HAMILTON, Ontario — Johnny Manziel spent much of the first day of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ training camp as an observer.
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner watched a lot of the session Sunday, a day after signing with the Canadian Football League club. Manziel threw while working with the five other quarterbacks and made short tosses to receivers, but knelt off to the side or stood with quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison during one-on-one pass drills and 7-on-7 sessions at Ron Joyce Stadium.
“That’s because he doesn’t know the terminology, he doesn’t know anything,” Tiger-Cats coach June Jones said. “Dan was walking through each route as it was called. But [on Monday] guess what? We’re going to walk in and start taking a couple.”
Manziel has plenty to learn about Canadian football. Standing on the field for the first time only served to further drive that point home.
Johnny Manziel threw while working with the five other quarterbacks and did short tosses to receivers, but spent much of the first day of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ training camp as an observer. Peter Power/The Canadian Press via AP
“Spacing is a little bit different on the defensive side if I had to look at anything,” Manziel said. “On offense, I’ve never ran this many routes that are predicated off of one defender … every route has an opportunity to break three or four different ways, which is different.
“But I think it gives you the versatility and offensive weapons to be able to attack coverages more intensely than it would just running a fixed route. I know it’s going to take some time, but now I see it more so, and my expectations are tempered.”
Hamilton’s other quarterbacks include starter Jeremiah Masoli, CFL veterans Vernon Adams Jr. and Bryant Moniz along with youngsters Dane Evans and Chris Merchant of the Vanier Cup-champion Western Mustangs.
Jones said the Ticats aren’t waiting for Johnny Football to become familiar with their offensive terminology and schemes.
“He’s got to catch up because we’ve got guys in there, and he will,” Jones said. “We have plenty of time in camp. I’d say in 2½ weeks he’ll have a handle on everything.”
Manziel actively pursued an NFL contract this offseason, throwing during pro days at both Texas A&M and the University of San Diego and participating in The Spring League — a development circuit for players overlooked by the NFL.
He has dealt with several off-field issues. In 2016, a domestic assault charge against Manziel in Dallas was dismissed after he took an anger management course and participated in the NFL’s substance-abuse program. In a recent interview, he said he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has stopped drinking.
The CFL approved the signing, saying that in December it began the process to determine if Manziel could join the league. Manziel had to meet certain conditions, including an assessment by an independent expert on domestic violence, a review by legal counsel and a discussion with commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
“I’ve been very upfront with my past and the fact that I haven’t been perfect by any means,” Manziel said. “Obviously, the magnitude of my mistakes in the past are something I’m definitely not proud of, but at the end of the day I feel like I’ve come a long way from that person that I was at that time.
“I feel I’ve grown a lot and feel through the mistakes I’ve made they’ve turned me into a better person, they’ve turned me into a man. I’ll never be able to outrun my past … the only thing I can do is grow and hopefully be a better person moving forward, and I have every intention of doing that.”
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams was arrested by Frisco, Texas, police early Saturday morning for public intoxication, a Class C misdemeanor.
Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams was arrested for public intoxication early Saturday after he was found riding an electric bicycle near his residence. His Lamborghini had been abandoned after he hit a light pole. Courtesy: Frisco Police Department
The police found Williams’ 2017 blue Lamborghini abandoned after it hit a light pole in the area of Frisco Green Avenue and Lebanon Road, not far from the Cowboys’ practice facility, at 4:45 a.m. CT. After police determined that the vehicle was registered to Williams, the receiver was found near his home riding an electric bicycle and was arrested.
Williams was released from the Frisco Detention Center on a $369 bond. The police are continuing to investigate Williams for fleeing the scene of an accident, but no charges have been filed. Because the damage to the light pole was more than $200, Williams could be charged for striking a structure, fixture or highway landscaping, an offense that is a Class B misdemeanor.
In a statement released by his attorney, Williams said an officer he had met previously arrested him without performing a sobriety test. Williams said he was returning to the scene on a scooter to meet a tow truck driver.
The attorney, Chip Lewis, disputed the police account of Williams’ vehicle hitting a light pole.
“Terrance did not hit a light pole and there was no light pole even near the vehicle,” Lewis said. “Secondly, his arrest was wholly unrelated to the traffic accident.”
Williams said he veered into the center median to avoid a collision when a man driving a vehicle in front of him hit his brakes. The two exchanged insurance information and a neighbor drove Williams home, where the receiver said he called for a tow truck.
“I have always been an upstanding citizen and handled the situation the best way I know how,” Williams said. “I apologize if I should have handled it a little bit differently.”
Williams has been rehabbing from surgery to repair a broken foot for most of the offseason and has not been taking part in the offseason program and on-field teaching sessions. The Cowboys begin their organized team activities next week, and there was hope that Williams might be able to work some in the June minicamp.
The Arizona Cardinals are trading for Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The Browns will receive a 2020 sixth-round pick in return, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Taylor, 27, started 15 games for the 0-16 Browns in 2017. He had one forced fumble and a half-sack while appearing in all 16 games.
