If Johnny Manziel does wind up getting a second chance in the NFL this year, it won’t be with the Denver Broncos.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak did speak with Manziel last month after the quarterback’s release from the Cleveland Browns, but the Broncos have no plans to sign the troubled former Heisman Trophy winner, a person informed of the Broncos’ plans told USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Kubiak has not commented publicly about Manziel.
ESPN first reported on Thursday on the conversation between Kubiak and Manziel.
Kubiak had a prior relationship with Manziel as a fellow former Texas A&M quarterback, and their conversation was believed to be more personal in nature, rather than a discussion about a potential fit with the Broncos, the person said.
Manziel, the No. 22 pick in the 2014 draft, was released by the Browns last month following a tumultuous two years in Cleveland. He started just eight games and threw seven touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Browns, and generated a long list of headlines related to his off-field behavior.
He spent much of the 2015 offseason in a rehab facility that specializes in substance abuse issues. Most recently, Manziel was investigated by police in Dallas (as well as the NFL) following an allegation of domestic violence from his former girlfriend. That allegation, regardless of it ends in legal charges, could result in NFL discipline.
The Broncos, meanwhile, continue their search for a replacement for Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. It just won’t be Manziel.
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
