Robert Griffin is working on a ticking clock. The quarterback is entering the final year of his contract and the Washington Redskins have yet to indicate and extension is in the works. Instead, head coach Jay Gruden is stressing that Griffin must improve in this upcoming season in order to determine his future with the franchise. With a lot of big names potentially hitting the market next year, are the Redskins eyeing an eventual change at quarterback?
Gruden started the 2015 season by telling the media that Griffin will be the starting quarterback entering the season despite his last two seasons of struggles. Griffin has not looked great since his standout rookie season while Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy got time under center in 2014 partially because of injuries to the quarterback and partially because he was struggling. Gruden is making it clear the Redskins are still invested in Griffin, but he has to step up this upcoming season.
"It's important for somebody to have a starting block," said Gruden, via ESPN.com. "This is where we are now and this is where we'd like to be. It's not etched in stone. Guys will still come in and compete. Kirk and Colt won't lay down but they understand their role. But for Robert moving forward it's important for him to know that everybody is excited for him and will work hard for him and he just has to do a good job."
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Redskins are eyeing Marcus Mariota in the draft. The Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles are also thinking the same thing which means Washington might have to trade up in order to get him. However, next offseason quarterbacks like Philip Rivers or even Drew Brees could be available. Rivers is ready to play out the final year of his contract with the San Diego Chargers while many assume Brees is trade bait next offseason.
The Redskins will have the same quarterback rotation as last season, something that is rare these days in the NFL. Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy will also return meaning everyone has starting experience. Griffin is auditioning for a future contract and if he struggles, the Redskins will replace him. Gruden is invested in making Griffin better, but does he have enough faith in the quarterback to hold off on getting another option for the future? Competition is high for Mariota. If the Redskins miss out on the Oregon star, they could wait and try to grab someone like Rivers or Brees in 2016.
