Alouettes worked out Johnny Manziel last September

The Montreal Alouettes have been studying Johnny Manziel for a long time.

The Als asked for and were given permission by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to work out Manziel last September, well in advance of the quarterback signing with the Ticats in May. The session took place in Dallas and Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed was in attendance. That was prior to Mike Sherman being named head coach, a man who has a relationship with Manziel dating back to recruiting him to Texas A&M University in 2011.

As a redshirt freshman, Manziel threw for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns in the SEC on the way to winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012. He followed that up with better passing numbers in 2013.

Manziel renews the relationship with Sherman in Montreal where Reed has been doing background research and laying the ground work for the trade that was consummated.