The Washington Redskins may intend to bring back Robert Griffin III in 2015 as their starting quarterback, but decisions do need to be made regarding his long-term future with the franchise. Right now, trade interest in Griffin is non-existent causing the Redskins to re-commit to the former first-round draft pick for another year. However, what happens after that as Griffin is due a contract extension coming up.
Griffin is entering the final year of his contract that will pay him $3 million. He is an unrestricted free agent in 2016 and the Redskins have shown no signs of negotiating a new deal with the quarterback. Head coach Jay Gruden has endorsed his future for 2015, but has said nothing beyond that. Several Redskins teammates have already made it clear that they do not believe Gruden and Griffin are the right fit for each other which begs the question of whether or not the Marcus Mariota interest is true.
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Redskins will draft Mariota at the No. 5 pick. Is this likely just speculation? Yes, but the competition for the Oregon star is dwindling. The Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Cleveland Browns are likely out of the race leaving just the New York Jets and Chicago Bears as the teams continuing to get linked to the quarterback. The Redskins could easily grab him as their quarterback of the future.
If Washington does in fact draft Mariota, there is no chance Washington gives Griffin a contract. The quarterback will command some money regardless of his stats. Miami is currently prepared to give Ryan Tannehill a $100 million deal. Is Griffin worth that much? The other quarterbacks in his draft class are preparing to get big money. Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson will break the bank on deals. Griffin has yet to have their success while injuries have held him back. It is fair to think Washington is not ready to make a long-term commitment and end up like the Chicago Bears with Jay Cutler.
Mariota could be a great fit for Washington. Gruden entered a situation where a supposed franchise quarterback was already in place. He might want to go get "his guy" which could very well be Mariota.