HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks up at the clock while coaching against the Houston Texans in the third quarter on November 29, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Sean Payton speaks out on Saints’ meeting with ousted QB Johnny Manziel

He may not be the first choice, but a choice nonetheless .

Johnny Manziel isn't in the same category with other prominent free agent quarterbacks for obvious reasons. However, the New Orleans Saints have displayed interest in adding the former first-round draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner to the fold and head coach Sean Payton recently spoke about meeting with Manziel earlier in the offseason.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk brings word from Payton during a sit-down interview and, while Payton does not express anything imminent with regard to Manziel, he also didn't close the book on a potential marriage.

"So, there is nothing as a club that we're doing right now. It was an informative meeting for me just to know the player."

Later in the interview, Payton references something of a potential tryout situation for Manziel but goes on to say that nothing is clear on that front.

"I'm not saying that's what we're doing but I think if it happens, there's some steps that he's going to have to take also that, just with the league, to be in a position to play."

At this point, it seems likely that Manziel isn't the first choice as another backup option for Drew Brees in New Orleans but Payton could have been more definitive if he didn't have any interest whatsoever. For now, we are left wondering if Manziel will be in training camp anywhere but it isn't impossible by any means.