NFL Trade Rumors: Denver Broncos signing Browns's QB Johnny Manziel Despite Abuse Allegations?

By Carlo Monzon
Johnny Manziel
Manziel in 2015. Flickr/Eric Drost

New rumors suggest that the Denver Broncos is looking to sign former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel. According to insiders, this could depend on the outcome of the legal issues that the athlete is currently facing.

Manziel, a Heisman Trophy recipient, debut in the NFL in 2014 after he was picked by the Browns. He was with the team for two seasons before the Cleveland franchise decided to release him in March of this year, making him a free agent.

But now that the Broncos has lost two of its quarterbacks, it seems the team is looking to fill its roster by working a deal with Manziel. However, as noted by ESPN's sources, before Denver makes an official offer, it will first see how the abuse allegations filed against the athlete will turn out.

These claims emerged in February this year after his ex-girlfriend Collen Crowley filed an affidavit to authorities detailing how she was assaulted by Manziel, Fox News reported.

According to her, the incident happened on the night of Jan. 30 after she and the quarterback got into a heated argument. This then led to Manziel allegedly throwing her onto his bed and eventually dragging her onto his car.

As the vehicle started to pull away, Crowley said that she opened the door and jumped out. He then reportedly chased her and struck her on her left ear after forcing her back into the car.

The case against Manziel was referred to a grand jury in February, but a hearing regarding his misdemeanor assault charges never materialized. However, a new grand jury is expected to oversee the athlete's case to determine whether he is guilty or not.

Regardless of the result of the case, the NFL will most likely punish Manziel with a suspension due to conduct violations. So, if the Broncos decides to sign Manziel, then it could end up paying for a player that it will not be able to use right away due to his suspension.

Furthermore, once he's on Denver's roster, that means the Broncos will have to shoulder the expenses and responsibility of organizing mandatory counseling and probably clinical treatments too for the quarterback.