CFL commissioner approves Manziel for 2018 season

The CFL announced Thursday that commissioner Randy Ambrosie is ready to approve a contract between former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats:

Since last summer, the Canadian Football League has been engaged in a thorough process to determine the eligibility of Johnny Manziel. This process has been conducted with the cooperation of Mr. Manziel and independent of the team which currently holds his CFL rights, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

It has included an ongoing assessment by an independent expert on the issue of violence against women, a review by legal counsel, and an in-person interview of Mr. Manziel conducted by the Commissioner. As well, Mr. Manziel has been required to meet a number of conditions set by the league.

As a result of this process, the Commissioner has now informed Mr. Manziel and the Tiger-Cats he is prepared to approve a contract for Mr. Manziel, should one be negotiated.

The process that led to this decision, however, will continue. Mr. Manziel has been informed he must continue to meet a number of conditions in order to remain eligible. These conditions, while extensive and exacting, remain confidential.

The Tiger-Cats hold Manziel's exclusive negotiating rights, and gave the maligned former 22nd overall pick a workout last September. They'll still need to negotiate a contract with the 25-year-old, but a roster spot is set to open up with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli looking to hit free agency.

Hamilton will have 10 days to either make Manziel a formal contract offer or trade his rights to another team. Should it fail to do either by Jan. 7, 2018, he'll become a free agent, according to TSN's David Naylor.

The team released a statement in appreciation of the league's decision:

They declined to comment on any potential negotiations.

Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones boldly proclaimed earlier in the month Manziel could be "the best player to ever play up here."