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Dallas Cowboys: Is Johnny Manziel finally worth a look?

By Steven Mullenax

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Johnny Manziel #2 of Texas A&M Aggies drops back to pass in the third quarter during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field on September 14, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Johnny Manziel #2 of Texas A&M Aggies drops back to pass in the third quarter during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field on September 14, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys nearly drafted Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel four years ago. On the road to recovery, is the 25-year old now worth a look?

It may be hard to believe now, but at one time the choice between four-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin and draft bust quarterback Johnny Manziel was a difficult one. Ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys choose Martin 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. And Johnny Football took his talents to Cleveland, selected six picks later.

Manziel went on to play 14 total games in two years with the Browns. He posted 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 57.0% of his passes during his short time in the NFL. But his inconsistent play and numerous off-the field issues limited what might have become a promising professional career.

But the young quarterback, who nearly became the Cowboys’ top pick in 2014, is now 25-years old. He’s been out of the league for over two years. But it finally appears he’s on the road to recovery, getting help with his various issues, including a battle with bipolar disorder.

"“I am taking medication for bipolar, and I am working to try to make sure I don’t fall back into any type of depression, because I know where that leads me and I know how slippery a slope that is for me,” Manziel told ABC News during a Good Morning America interview. “I am coming back from a huge downfall. I don’t know what kind of comeback it will be, but I know I want to get back on a football field, to what brought me so much joy in my life.”"

At 6-foot-0, 210 pounds, a successful NFL career was going to be difficult to achieve if everything went perfectly for Manziel. His issues made it impossible. But no one can argue that Johnny Football was one of the greatest college quarterbacks of his era. And a showman like no other.

During his time with the Aggies, Manziel passed for 7,820 yards, 63 touchdowns and 22 interceptions while completing 68.9% of his passes during an incredible two-year run. He won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman in 2012.

But would Manziel make sense for the Cowboys today? Dallas was clearly interested at one point. And their current depth chart, which only includes Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, appears to have room to take a flier on Manziel. And the Cowboys are one of a handful of NFL teams that would welcome the publicity signing Johnny Football would bring.

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In my opinion, the Dallas Cowboys should kick the tires on Johnny Manziel. But only if they truly believe his off-the-field issues are a thing of the past. If so, why not take a flier on the former Heisman winner? His status in Texas alone would move massive amounts of merchandise.

At worst, Manziel is another camp arm that would take away some of the negative press surrounding Prescott’s disappointing sophomore campaign. And at best, you have a once-promising quarterback who can compete with Cooper Rush for the primary backup role.

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