The Washington Redskins may have interest in drafting Marcus Mariota in the 2015 draft and if those reports come to fruition for Jay Gruden, the team could look at an RG3 trade or a move with Kirk Cousins this summer and it comes after Robert Griffin III struggled last season after coming back from another injury.
The report comes from John Clayton at ESPN.com and the sentiment about the Redskins taking Mariota was seconded by former safety Ryan Clark. According to Pro Football Talk, Clark said that he doesn't think RG3 is "Jay Gruden's guy" and that he wouldn't be surprised if the team drafted Mariota. Clayton said that the team will consider drafting Mariota if he makes it to the fifth pick, as Gruden sees him as s strong fit for his offense over Griffin. The Eagles were considered an option for Mariota because of his connection to Chip Kelly, but that doesn't appear to be happening after Sam Bradford was acquired in a trade.
The Redskins come into the season after finishing in the bottom of the NFC East and they are looking to bounce back in 2015, which will be the second year under Gruden. Griffin did not play well last season in nine games despite completing 68 percent of his passes, as he had six interceptions and just four passing touchdowns. In what was called an odd move by some, Gruden said Griffin would be the starting quarterback after saying earlier in the offseason there would be a competition and now the Mariota news could change things as well.
While the talk about Mariota doesn't mean the team will trade RG3, there is a chance they could do it if they don't plan on re-signing him once his rookie contract is up. Griffin's future could be up in the air if Gruden wants to take Mariota and if he is traded, teams like the Jets, Browns and Bills could be interested in making a move. A trade is unlikely now for RG3, but Cousins also could be a target for teams, as the Browns previously showed interest in him and the Jets could jump in as well.
The reports coming out of Washington about Griffin and the Redskins were more positive this offseason around the combine after all the negativity at the end of the season, but things could remain in flux. GM Scot McCloughan could look at making a big move after the way the Eagles have changed things up this year and with the Cowboys looking strong, they need to find ways to improve. The team has a win over the Philadelphia Eagles near the end of the season, but once again the team finished last in the NFC East division. Leading up to the win against the Eagles the Redskins had lost six straight games and the talk from places like the Washington Post and ESPN was very negative.
Griffin has looked good at times, but Gruden has been openly critical and at one point he was benched in favor of Colt McCoy. Griffin was a star his rookie season and took the Redskins to the playoffs, but after getting injured in the postseason that year, he has not been able to stay healthy on a consistent basis. The missed time has hindered his progress as a quarterback and the injury has also taken some of his explosiveness away in the running game.