All signs point to the Washington Redskins preparing to move past Robert Griffin III in 2016 despite naming him the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. As the quarterback continues to struggle in the starting role, the Redskins have kept around Kirk Cousins and brought back Colt McCoy as insurance should something happen to Griffin. However, could they be eyeing a long-term option to bring in this season as Marcus Mariota visits the team before the NFL Draft?
The Redskins have until May 3 to determine their commitment to Griffin. That is the deadline to decide whether or not to pick up the quarterback's fifth-year option that reaches $16 million for 2016. According to CSN Washington, the Redskins are not intending to pick up that extra year and will let 2015 be Griffin's audition for the future. Outside of his rookie season, Griffin's tenure in the NFL has been a struggled. Washington gave up a lot to get the quarterback and have yet to get anything back. That is causing the team to get linked to quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
According to CSN reporter Tarik El-Bashir, the Redskins have brought in Mariota for a visit and he is a real possibility at the No. 5 draft pick. However, Mariota is only an option if he falls in the draft. If Redskins are unlikely to make another major trade up the draft boards for a quarterback, but will gladly pick Mariota if he falls into their lap at that point in the draft.
While Mariota is certainly a target to replace Griffin in 2016, the Redskins must look at other players to be long-term options. Mariota is still an unknown despite his success this season and Washington might eye veterans if the Oregon star is already drafted. Could the Redskins be an option for Sam Bradford? Washington has not been one of the many teams linked to the quarterback now with the Philadelphia Eagles, but NFL.com reports that he could be available in a trade at the right price. Bradford inspires about as much confidence as Griffin does right now.
Philip Rivers, Nick Foles and potentially Drew Brees will all be available next season. If Washington misses out on Mariota, they could stay put for 2015 and find a replacement option in 2016 should Griffin struggle again. The Redskins do not appear opposed to the idea of keeping Griffin around if he plays well this year, but they are making arrangements if that does not happen.
