Patriots gridiron news: Johnny Manziel down with backing up Tom Brady

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel /
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Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel is looking for a job in the NFL and the New England Patriots are an ideal spot for the young quarterback. 

Just a few days after former NFL receiver Nate Burleson suggested the New England Patriots as a perfect place for Johnny Manziel.

With 40-year-old quarterback and reigning MVP Tom Brady still at the top of his game, Burleson’s view is for Johnny Football to serve as Brady’s backup.  In that respect, it makes some sense.

Not only would it give Manziel an opportunity to learn from the best, it would take some pressure off him and enable him some time to develop both as a football player and get himself together mentally.

Now, the Patriots do have veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer currently backing up Brady, but a rejuvenated Johnny Manziel would definitely add some training camp excitement and intrigue to the position.  Our own Sam Minton thinks the Patriots should take a shot at the former Texas A&M quarterback and so does Manziel himself.

Actually, Manziel says he is willing to play for free for anyone who will give him another chance in the NFL.  But, to play behind Brady is a no brainer.

"“I’ll go to New England in a heartbeat,” Manziel told TMZ sports."

Manziel went on to say that there is a lot he could learn from the GOAT.

One of those things, in my opinion, would be how to balance his football career and life off the field.  Along with his friendship with tight end Rob Gronkowski, New England could be the right spot for him to get himself back together.

If playing under a coach like Bill Belichick and having the influence of a Tom Brady doesn’t help Johnny Manziel…nothing will.

Speaking of Rob Gronkowski… 

The New England Patriots tight end is apparently still thinking about his future.

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While fans await the fate of Gronkowski, he has spent his days working out at the TB12 Sports Therapy Center at Gillette Stadium according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Is this encouraging news?  Perhaps.

If Rob Gronkowski is swaying towards retirement, why would he still use team facilities?  Then again, he does live close to the stadium and using the TB12 Sports Therapy Center could just be a matter of convenience.

The swaying back and forth is exactly how this offseason has been so far when it comes to the future of No. 87.

Marquis Flowers drawing interest

If the New England Patriots have thoughts of linebacker Marquis Flowers in their future, they will have to fend off a few teams in pursuit.

The free agent linebacker has been adamant about his desire to stay in New England, but as NESN reports, multiple teams have expressed interest in Flowers.

Next: New England Patriots: The best fits in the 2018 NFL draft

Could this be another case of player upping his status while with the Patriots and cashing in? Depending on what else the team does at the position, they may be willing to let him walk.