Several teams are aiming for a quarterback change in 2015. The Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Washington Redskins are just a few of the programs in need of help under center. Normally, drafting a rookie and signing a veteran free agent is a good way to solve this issue. However, there are two intriguing quarterbacks likely available for a trade at the right price that could highly factor in to where quarterbacks like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are taken.
According to multiple NFL sources, both Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III will be available for trades this offseason. Griffin has been benched by the Washington Redskins and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com believes it is a matter of time before the Redskins attempt to trade him or outright release him in the near future. The Cleveland Plain Dealer believes that a trade of Manziel would be the best thing for the Browns should Brian Hoyer lead the team to the playoffs. Manziel is still worth a high draft pick and Cleveland could get another rookie to fill his spot.
MMQB.com's Peter King believes that the potential trades for either Griffin or Manziel could hurt the draft stock of some of this year's best prospects, partially because other teams will show interest in these quarterbacks over rookies and partially because it is clear that running quarterbacks have a slower transition into the NFL. King is quick to use Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick as two examples of this issues alongside Griffin as all three players have seen their share of struggles this season.
"What we're seeing this year is the incredible erosion of the running quarterback," former NFL general manager Bill Polian, via MMQB.com. "I'm not sure RGIII's difficulties devalue it all that much. But I will say that I wouldn't pay RGIII value for Jameis. With Jameis, you're paying for some issues."
There are still teams that will bite on Manziel or Griffin if they truly become available. The New York Post believes the Jets are preparing to be frontrunners for Griffin as they aim to replace both Geno Smith and Michael Vick. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans could take serious glances at Manziel over a rookie. Right now, NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr has Amari Cooper going No. 1 overall to the Oakland Raiders if they remain invested in Derek Carr. Winston or Mariota might not go until mid-way through the first round. While that is still good, teams might not be willing to invest as much in a rookie when they could potentially get Griffin for a mid-round pick instead.
