5 NFL teams that should sign Johnny Manziel

3. New York Jets

If Manziel has actually talked to any teams, it’s fair to assume the Jets have been one of them. Josh McCown is the theoretical Week 1 starter right now, but he is the dictionary definition of a journeyman at 38 years old and he has not proven to be durable when forced into action. The alternatives aren’t that great either, but Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty could easily both make starts this coming season. The Jets appear headed for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, with their eye on what looks to be a deep quarterback class.

Manziel did not do well with a chance to start in Cleveland, and moving to the Big Apple may not be good for any ongoing battle he has with past addictions off the field. But he would find a familiar face and possible mentor in McCown, as the two were teammates with the Browns in 2015.

Petty was put on the roster bubble by speculation from the New York Daily News back in mid-April, but the Jets not drafting a quarterback has mostly put that to rest. That said, even after a year out of football, Manziel can surely hold his own in a competition to be the Jets’ No. 3 quarterback.

Tanking is a questionable strategy, but the Jets appear set to try it this year. Adding Manziel would create some intrigue at least, and add some interest at some point in the season if he got a chance to play.