Browns don’t ditch Manziel yet

CLEVELAND – The Browns surprised a lot of experts and hung on to Johnny Manziel.

On the first day of NFL free agency, Cleveland did not release Manziel, a move that has been expected for weeks. The Browns have indicated they will move on without the 23-year-old, who has been a major failure during two seasons as a pro.

The team could be waiting to see if they can trade Manziel for a late-round draft pick or possibly recoup some of the money owed to him if he’s suspended by the league.

Manziel is still facing potential criminal charges in Texas stemming from a domestic violence incident. The league, too, is investigating whether he violated its personal-conduct policy after an ex-girlfriend accused him of hitting her.