5 Tom Brady replacements if he retires from Patriots

3. Johnny Manziel

Manziel resurfaced to workout at a couple of Pro Days during the pre-draft process, and he played in the recent two-game Spring League as he tries to get another shot in the NFL. He could easily land in the CFL this year, where the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hold his rights and NFL teams can get a longer look at him against some level of good competition.

With only Brian Hoyer behind Brady right now, the Patriots were already mentioned as a potential landing spot for “Johnny Football.” Being a backup with no chance to start may not suit Manziel that well though, all things considered. He recently admitted he was not a diligent watcher of film during college and surely after the Cleveland Browns drafted him, as if it wasn’t obvious before. Not that Brady needs a student of the game as a backup, but Manziel will have some proving to do in that regard.

A potential mix of Manziel and Belichick would look like oil and water from the wider view. But if the Patriots bring him in at some point, and let him work out some physical and mental kinks in offseason work, Manziel could be ready to go if Brady decides to bail. Wouldn’t that be exciting?