Party over for Manziel
INDIANAPOLIS — New Browns coach Hue Jackson delivered a not-so-subtle message about his inherited troubled quarterback, Johnny Manziel: The inglorious Johnny Football era in Cleveland will be coming to an end in the near future.
Manziel, who is expected to be released at the official start of the 2016 NFL year on March 9, is under investigation by Dallas police after video of his alleged domestic assault against ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley recently surfaced.
“I feel very bad about those things as they do happen,” Jackson said at the Scouting Combine on Wednesday. “But I want to make sure we all understand that that behavior won’t be tolerated as we move forward. . . Our organization is going to take a stand. We’re going to move on from those kinds of situations as we move forward.”
The Browns are expected to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
“I know that’s where everybody thinks we’re headed at No. 2,” Jackson said. “I think we’re going to draft whoever we think’s the best player at No. 2 for us.” One thing is clear: Manziel doesn’t fit. “His future on our team will be addressed here pretty soon,” Jackson said.
Translation: He’s a goner.
STAY IN THE BAY
It doesn’t look like Colin Kaepernick will get his wish to part ways with the 49ers.
San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said Wednesday at the Scouting Combine that the embattled quarterback “absolutely” will be on the team this season, but stopped short of declaring him the starter.
The Daily News reported earlier this month that Kaepernick wanted out of San Francisco and was willing to play for several other teams. The Jets were his preference due to professional and personal reasons.
The Jets were initially intrigued upon hearing of Kaepernick’s interest in playing for them, but have made it clear that re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a market-value deal is a priority.
Baalke ended any speculation that San Francisco would release Kaepernick before April 1 when his $11.9 million base salary for 2016 becomes guaranteed. Although Baalke praised Kaepernick, who is 31-22 as a starter in five seasons with four playoff wins, the organization doesn’t appear ready to hand him the keys to new head coach Chip Kelly’s offense right now. Blaine Gabbert is his chief competition for the time being.