Ahead of the 2018 season, Johnny Manziel was dreaming of an NFL return.

However, as the offseason rolled on, achieving that became less and less likely.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Back in 2014, Johnny Football was taken by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick of that year’s draft.

Unfortunately, he never lived up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of college.

In fact, Brian Hoyer was made the Browns starter in 2014 and Manziel widely struggled to make an impact on the team.

In 2016 after a number of injuries and a lot of controversies, the young quarterback was released by Cleveland. 

CFL NEGOTIATIONS

After a year away from football, Manziel decided to put his rocky past behind him and began working out with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who play in the Canadian Football League.

However, he couldn't reach a deal with the team and failed to sign a contract before February 2018 - and the Tiger-Cats broke off their negotiations. 

Shortly after, Manziel announced he would play in The Spring League - and announced that it was his primary focus to re-join the NFL.

Even after representatives from all 32 of the league's teams watched him throw at Texas A&M's pro day, none decided to snap Manziel up. 

On May 19, it was announced that the 24-year-old had signed a two-year deal with Hamilton - and he finally entered the CFL. 

STRUGGLING WITH THE TIGER-CATS

We're now six weeks into the CFL season and Manziel has yet to make an appearance for the Tiger-Cats.

He's was sitting on the bench behind starting QB Jeremiah Masoli, who this year has tied the CFL record for nine straight 300-yard passing games. 

Manziel's opportunities were clearly very limited with Hamilton - but now, he's been traded by the team. 

A PACKAGE DEAL

The Tiger-Cats have traded their backup QB to the Montreal Alouettes - but he won't be going alone. 

Manziel will be joined by offensive tackle Tony Washington and offensive lineman Landon Rice in Montreal. 

In return, Hamilton receives defensive end Jamaal Westerman, wide receiver Chris Williams and first-round picks in the 2020 and 2022 CFL drafts, per ESPN

LINKING UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND

Manziel's trade to the Alouettes sees him reunited with the coach who recruited him to Texas A&M all those years ago. 

Back in 2011, Mike Sherman was the Aggies' head coach - and he gave Manziel his first start in college football.

A year later, the QB went on to win the Heisman Trophy with new coach, but it was under Sherman that Manziel's career began.

The Alouettes, who have the worst record in the CFL this season, will be hoping to see Manziel re-capture his college form while working with Sherman.

If he does, then, in turn, he may be able to help Montreal turn their season around.