The Browns had been trying to trade Taylor, a team captain, after they selected cornerback Denzel Ward out of Ohio State with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft.
NFL Network first reported the trade.
Jamar Taylor is heading to Arizona in a trade, a source confirmed to ESPN. Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Taylor could fill a need for the Cardinals, who have sought a cornerback to play opposite Patrick Peterson.
A 2013 second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, Taylor has three career interceptions (all in 2016) over five NFL seasons. He joined the Browns in a draft-day trade in 2016.
Taylor would be the sixth player traded by new general manager John Dorsey since taking over the team in December.
Our panel of ESPN NFL Insiders is breaking down what all the offseason action means for the 2018 season throughout the week.
Next up: Kirk Cousins headlined the free-agent quarterback class, but will he have the most success in Year 1?
Our Insiders weigh in, plus dig into these topics:
Which free-agent QB will have the most success in Year 1?
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. It’s really difficult to envision a scenario, other than injuries across the board on offense, in which Cousins doesn’t produce big numbers and double-digit victories for the Vikings. It is less obvious that he’ll prove a big upgrade from Case Keenum, who played one of the best seasons in franchise history last year, but in terms of the 2018 free-agent class, Cousins will have the most success this season.
Baker Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick. But will he be the best? Our Insiders weigh in on the 2018 pick we’ll judge as the best in 2022 and more.
Will Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs still be the top WR duo? Pro Football Focus has the league’s best units.
2 Related
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: Alex Smith, Washington Redskins. Of all the quarterbacks changing teams, Smith is the one who has proven that he can succeed in multiple places/systems. I’m less sure of how Cousins will deal with expectations in a new environment, though he is obviously set up for success with a strong supporting cast.
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. Full disclosure: I’m doing this a little bit later in the project, and I see a ton of people picked Cousins. But Brees was a free agent who just happened to re-sign with the same team. I like the Saints as NFC favorites, and while I like their run game (even with Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games), I expect a little bit of regression to the mean in terms of the scoring balance between the run game and the pass game. Brees had an excellent 2017, but his 23 touchdown passes were his fewest in a season as a Saint. I think he rebounds to eye-popping statistical territory as he breaks big career passing records.
Mike Clay, NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line is still shaky, but Cousins is otherwise positioned well for a massive first season in Minnesota. The team’s loaded defense will shorten the field, and he’ll have a terrific group of weapons with Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Dalvin Cook, Kyle Rudolph and Kendall Wright.
Kirk Cousins is on to Minnesota while Alex Smith takes over in Washington. Charlie Riedel/AP Photo
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. With running back Dalvin Cook back in the mix and a proven group of pass-catchers with which to work, Cousins is in position to post consistent numbers in Minnesota. Plus, given the Vikings’ top-tier defense under Mike Zimmer, Cousins will benefit from bonus possessions and sudden change opportunities. That’s when you take a shot to the end zone.
Which offseason addition will make the biggest impact in 2018?
Bowen: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Houston Texans. His past injuries have to be discussed, but the former Cardinal played faster on tape toward the end of 2017. He’s an upgrade in Houston at a position of need, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel can utilize Mathieu’s versatility in the game plan. Think of a defensive matchup weapon here who can find the ball and play multiple roles for a secondary that struggled last season.
Clay: Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, CBs, Los Angeles Rams. It’s hard to mention one without the other, so I’m going to cheat and go with the two trades the Rams made to acquire superstar corners Peters and Talib. Yes, Peters has some off-the-field concerns, and Talib is now 32, but both have been top-10 performers at the position the past few seasons and, along with Ndamukong Suh, help position the Rams as legit Super Bowl contenders in 2018.
Graziano: Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants. The Giants haven’t scored 30 points in a game since Week 17 of 2015, Tom Coughlin’s last season as head coach. There are myriad reasons for the drought, but the main reason the offense hasn’t worked is that the line hasn’t played well. Moving on from 2015 draft bust Ereck Flowers and replacing him with a reliable veteran at left tackle should allow the Giants at least a chance to see how good their offense can be. The price tag on Solder was massive and could cause the Giants problems down the line. But he should make a big difference in 2018.
Joyner: Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the reputation of not throwing to his tight ends often enough, yet over the past four seasons, Rodgers ranks 10th in completion percentage (51.6) and touchdown percentage (51.6) on end zone throws to tight ends. Those numbers should vault close to the top of the league now that Rodgers has a jump ball tight end of Graham’s caliber, and this pairing could combine for double-digit touchdowns this season.
Sando: Case Keenum, QB, Denver Broncos. It’s either Keenum or Tyrod Taylor, simply because they are competent quarterbacks joining teams that were horrendous at the position last season. Even average play from them will provide massive upgrades. I’ll go with Keenum because there isn’t a highly drafted quarterback waiting to take his job.
Aaron Schatz, editor-in-chief of Football Outsiders: Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland Browns. Or Baker Mayfield. It doesn’t matter which one of them it is; either should be a massive upgrade on what Cleveland had at the quarterback position last season.
