The success of the Washington Redskins will likely rise of fall based on the play of Robert Griffin III. The quarterback is playing on thin ice this season as he enters a crucial year with his contract. The Redskins opted in on his fifth-year option, but that in no way guarantees his future with the franchise. Should Griffin struggle once again in the upcoming season, what is next for the quarterback position in Washington?
According to USA Today, 2015 is make-or-break for Griffin. The Redskins showed their confidence in the quarterback by not trading up to draft either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota in the spring which means the pressure is on for him to improve. Griffin is not acknowledging just how critical this year will be to his future in the league, but he is stressing that he feels healthy and ready to compete.
"I don't really hear that stuff. We're focused on getting better every day," said Griffin, via ESPN.com. In his first 15 games, he threw 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. "I'm glad he said some nice things. I just think we're all feeling better about what we're doing. We know a lot more than last year. And for me as a player, you always have to be confident. Sometimes you have to throw a little swag on it."
The Redskins will enter the 2015 season with the same quarterback rotation as 2014. With Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy still around, all three quarterbacks have starting experience. That bodes well for the short-term should Griffin struggle or suffer an injury, but neither quarterback delivers much confidence for the long-term outlook. According to the Washington Post, the Redskins are more likely to draft a quarterback rather than chase a big name in free agency, but there could be some quality options for the franchise to take a look at if they want experience over development.
Next season, Sam Bradford, Nick Foles and Philip Rivers will headline the free agency class for the NFL. All three quarterbacks could be a solid fit in Washington. Trade deals for Drew Brees or Johnny Manziel might also come up into conversation while backups like Mike Glennon or Brock Osweiler will also be quality targets.
Griffin could silence everyone by truly improving and being that same quarterback he showed during his rookie season. However, one bad game and everyone is going to be crying out for a quarterback change.