CFL team buys more time to negotiate with Johnny Manziel

HAMILTON, Ontario — The Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats have bought themselves more time to negotiate with former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel.

The CFL team issued a statement Sunday confirming that an offer was made to the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. By doing so, the Tiger-Cats maintained his rights and prevented him from becoming a free agent.

The team had 10 days to make an offer to the 25-year-old Manziel, who remains on its negotiation list for another year even if he rejects the bid.

The former Texas A&M star played two tumultuous seasons in the NFL until the Cleveland Browns released him in March 2016 amid a number of off-field issues.

Hamilton (6-12) finished third in the East Division last year and missed the playoffs.

The Tiger-Cats re-signed quarterback Jeremiah Masoli on Thursday, one day after trading Zach Collaros to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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