Former Browns’ QB Johnny Manziel Released by Montreal Alouettes
Former Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel has ended his Canadian Football League stint. Montreal Alouettes decided to release Manziel on Wednesday, saying that he “contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play.” Since Alouettes hold the rights on the 26-year-old for two more seasons, he will also be unable to sign for another CFL team.
“We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement,” – said Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed in a statement. “We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed.”
Following the release, Johnny Manziel issued a statement on Twitter in which he thanked the team and the fans, while adding that he looks forward to “exploring new options within the United States.”
Manziel, who was selected 22nd overall in 2014 NFL Draft by the Browns, came to CFL in 2018 and signed with Hamilton Tiger-Cats in an attempt to resurrect his career. After being a backup for the first six weeks, he was traded to Alouettes and named a starter.
Manziel ended up playing eight games with the team, completing 106 passes out of 165 attempted and throwing for 1,290 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
