The Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin III appear to be headed for a split this offseason. Reports have the team looking to cut RG3 this winter and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans could be potential landing spots.
Griffin and his future in Washington has been up in the air since the team picked up his fifth-year option and now it looks like his time in DC is coming to an end. According to Ian Rapoport at NFL.com, the Redskins will release Griffin before the new league year begins in March. Griffin has a $16.155 million option for next season and his salary will be guaranteed on the first day of the new league year on March 9.
Griffin does not seem to have a future in DC despite the high salary, as the team went with Kirk Cousins as the starter last season. Cousins had a strong year while taking the team to the playoffs and both Jay Gruden and general manager Scot McCloughan have said that they want Cousins back for next season. Cousins is hitting free agency and the Redskins are expected to try and sign him to a long-term contract. The Redskins potentially could keep Griffin on the roster, but at $16 million it is highly unlikely that he will stay as a backup at that price tag.
Griffin had a quick rise in the NFL after leading the Redskins to the playoffs and winning rookie of the year in 2012, but injuries and inconsistency have kept Griffin from succeeding in Washington. Griffin is just 25 and if he is released by the Redskins, a number of teams likely will be interested in the quarterback. Earlier in the season NFL.com reported that the Cowboys, Texans and Eagles could be potential landing spots if Griffin was released this offseason.
The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers also could be potential options for Griffin along with the Rams, Jets and Saints. The Cowboys are expected to address the backup quarterback position this offseason and Jerry Jones could look at Griffin as an option. Griffin reportedly would "love" to end up in Dallas, according to Yahoo Sports, while Todd Archer at ESPN thinks that Jones will not end up signing Griffin.
Griffin could be a potential fit for Hue Jackson and the Browns, as the team is reportedly set to move on from Johnny Manziel this offseason. If Griffin doesn't end up with the Cowboys, he still could return home to Texas if he signs in Houston. The Texans are expected to add some competition for Brian Hoyer and Griffin could be an option.