Alouettes release Johnny Manziel

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Montreal Alouettes have released quarterback Johnny Manziel. His CFL career is over.

Manziel reportedly “contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league.” The league informed all of its teams not to sign Manziel moving forward.

“We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement,” said General Manager Kavis Reed in a statement. “We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed.”

He had signed with the league one year ago with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was then traded to the Alouettes.

The 26-year-old Tyler, Texas native went 106 of 165 for 1,290 yards in eight games. He had five touchdowns and seven touchdowns. 

With him being banned from the Canadian Football League, his options are limited on where he will be able to play again. He may not be able to play in the NFL again so his options are likely to play in the Alliance of American Football or the upcoming XFL, which will launch in 2020. 

He was the Cleveland Browns first-round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has not played in the NFL since after the 2015 season.