12:18pm: About 94% of Manziel’s rookie contract is fully guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links), who adds that the deal includes a $250K roster bonus in March of the fourth year.
11:30am: The Browns have locked up one of their two first-round picks, announcing today (via Twitter) that they’ve agreed to terms with quarterback Johnny Manziel. With Manziel under contract, the team just needs to sign first-round cornerback Justin Gilbert and second-round tackle Joel Bitonio.
The 22nd overall pick in May, Manziel enters the NFL after two standout seasons as Texas A&M’s starter. In 2012, he compiled 3,706 passing yards and 1,410 rushing yards, throwing for 26 TDs and running for another 21, en route to a Heisman Trophy. Manziel’s rushing totals were more modest in 2013, but his passing stats improved, as he racked up over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns through the air.
After passing on Manziel with the eighth overall pick, the Browns sent the 26th and 83rd overall selections to Philadelphia in order to move up to No. 22 and snag the young signal-caller. Per Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap, the 21-year-old will be in line for a signing bonus worth about $4.319MM, while the overall value of his four-year contract will be around $8.249MM. Cleveland will also hold a fifth-year team option for the 2018 season.
Just hope this kid grows up…..fast. Can’t wait for the first time a veteran tells him to “carry my pads.” Johnny Football better make the right decision there.