The Washington Redskins continue to get mixed in with quarterback rumors before the NFL Draft as criticism surrounds Robert Griffin III. As the quarterback prepares to enter the final year of his contract, his future with the Redskins is less than guaranteed. With the No. 5 draft pick, the Redskins have a shot at landing a top quarterback and could be preparing a trade up to get one.
With the draft just weeks away, suddenly Jameis Winston is not a lock for the No. 1 overall pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Marcus Mariota could be the priority instead of the Florida State standout. According to ESPN's Ron Jaworski, the Buccaneers are suddenly favoring Mariota which means Winston could easily fall into the lap of the Redskins at No. 5. The Tennessee Titans have been coy about their interest in a quarterback while the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders are not making a move for one. The Redskins have a chance.
The Washington Post is reporting the Redskins will take a quarterback if Mariota or Winston is an option. However, they will not be making a trade up in order to acquire either player after they wagered an entire draft on Griffin and have yet to reap the benefits on that move. That is preventing the team from making a drastic move for a quarterback despite both players being considered ready to start in the league immediately.
The Post makes the argument that drafting a quarterback would allow head coach Jay Gruden to start from scratch at the position. Last season, it was heavily reported that Gruden was not thrilled with Griffin sighting that he was not the best type of quarterback for the offense he intended on running. However, when pocket-passer Kirk Cousins gave starting a shot, things did not work out so well forcing Washington to go back to Griffin. The draft would be the perfect opportunity for Gruden to get the quarterback of his choice.
All of the quarterback rumors around Washington lead to the bigger question of what to do with Griffin. According to NBC Washington, the Redskins are not looking to pick up the quarterback's fifth-year option while negotiations have not taken place for a contract extension. Instead, Griffin will neter the final year of his deal auditioning for a new contract either in Washington or elsewhere. With no trade value on the market, the Redskins will continue to Griffin at the starting spot until someone upsets him.
