The biggest question mark for the Washington Redskins is just how committed they are to Robert Griffin III. Yes, the quarterback has been named the starter for 2015 over Kirk Cousins or another potential addition, but what happens in 2016? Griffin is preparing to enter the final year of his contract with extension negotiations nowhere in sight. Now, players are speaking out saying Griffin is not the quarterback Gruden wants for the future. Does the team make a move for someone in the draft as an eventual replacement?
The Redskins will calculate their quarterback moves carefully considering just how much they gave up to acquire Griffin who has failed to impress since breaking out his rookie season. There is no trade market for the quarterback which likely caused Gruden to confirm Griffin as the starter for 2015, but could an draft move change that?
"We'll obviously go into season with Robert as our No. 1 guy," Gruden said, via the Washington Post. "It's up to Robert to improve."
That is not exactly a ringing endorsement for the quarterback. To make matters worse, former Redskin Ryan Clark caused headlines saying that Griffin is not who Gruden wants as his quarterback. When Gruden was hired, Griffin was already in place as the franchise star and owner Dan Snyder had no plans on changing that. Griffin is not exactly the type of quarterback that functions well in Gruden's preferred offense, causing adjustments to be made. It is not crazy to think that Gruden wants to get in a quarterback of his choosing this season.
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Redskins will be selecting Marcus Mariota at No. 5. With Jameis Winston likely going No. 1 overall, the race is on for Mariota and the Redskins have the pick to do it. The Redskins need to make quarterback adjustments regardless simply because in a year Griffin could be gone. The team has Cousins, but he has not thrilled in his time as a starter either. Gruden might favor his potential more as a traditional pocket passer, but the need for a rookie to develop is key for Washington. Getting Mariota is admitting failure with Griffin, but could set the team up for success in the future.
