NFL Notes: Johnny Manziel, Colts, Jets, Lions & Patriots

Johnny Manziel

Dallas Police Department released a statement Saturday regarding Browns QB Johnny Manziel and the investigation regarding a domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend.

“On 2/5/16, Dallas PD began investigating a complaint of a domestic violence assault that occurred in Dallas on 1/30/16. Jonathan Manziel was the listed suspect in this offense,” the Dallas police statement said. “Up to this point in the investigation, detectives have continued communicating with the complainant and interviewed witnesses. Detectives received medical records from the complainant, and obtained video from surveillance cameras. Detectives are continuing with their efforts to fully investigate the facts of this case. As this remains an on-going investigation, no details of the investigation will be released at this time. We would like to finish the investigation ASAP, but detectives work around the victim’s and witnesses’ schedules which can delay the process. As of today, there has been no determination as to what type of charge, if any, will be filed against Mr. Manziel.”

Colts

• Mike Wells of ESPN could see the Colts re-signing tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener because of owner Jim Irsay saying his goal this offseason is to retain his own players.

Jets

• Though Rich Cimini of ESPN thinks the Jets will monitor impending free agent RB Matt Forte, he ultimately believes his days as a No. 1 running back are over.
• Cimini believes Forte would be a good fit as the team’s third-down back if Bilal Powell departs through free agency.
• According to Cimini, the team has a desire to re-sign RB Chris Ivory or Powell, but he does not think both players will be back in New York.

Lions

• Mike Rothstein of ESPN mentions former Iowa and Michigan QB Jake Rudock as a possible third-day draft pick.
• However, Rothstein is not ranking Rudock over other late-round options and overall expects them to draft a quarterback they could develop.
• Rothstein cannot see the Lions drafting Alabama RB Derrick Henry with their second round pick and will instead attempt to address the offensive line, defensive line, linebacker or wide receiver positions.
• Rothstein names Denver’s Malik Jackson, the Patriots’ Akiem Hicks, and the Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison as possible free agent defensive line options for the Lions.
• Rothstein believes Hicks is player to watch due to his connection to GM Bob Quinn during his time with the Patriots.
• In addition, Rothstein mentions the Seahawks’ Brandon Mebane as a cheaper option, while re-signing defensive tackles Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker remain a possibility.

Patriots

• ESPN’s Mike Reiss does not see the Patriots pursuing recently cut Rams players DE Chris Long or LB James Laurinaitis.
• While Reiss mentions Laurinaitis being a player that could step into the No. 3 linebacker role, it would be more suitable to see the team develop a younger player that could have an impact on special teams.