On Monday afternoon, Derek Carr was asked about 2014 draft-mate, Johnny Manziel. Carr, ever the gentleman, was only complimentary saying, “He’s such a good dude. I obviously wish him the best. You know, I hope that, hopefully one day he’ll reach out. [I’d] be able to talk to him and be a friend to him“. As a response, rumors began springing up that the Oakland Raiders might consider bringing Manziel in, especially with Matt McGloin set to leave in free agency.
Johnny Manziel Won’t Be an Oakland Raider
Necessity
Firstly, the Oakland Raiders won’t sign Johnny Manziel because they don’t need him. They drafted Connor Cook this year, and it seems unlikely that they’ll carry three quarterbacks in 2017. If general manager Reggie McKenzie knew that nobody would trade for Matt McGloin, there’s a chance he may have been released before the season even started.
Considering the Raiders are attempting to re-sign Carr and Khalil Mack over the next two years, they’re going to be very meticulous with their spending. Even if Manziel took the league minimum, spending a penny on something you don’t need is still a waste.
The Biletnikoff Family
The daughter of Hall of Fame Raider receiver, Freddy Biletnikoff tragically passed away as a result of domestic abuse. Biletnikoff, like many Raider legends, still maintains a very good relationship with the team, as well as owner Mark Davis. The Raiders have a very firm stance on domestic abuse, refusing to sign free agents like Greg Hardy due to their history with violence.
Johnny Manziel is currently suspended because he ruptured his girlfriend’s eardrum in a fight. The ethics of allowing a player like Manziel to resume an NFL career is Roger Goodell‘s decision. However, it seems highly unlikely that Davis would change his stance for a third string quarterback.
Not Your Father’s Raiders
Once upon a time, the Raiders were infamously known as the “criminal element of the NFL”. This was because of their hard-hitting style, and a cast of colorful characters like John Matuszak, Ken Stabler, and Jack Tatum. Al Davis and the Raiders were the halfway house of the NFL, welcoming the washed up, the rejected, and the outcasts of the NFL.
In 2016, the Raiders are a very different team. Amari Cooper spends his spare time watching Jeopardy, Derek Carr is a devout Christian that thanks God after every game, and the unique character on the team is a punter that dances after each kick. These Raiders will take on reclamation projects like Aldon Smith, but only if the off the field issues are fixable and only at the right price.
Carr is just a good man, and he believes he could help Johnny Manziel on a personal level. Carr’s remarks were not reflective of the team, and it’s unlikely that he meant the Raiders should sign the former Heisman winner.
Hopefully, Manziel will get his life together, but his road to redemption should take place outside of the NFL. Everything from work ethic issues to drug addiction has been linked to Manziel. Life is about more than football, and he needs to get his act together. Regardless, it won’t happen was a member of the Oakland Raiders.
