NFL Rumors: Patriots Speak With Johnny Manziel Before, After Texas A&M Pro Day

The New England Patriots just might be interested in Johnny Manziel.

Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and former first-round draft pick, is attempting an NFL comeback after a battle with bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction caused him to wash out of the league. The 25-year-old threw at the University of San Diego’s pro day last Thursday with the Patriots and 13 other NFL teams reportedly in attendance.

Manziel threw Tuesday at Texas A&M’s pro day, and the Patriots reportedly were in attendance and interviewed the former Cleveland Browns quarterback both before and after his workout, according to The Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian.

The 31 other NFL teams also were on hand to watch Manziel, as well as former Aggies like wide receiver Christian Kirk, who is a likely first-round draft pick this year.

Early returns are that Manziel threw the ball great Tuesday, as he looks for a training camp invite to try and resurrect his career.

While the Patriots have other needs outside of quarterback, they certainly could bring Manziel on as the third-string quarterback and see if can make the 53-man roster. If Manziel shows he can still play, bringing him onboard would be a low-risk move for Bill Belichick that could provide the Patriots with insurance should Tom Brady suffer an injury in 2018.

Manziel hasn’t taken an NFL snap since 2015. He did indicate that if he does not sign with an NFL team, he will play in the CFL.