Former Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel took a big step in his hopes of making an NFL comeback.

NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday that Manziel has re-hired agent Erik Burkhardt. In many cases, hiring an agent is not a major news story, but this time it is considering the circumstances.

“This one is news to me,” Rapoport said in an NFL Network segment, “because Burkhardt fired Manziel earlier. He did not like the way (Manziel) was going. He did not like the habits (Manziel) had.”

Rapoport went on to say that Manziel had to ask Burkhardt to take him back as a client. Winning Burkhardt back included promises from Manziel on the way he would do business as well as his conduct on and off the field.

Burkhardt isn’t the only one willing to give Manziel another chance.

“There is some real, legitimate interest in Johnny Manziel,” Rapoport said. “I would not be surprised if he is in the NFL in 2017.”

Manziel last played in the NFL in the 2015 season. He was waived by the Cleveland Browns during the 2016 offseason amid multiple off-the-field issues, including a domestic assault charge which is now on track to be dismissed.