The Washington Redskins are not doing a great job of showing their commitment to Robert Griffin III. Head coach Jay Gruden has made it clear he will enter the 2015 season as the starter, but the team appears to slowly be in the process of replacing him as the long-term option. With the No. 5 pick in the NFL Draft, the Redskins are bringing Marcus Mariota in for a visit.
ESPN's John Clayton reported earlier in the offseason that the Redskins were emerging as the favorites to land Mariota in the draft. Competition is high for the former Oregon quarterback, but Washington stands a chance at having Mariota fall into their lap and they are preparing for it just in case.
According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, the Redskins are one of the teams bringing Mariota in for a visit prior to the draft in April. The Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also on the list to visit with Mariota and they both draft before Washington. The Buccaneers are more likely to take Jameis Winston while the Titans are looking at everyone from Mariota to pass rushers. The Redskins stand a good chance at getting Mariota with that pick.
If Washington does in fact draft Mariota, there is a good chance they are preparing to move on from Griffin. At this time, the Redskins are trying to determine whether or not to pick up a fifth-year option worth almost $16 million for 2016. According to CSN Washington, the Redskins are not likely to pick up that option which means Griffin would become a free agent at the end of this upcoming season. Gruden stresses that he wants Griffin confident for 2015 in order to improve.
"I think Robert has always been a very confident guy, a very confident quarterback, and I don't think he's ever lacked in that department," Gruden said, via the Washington Post. "But if he has wavered a little bit because of the last couple years, then it's good for him to come into this year, knowing that he's the starter and that the guys are behind him . . . He'll have every opportunity to succeed."
The Redskins have Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy in the rotation as well. Either of those quarterbacks could also be used as a starter if Griffin struggles. Washington could also favor targets like Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty in later rounds if Mariota goes in an earlier pick.
