The Washington Redskins are expected to cut Robert Griffin III this offseason in favor of signing Kirk Cousins to a long term contract. While that idea may have been unthinkable a few years ago, RG3 does not seem to have a future in DC and if he is released, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, LA Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and 49ers could be interested in signing him.
Griffin spent the season mostly inactive as the third string quarterback behind Cousins and Colt McCoy and now his exit from Washington looks very likely. The Redskins picked up the fifth year option for Griffin last year and at $16 million for next season, the team likely will not be looking to pay him that salary. Griffin could be released ahead of the start of the new league year, which is when his salary will be fully guaranteed.
McCoy is heading towards free agency and could return as the backup for Cousins, who is expected to sign back long-term or get hit with the franchise tag. Griffin dealt with injuries and inconsistent play in the previous two seasons leading into 2015 and his development never got back on track. Head coach Jay Gruden opted to go with Cousins this season and that worked out very well, as Cousins led the team to the playoffs and put up strong numbers.
NFL.com reports that Griffin passed his exit physical for the Redskins and that is the last step for the team if they decide to release him this offseason. The website reported earlier in the season that the Cowboys, Eagles and Texans could be potential targets if Griffin was released by the Redskins. Pro Football Talk writes that the Browns, 49ers, Rams and Eagles could be potential fits for Griffin. The Cowboys are looking to add a backup for Tony Romo, while the Eagles could be in the market for a new starter if Sam Bradford leaves in free agency.
The Browns are preparing to move on from Johnny Manziel and could look at Griffin as an option even if they take a quarterback in the draft. Chip Kelly and the 49ers could be a fit if they feel that Colin Kaepernick is not the answer, while the Texans are looking to upgrade the position after using four different starters last season. Griffin is still young and has the potential to develop into a solid starter if he ends up in the right situation.