The NFL free agency period has begun, and shockingly, Johnny Manziel still has a job.

That the Cleveland Browns didn't toss the embattled quarterback out on the street at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, isn't as surprising as it seems, according to Deadspin.

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"There remains the slight possibility that Manziel may remain a Brown for months to come, for two reasons, both money-related, Deadspin reported. "The first is pragmatic: if Cleveland waits until June 1, (it) could spread Manziel's dead money over the next two seasons.

"The second reason is pragmatic too, but kind of depressing: if Johnny Manziel is a member of the Browns when the NFL hands down a personal-conduct suspension for his domestic violence incidents, the Browns stand to recoup some of his guaranteed money."

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The end to Manziel's 2015 season, and perhaps his career, included some unusual circumstances. He was placed under the concussion protocol before Cleveland's regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the week, which brought a report that the Browns did it because Manziel showed up drunk to practice on Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk.

The Browns vehemently denied the report.

Manziel then flew to Las Vegas the day before the Steelers game and missed his required medical appearance with the team on the day of the game.

The first-round draft choice in 2014 since has also been accused of domestic violence against his former girlfriend, and his case has gone to a grand jury to decide whether enough evidence exists for him to go to court.

Cleveland officials already have issued statements saying they wouldn't comment further on Manziel, but it seems logical for them to recoup as much as they can from the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner before kicking him to the curb.