided he was done honoring the agreement fully, the CFL may have threatened to cut him loose. Per reports, Montreal did try to offer Manziel “alternatives,” which may suggest the former Texas A&M Aggie and Cleveland Browns star isn’t too sad about the divorce. Manziel even seemed to be turning a quick eye back to the States in a recent tweet on the matter. I want to thank Coach Sherman, my teammates, and the CFL fans. My time there reestablished my love for the game of football and the work that goes into it. I look forward to exploring new options within the United States. — Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 27, 2019 Regardless of the reasoning for Johnny Manziel’s CFL exit, it’s clear he still intends to continue his football playing career. That would likely have him taking a look at the upstart Alliance of American Football league and of course the NFL. Manziel had actually been linked to the AAF in the past, but with the league not starting up until just this year, Johnny Football opted to head north to Canada. With the AAF and perhaps the NFL more realistic options moving forward, it’s possible (if not likely) Manziel’s departure from the CFL was orchestrated by him and his agent.

Is Johnny Manziel’s Career Over?

There is no denying Johnny Manziel has had some difficulty transitioning from college frat boy to professional football star. He flamed out as a first-round bust in Cleveland and dealt with some off-field incidents that ranged from domestic violence to drugs. But let’s not ignore the good stuff. Once in the CFL, though, things weren’t all rosy. Manziel struggled mightily out of the gates. It was a completely different game, and adjustments were to be expected, but a four-interception CFL debut left many assuming his best days were behind him. That could still easily be true, but there may still be light at the end of the tunnel here. While Manziel comes with some baggage, it’s possible his CFL release isn’t as dramatic as it appears. Manziel having a disagreement with the league and wanting to move on and him doing something terrible are two very different things. Let’s also admit that Manziel had it pretty rough for his entire playing career. He got drafted into a hot mess in Cleveland, a franchise that just last year seemed to finally be figuring things out. It’s on Manziel for not taking pro football more seriously initially, but when he finally decided to get his head on straight, he went to a league that is tougher than it looks. His only option was the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who already had a viable starting quarterback under center. Manziel would then get shipped to Montreal in a crazy trade involving star players and a litany of draft picks. The hype and expectations were intense, all while Manziel had nothing to work with on the CFL’s least talented roster. From a sheer talent perspective, Manziel can play. He’s always had size limitations, but that hasn’t rendered him ineffective in pro football. He’s shown to be plenty athletic, and he even had a penchant for big plays while in Cleveland. In the right situation, with some actual talent around him, Johnny Manziel could be at least average. It’s even possible he could thrive.

Johnny Manziel’s Best Remaining Options

Betting on Johnny Manziel’s next landing spot is surely going to be something sports bettors have an opportunity to do in the very near future. The news of Manziel being dropped by the CFL is still pretty fresh, but I’d be shocked if some Johnny Manziel prop bets don’t emerge with a look at where he winds up next.

Will Johnny Manziel Play in the AAF?

The most realistic path for Johnny Football looks to be either joining up with the AAF in 2019 or waiting until the XFL starts their league up in February of 2020. Given the fact that the Alliance of American Football is still trying to build their brand and had interest in Colin Kaepernick, it stands to reason they’d want a name as big as Johnny Football. Should the AAF approve the signing of Manziel, the San Antonio Commanders would have first rights to land him. The Commanders have the third-worst AAF championship odds (+1400 at Bovada) and have a quarterback situation that seems to be somewhat in limbo, so it’s a realistic marriage. If the Commanders disagree, they can pass on adding Manziel, and the former Texas A&M product would then be free to latch on with any AAF teams that want him. Of the remaining seven teams, the Memphis Express stand out as the most logical landing spot. Memphis began the season with freaking Christian Hackenberg as their main option, so basically anything could be seen as an upgrade at this point. The Birmingham Iron are the only contending team (undefeated with +275 AAF title odds) that would make sense. They have a good defense and are scoring when they get inside the red zone, but to say they have a dangerous passing attack would be a lie. Whether Manziel ever gets back in the NFL or moves onto the XFL in 2020, I do think he’ll have to find his way to the AAF first.

Which NFL Team Could Sign Johnny Manziel?

Manziel will have some questions to answer, but despite his faults, he’s still talented, and his long-term goal remains to get back in the NFL and right the wrongs of his past. I don’t think that’s completely impossible. He showed he was willing to work for it in the CFL, and perhaps he just sees the AAF as a better option before getting one last chance at the highest level. Any NFL team that is remotely considering bringing the Johnny Manziel circus to town probably couldn’t care less about what he accomplished in the CFL. Seeing Manziel against former NFL players, working with ex-NFL coaches, and running an NFL-like offense against NFL-type defenses would give scouts and GMs the best data to go off of. Maybe the NFL is done with Manziel, regardless. However, several teams either have a need for competition for their starting quarterback gig or could take a flier on Manziel as a possible long-term franchise passer. Still just 26 and blessed with above-average athleticism and flashy playmaking ability, Manziel could still be an attractive asset for a few teams. Here are the franchises that make the most sense. Arizona Cardinals

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers

Washington Redskins Should any Johnny Manziel prop bets emerge for betting on which NFL team signs him, this is likely the list of teams you should be working with. The actual list would surely be smaller, but the point is despite his flaws and baggage, there is always a need for quality quarterback play. The Saints, Chargers, Giants, Packers, Broncos, Steelers, and Patriots may be best equipped to kick the tires on Manziel. He may not be a direct fit with their systems, but those teams have aging quarterbacks, and it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to bring in a young passer to see if they can be their heir apparent. Everyone else on this list is either somewhat undecided on the quarterback position, is slated to completely start over, or could at least use some competition. Of the lot, the team that makes the most sense is the Saints. Manziel has actually been connected to New Orleans in the past, and Drew Brees is 40 years old. With the end nearing for Brees and Teddy Bridgewater possibly leaving via NFL free agency, the Saints could be in the market for a quarterback to back up Brees and maybe even replace him in 2020.

Where Will Johnny Manziel Play Next?