Johnny Manziel could join Browns for workouts next month

Browns GM Ray Farmer says Johnny Manziel could join team for workouts next month

Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer says that quarterback Johnny Manziel could be back with the team when offseason workouts start next month.

Manziel, Cleveland's first round pick in 2014, entered a private treatment facility on Jan. 28 and is expected to leave rehab in early April.

[daily_cut.nfl]

While Farmer did not say when Manziel will rejoin the team, he says he is leaving Manziel’s return up to those who are overlooking Manziel’s treatment.

"I don't think it's in doubt," Farmer said to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Again, I'm not the point person in that. So I would defer to those kind of controlling his care and let them decide what that looks likes."

The team signed veteran quarterback Josh McCown to a three-year deal earlier this month, with the expectation that he will compete for the starting job next season.

Farmer says the team’s focus is getting Manziel better and helping him develop as a quarterback.

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"We're definitely focused on his health and his well-being and we definitely want to support him in every way possible,” Farmer said. "Part two of that is that inevitably he's going to have to continue to perform and show development and growth as a player.....We all want to focus the opportunity on now.”

Manziel played in five games last season, with two starts, completing 18 of 35 passes for 175 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 29 yards and one rushing touchdown for the Browns, who have missed the playoffs in each of the last 12 seasons.

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