Manziel’s tenure with the Browns was littered with controversy on and off the field, including rehab and allegations of domestic violence. Manziel has completed 147 of 258 passes (57 percent) with seven touchdowns, seven interceptions and a career passer rating of 74.4.
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“I’d like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me – almost two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland”, Manziel said in a statement released by his publicist.
Manziel is also being investigated by the National Football League, which could suspend him for his off-field behaviour.
On first-and-10 from the Browns’ 20-yard line after Carolina went ahead, 10-3, on a two-yard touchdown run from Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, Manziel rushed to the left of the pocket and dove for the sideline. The following week he sustained a hamstring injury that ended his season, and Manziel was suspended by coach Mike Pettine for the finale when he failed to show up for the team’s walk-through.
In two seasons with the Browns, Manziel played in 15 games with eight starts.
Last year, Manziel was cleared of any wrongdoing after he and Crowley got into a heated roadside argument near the player’s home.
Manziel’s waiving allows the Browns to have a fresh start and to move on from the constant attention and questions he drew.
It all began with such promise. The Browns pulled him out of the meeting and soon announced he was in the concussion protocol, but reports say he was in Las Vegas the night before and day of the season finale.
Adding Manziel to your roster comes with a risk. In January, he entered a treatment center to get help for an unspecified addiction.
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Manziel returned to the starting lineup when McCown broke his collarbone and led the Browns to a win over San Francisco.
