CLEVELAND - The Browns have released troublesome quarterback Johnny Manziel.
The team cut ties on Friday with the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner after two disappointing, drama-filled seasons. Manziel faces an uncertain future in the NFL and potential criminal charges in Texas following a domestic violence incident.
The Browns used a first-round pick in the 2014 draft to select Manziel, an electrifying star at Texas A&M who earned his "Johnny Football" nickname in college with side-armed throws and scrambles for touchdowns. But Manziel's pro career has not gone well as he has become better known more for his excessive social life than anything else.
Manziel started just eight games for the Browns, who supported him through a lengthy stay in rehab last year but finally grew tired of his antics and are moving on.
He passed for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
JETS: QB Robert Griffin III visits team on Friday
NEW YORK -- RGIII in NYC?
Free-agent quarterback Robert Griffin III was visiting with the New York Jets on Friday, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
Griffin was cut by the Washington Redskins on Monday, ending a tumultuous tenure in which the No. 2 overall draft pick immediately became an NFL star in 2012 before his career spiraled to the point where he spent all last season on the sideline because of injuries and inconsistency.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team does not announce player visits.
Griffin's visit was first reported by ESPN.
NFL
One of the people told the AP that the Jets' focus remained on re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, who set a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes last season, and the move to give Griffin a look is simply the team doing its due diligence.
It could also be leverage for the Jets and general manager Mike Maccagnan, who are locked in a stalemate with Fitzpatrick over his value. The veteran quarterback said last season he'd like to return to New York, something coach Todd Bowles echoed from the team's standpoint.
Patriots: Hogan signs offer sheet, Bills won't match
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Chalk up yet another win for the New England Patriots over the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills.
This time, in free agency.
A person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Friday night that the Bills won't match the three-year, $12 million offer sheet receiver Chris Hogan signed with New England earlier in the day. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not announced their decision.
Hogan was a restricted free agent whose rights were retained by the Bills on Monday, when they tendered him an NFL-minimum $1.67 million contract.
The Bills technically had five days to match the Patriots' offer, but such a move was considered difficult for Buffalo because the team has little room left under the salary cap.
And the Patriots -- who have won 27 of the past 30 meetings on the field against Buffalo -- didn't make it easy for the Bills.
A second person, who is familiar with New England's offer, told The AP that the deal was structured so that Hogan's contract would count $5.5 million against the payroll this season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced publicly.
Falcons: Witherspoon agrees to return
ATLANTA - Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is returning to the Atlanta Falcons after spending his first four seasons with the team.
The Falcons have agreed to terms with Weatherspoon, who played in 14 games with Arizona in 2015. He was Atlanta's first-round draft pick in 2010. Terms were not immediately available.
Weatherspoon was recovering from a foot injury when he ruptured his Achilles tendon and missed the 2014 season. He played a full 16 games in only one season, 2011, when he had 80 tackles and a career-high four sacks.
Weatherspoon was the 19th overall pick from Missouri in 2010. He started 41 games in his first four seasons and had 288 tackles with eight sacks and two interceptions. He had 11 tackles as a backup with the Cardinals last season.