Manziel had been a free agent and had multiple visits with the Chiefs in 2017
Kanas City also had incumbent starting QB Alex Smith on their roster that year

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel recently said he believes Patrick Mahomes’ reign with the Kansas City Chiefs almost didn’t happen.

Manziel was appearing on the ‘The Rush Podcast,’ when he stated that he nearly signed with the Chiefs as a free agent back in 2017, which could have resulted in Kansas City not drafting Mahomes that year.

‘I thought I was going to sign in Kansas City the same year that Mahomes got drafted,’ Manziel said.

‘So I think if they wouldn’t have taken a quarterback, which thank God they did, I think I could have ended up there.’

Had Manziel signed with the Chiefs he likely would have occupied the backup QB spot behind incumbent starter Alex Smith, who had just been named to his second Pro Bowl after leading the team to a 12-4 record.

Johnny Manziel said the KC Chiefs nearly signed him instead of drafting Patrick Mahomes

Johnny Manziel said the KC Chiefs nearly signed him instead of drafting Patrick Mahomes

KC drafted Mahomes in 2017 after Manziel took multiple free agent meetings with the team

KC drafted Mahomes in 2017 after Manziel took multiple free agent meetings with the team

Manziel was originally drafted No. 22 by the Cleveland Browns and was cut after only two years

Manziel was originally drafted No. 22 by the Cleveland Browns and was cut after only two years

‘I took a couple meetings there and flew up to Kansas City and kicked the tires on it,’ Manziel said. ‘It ended up not working out.’

Manziel also mentioned that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has developed a reputation for helping players redeem bounce back after off-field issues.

Some of the most notable careers Reid has gotten back on track were quarterback Michael Vick, tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

‘Andy Reid has a really good long history of being able to help people, and he saw something in me as well,’ Manziel said.

Manziel had originally been taken by the Cleveland Browns No. 22 overall but failed to replicate his Heisman Trophy success during his time Texas A&M due to issues both on and off the field.

The Chiefs ultimately selected Mahomes in the draft that year, which has proven to be a move that’s paid off.

The quarterback has led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories in five years, including this season’s back-to-back victory in Las Vegas.