NFL Notes: Johnny Manziel, 49ers, Eagles

Johnny Manziel

New Hamilton Tiger-Cats QB Johnny Manziel explained some of the differences that have stood out to him now that he’s in a CFL offense.

“Spacing is a little bit different on the defensive side if I had to look at anything,’‘ Manziel said, via ESPN.com. “On offense, I’ve never ran this many routes that are predicated off of one defender … every route has an opportunity to break three or four different ways, which is different.

“But I think it gives you the versatility and offensive weapons to be able to attack coverages more intensely than it would just running a fixed route. I know it’s going to take some time, but now I see it more so, and my expectations are tempered.”

Manziel didn’t do much during his first practice, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Tiger-Cats HC June Jones said he expects Manziel to be up to speed in two and a half weeks or so.

“He’s got to catch up because we’ve got guys in there, and he will,” Jones said. “We have plenty of time in camp. I’d say in 2½ weeks he’ll have a handle on everything.”

• According to Albert Breer, an unnamed NFL team brought Manziel in for a workout earlier this month.
• Breer says that Manziel’s representatives have kept in contact with a couple of other NFL teams, but with no opportunity forthcoming, Manziel made the decision to sign a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL on Saturday (NFLTR).
• Manziel reportedly viewed Sunday, May 20, as the deadline to get a deal done with an NFL team, considering that this is the first day of Hamilton’s training camp.

49ers

49ers first-round OT Mike McGlinchey says long-time LT Joe Staley has been taking him under his wing since he arrived in San Francisco.

“He’s been awesome; Joe is the best,” McGlinchey said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “… What you see is what you get with Joe. There’s no B.S. There’s nothing behind the scenes. He’s a good person. He’s a good player and he’s willing to help his team in any way possible.

“He’s taking me under his wing and helped me out when I need him to; answering every question I have. Meeting with me whenever I need him to. Going over film. He’s been awesome.”

McGlinchey is among 73 draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie contracts. (NFLTR)

Eagles

• Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com mentions that if the Eagles were to bring back veteran TE Brent Celek, it likely would have happened at the same time they re-signed RB Darren Sproles.
• The Eagles used a second-round pick on Dallas Goedert, so unless the Eagles sustain an injury at tight end, Kempski can’t see him returning to Philadelphia.