The gang is all back together. The Washington Redskins have already declared Robert Griffin III their starter for 2015 regardless of his struggles, but made moves to secure depth by bringing back familiar faces. After giving all three quarterbacks a chance at starting last season, everyone returns while a draft deal looms over Washington.
With Griffin and Kirk Cousins entering the final years of their contracts, the Redskins announced the return of Colt McCoy to a one-year contract. The third-string quarterback was a free agent and getting very little attention at the start of the offseason. The Redskins liked what they got out of McCoy last season and brought him back.
After Griffin was injured and Cousins struggled, McCoy took over as the starter and was responsible for more wins than either of the other two quarterbacks. The 27-year-old started four games last year for Washington, getting them a win over Dallas on Monday Night Football in his first start. McCoy finished the year with 1,057 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. McCoy will enter as the third-string quarterback, but do not rule him out as a starter.
Head coach Jay Gruden already confirmed that Griffin would enter the season as the starter. However, Cousins has been seen down in Tampa working out with Jon Gruden and has every intention of earning that starting job. According to NFL.com, there has not been any trade interest in Cousins so far this offseason and their likely will not be. The second-string quarterback struggled in the short time he started at the position dropping his value way down.
The lingering question for the Redskins is where they stand on Marcus Mariota. Drafting at No. 5 puts the Redskins in position to get the former Oregon star, but will they make the move? Washington sold the farm to get Griffin and right now that move is not paying off. Washington needs to determine their commitment to the quarterback considering his contract is expiring and if there is rising doubt, the move for Mariota should be made. The Redskins can easily take on the rookie and groom him for a year before he takes over for the departing Griffin.