Signing Johnny Manziel would be the ultimate Bill Belichick project

Already declared an NFL bust after 15 games, Johnny Manziel would come dirt-cheap. Could Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots save his career?

Johnny Manziel has seemingly come and gone in the NFL. But if given a second chance, would his electrifying athleticism be able to help a team at the pro level?

Last season in the league, the Baltimore Ravens ran an offense that featured its quarterback Lamar Jackson using his tremendous athletic ability to run the ball and make plays with his feet. Jackson went on the win the regular season league MVP.

It opened my eyes to the different lengths a team can go to in order to cater to a specific player.

When Manziel was with the Cleveland Browns, one could question whether or not the team went to those same lengths in order to get the best out of their first-round pick.

With that season fresh in mind, Manziel’s ability to make good use of his own athleticism presents him as an intriguing potential add for the New England Patriots.

Manziel would give Belichick different ways to use his innovative mind offensively, come as cheap as any player out there, and complement the likely starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

It’s an extremely low risk move — and there is actually reward to be had with it, despite the fact that Manziel has become a laughing stock on the football field and is likely to never get another opportunity in the NFL otherwise.

Of course, he’s also on record saying he has zero desire to play football again, per NBC Sports’ Mike Florio.

I believe that isn’t true though, and that he’s an opportunity away from proving he has what it takes.

If he gets another chance, could he help the Patriots? He would be the ultimate Bill Belichick project.