Robert Griffin III is expected to be released by the Washington Redskins this offseason before the new league year begins. Washington is looking to sign Kirk Cousins long term and if RG3 is released, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers could be interested in signing him.
Griffin and his future in Washington has been up in the air since last year and now it looks like his time with the team is coming to an end. According to NFL.com, the Redskins are expected to cut RG3 this offseason ahead of the start of the new league year, which begins on March 9. Griffin had his fifth year option picked up last year and the Redskins likely will not want to pay $16 million to a backup quarterback.
Griffin spent most of the season inactive as the third string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy and his contract will become guaranteed on March 9. General manager Scot McCloughan spoke to the Washington Post about the quarterback situation moving forward, saying that the team is looking to sign Cousins long term. McCloughan was coy about Griffin and the plans for the quarterback, but he likely was keeping his cards close to his vest and not revealing what the team is going to do.
McCloughan left the door open for Griffin to return, but it's highly unlikely at this point that Griffin will be back. Jay Gruden went with Cousins as the starter last season and Cousins led the team to the playoffs. With Cousins headed towards free agency, the Redskins have made signing him a priority and that means moving on from Griffin.
Earlier in the season NFL.com reported that if Griffin were to become available, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans could be interested in signing him. The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers also could be potential landing spots, according to CSN Washington. Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas speculates that Griffin will not end up with the Cowboys, but multiple reports have Griffin hoping to end up with the team if he is released.
The Cowboys are expected to address the backup quarterback position this offseason and Griffin could be a potential target. The Cleveland Browns are reportedly ready to move on from Johnny Manziel and could look at Griffin as an option even if they draft a quarterback. The Eagles, Texans and 49ers also are expected to address the QB position this offseason and could bring in Griffin as an option to compete for a job or as a backup quarterback.