The Washington Redskins have determined their commitment to Robert Griffin III for at least two more seasons. There has been plenty of doubt surrounding the quarterback as he continued to struggle over the last two seasons with inconsistencies and injuries. The Redskins appeared very doubtful to retain him for the future, but Washington announced a contract extension that will alter their draft plans.
According to the Washington Post, the Redskins will pick up the fifth-year option for Griffin worth $16.155 million for 2016. Griffin was preparing to enter the final year of his rookie contract worth a base salary of $3.27 million. The Redskins were deciding between whether or not to let Griffin play out the final year of the deal as an audition year following two seasons of struggles, extend his contract or pick up the option. According to general manager Scot McCloughan, he believes Griffin has earned the right to stick around.
"He's a good football player. He's got the tape out there," McCloughan said, via the Washington Post. "Everyone knows what he did in [2012] when he was offensive rookie of the year. This offseason will be his second in the system, being healthy, being able to go through the offseason, I'm really excited and really looking forward to all three quarterbacks and just watching as Phase 2 gets going, I get to start watching him move around and make plays."
The contract to Griffin alters the draft plans of Washington. According to ESPN, the Redskins were a team in the running to land Marcus Mariota with the No. 5 draft pick. The team was not planning on trading up, but was in the mix to draft the quarterback if he fell into their lap. That will no longer be the case. The Redskins will likely not select Mariota considering they already have Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy also on the roster for the rotation.
The Redskins have options at the No. 5 pick. According to CSN Washington, the team is eyeing top wide receivers to help Griffin. They have taken visits with Amari Cooper and Kevin White. They could also look to the defensive line as a need to fill. McCloughan expressed interest in Leonard Williams from USC. The Redskins have no plans on trading up, but will have talent to pick from when they make their first selection.