Jimmy Graham caught 10 touchdown passes in 2017, his highest total in three seasons in Seattle. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
Field Yates, NFL Insider: Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants. It’s hard for me to look past a player who is primed for the possibility of handling 250-plus total touches right away. We’ve seen rookie running backs make an immediate impact in recent seasons, and Barkley has a decidedly clear avenue to doing the same for the G-Men.
Which team declined the most this offseason?
Yates: Buffalo Bills. Note an important caveat: There is a long-term building process that was followed and not in any way compromised this offseason. The Bills performed exceptionally well in single-score games last season (6-2), which played an integral part in snapping their postseason drought. But it was clear they were not sold on Tyrod Taylor as the long-term quarterback solution, and they utilized their robust draft capital to select Josh Allen seventh overall. Factoring in the QB transition and offensive-line shuffle, Buffalo profiles as a regression team in the short term.
Seifert: Miami Dolphins. Their plan is difficult to discern. They’ve parted ways with most of their best players, from Ndamukong Suh to Jarvis Landry, and added a crew of aging veterans that includes tailback Frank Gore (35 when the season begins), receiver Danny Amendola (32) and guard Josh Sitton (32). Their faith in quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is returning from ACL surgery, is risky at best. The Dolphins aren’t rebuilding in any functional way, but their roster is not ready to compete for a playoff spot, either. That’s a major step back.
Schatz: Buffalo Bills. The QB situation is a mess. Even if you’re a believer in Allen (I’m not), you have to admit he’s the kind of quarterback who will likely require a lot of work to transition. The offensive line is a mess, too, with Buffalo’s three best linemen gone via either trade or retirement. Football Outsiders’ free-agency analysis also shows edge rusher Trent Murphy as one of this year’s signings least likely to live up to the value of his three-year, $22.5 million contract.
Sando: Miami Dolphins. They subtracted Suh, Landry and Mike Pouncey. They appear to be a less talented team as a result.
Joyner: Seattle Seahawks. Mel Kiper gave them his lowest grade of the draft, and their free-agent additions were arguably the least inspiring in the league. Those might be enough to drop Seattle to the bottom of this list, but how in the world did the Seahawks do so little to upgrade the offensive line, which was arguably the worst in the league last season?
The Seahawks find themselves in a suddenly crowded NFC West with a depleted roster. Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
Clay: Miami Dolphins. It was hard not to think of the Chip Kelly-era Eagles when watching the Dolphins chase “culture” while moving on from talented players such as Jay Ajayi, Suh, Pouncey, Landry and Michael Thomas over the past several months. Miami is weak or below average at most positions and is suddenly a candidate for the first overall pick in next April’s draft.
Bowen: Seattle Seahawks. The “Legion of Boom” used to dictate the flow of the game. Play three-deep coverage, challenge routes and physically control the middle of the field. No free passes there. However, with Sherman now in San Francisco, Chancellor facing an uncertain future and a front-four pass rush that must be retooled, the Seahawks have crucial roles to fill on the defensive side of the ball in a division that features quarterbacks Jared Goff and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Which team improved the most this offseason?
Bowen: Los Angeles Rams. The arrow is pointing up for the Bears and Browns after productive offseasons, but I’m looking at the Rams due to the proven, veteran talent they brought in via trades and free agency. Cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib have the playmaking skills to find the ball in the secondary. Go get it. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh bolsters the interior of the front line next to All-Pro Aaron Donald. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is an upgrade for the passing game. Strong, aggressive moves put this squad in position to win the NFC West and make a serious playoff run.
Clay: Cleveland Browns. They had the league’s worst quarterback play in 2017 but solidified it by acquiring Tyrod Taylor and first overall pick Baker Mayfield. Joe Thomas and Danny Shelton are gone, but Cleveland stocked up with talent: E.J. Gaines, TJ Carrie, Carlos Hyde, Jarvis Landry, Chris Hubbard and Damarious Randall as well as early-round rookies Denzel Ward, Austin Corbett and Nick Chubb. This is a team on the rise.
Graziano: Chicago Bears. The problem is that because of the strength of their division, I don’t know that the improvement will necessarily show in the standings. The Bears spent big in free agency, which isn’t always the best way to go, but they’ve improved their wide receiver corps and kept their secondary intact with that spending. I believe their top three draft picks — Roquan Smith, James Daniels and Anthony Miller — are guys who can help them right away at positions of significant need.
Tyrod Taylor represents a big upgrade for the Browns at quarterback. Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer via AP
Seifert: New York Jets. Stay with me for a moment. There is no doubt that the Browns have raised their talent level more from 2017 to 2018. But they also had the furthest to go. The Jets’ drafting of quarterback Sam Darnold establishes a long-term focus for what was already a decently talented roster. For the first time in six years, the Jets know whom they’re building around. Don’t underestimate the value in that, even if Darnold doesn’t make a huge impact in 2018.
Yates: Cleveland Browns. From a talent-added standpoint relative to where the team was last season, Cleveland takes the cake. That, of course, includes the fact that this team was historically bad in 2017, becoming just the second to go 0-16. The Browns have cultivated a short- and long-term plan at quarterback and talent across the offense, and they reshaped the secondary.
