When the 2016 NFL league year begins, Johnny Manziel will be a free agent. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Cleveland Browns will cut Manziel on Wednesday, March 9, the date that the 2016 league year begins. The news comes days after it was reported that Manziel was being investigated after an alleged incident with a 23-year-old female on Friday night at a Fort Worth apartment complex. In early January, Manziel was deactivated for the Browns final game due to concussion protocol. It was reported that the evening before the game, Manziel was seen at Planet Hollywood casino in Las Vegas, creating a media frenzy. Manziel did not report to the Browns on Sunday to continue his medical protocol. Sashi Brown, Browns executive vice president of football operations, said in a statement on Tuesday:
We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization. His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time.
Manziel was drafted twenty-second overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. With the Browns, he's started eight games, throwing seven touchdowns and seven interceptions across those two seasons.