NFL RUMORS: Johnny Manziel to Return to Cleveland Browns in April? GM Ray Farmer Weighs In

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel entered rehab at the end of January for his possible dependence on alcohol. Assuming his treatment continues to progress, Johnny Football could be back on the field very soon.

According to ESPN.com, the Browns are expecting the former first-round draft pick to "participate in offseason workouts beginning April 20 after he completes more than two months of treatment." Head coach Mike Pettine as well as other sources close to Manziel say he is doing well with the treatment.

General manager Ray Farmer spoke about the issue at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, AZ.

"I don't think it's in doubt," Farmer said. "Again, I'm not the point person in that. So I would defer to those kind of controlling his care and let them decide what that looks likes."

That decision is up to those handling the quarterback's rehab and they ultimately have the power to determine whether Manziel is ready to be released or not. However, a source close to the situation said an early April release is expected for the former Heisman Trophy winner.

There has been much speculation surrounding what the Browns will do at quarterback next season especially after they signed Josh McCown and let Brian Hoyer sign with the Houston Texans. Owner Jimmy Haslam said it was "too early" to give up on Manziel, but it was reported Farmer showed a liking toward Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Farmer provided a bit of insight on the quarterback situation involving Manziel.

"If he is prepared and he demonstrates the things that he needs to demonstrate, then yeah he should get every opportunity to be the guy," he said.

However, the Browns have overhauled their offensive coaching staff and replaced OC Kyle Shanahan and QBs coach Dowell Loggains with John DeFilippo and Kevin O'Connell, so it's unknown what plan they have for the new offense.

If all is well with Manziel, he'll be competing for the starting quarterback job with McCown.

Tags
Nfl rumors, Johnny manziel, Cleveland Browns, April, Gm, Ray farmer
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