Dallas Cowboys: Will Spring League change minds on Johnny Manziel?

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel /
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Johnny Manziel made it known in the past he wanted to be a part of the Dallas Cowboys. Could he use the Spring League to get the team to finally take him?

It seems like the Dallas Cowboys and former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel will always be connected somehow. Before he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft, speculation was high that the Cowboys would go for the Texas-native as the heir to Tony Romo.

Instead, they went for Zack Martin out of Notre Dame and watched him become one of the best guards in the NFL. As for Johnny Football? Well, he became Johnny Bust for the Browns and is now trying to rehab his image and make a comeback following being out of the league the past two seasons.

After coming clean about issues from his past, Manziel is now trying to get back to the pros anyway he can. He’s reportedly willing to go to Canada and play in the CFL, but first hopes a stint in the Spring League can change minds about his future potential.

Manziel had his first game in that league recently, and it was of course in Texas — the same state where he was a star as a collegiate standout and where he’s said more than once he wants to play.

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The game was reportedly a sloppy one, but that’s to be expected as it was a group of guys who hardly know one another. Still, Manziel managed to go 9-of-15 passing for 82 yards and had one touchdown pass which made the rounds on Twitter.

The question now becomes if he has indeed changed any minds? For the Dallas Cowboys, it would make sense to go through the tape of his most recent game. This isn’t to say he should come in and compete with current starter Dak Prescott, but instead it could give Dallas some depth at the position.

Behind Prescott, the team had just undrafted rookie Cooper Rush last season after moving Kellen Moore to their practice squad. Moore is now part of their coaching staff, so getting players to fill out the roster is a need ‚— and who better to come in at No. 3 and fight for a job than a guy they were reportedly considering as a first-round pick in 2014?

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Manziel may never live up to the hype he once had, but even when he was at his worst in his personal life during his Browns stint he showed signs of being a capable player. If he’s truly focused now and committed, why not bring him in for competition.