The biggest decision for the Washington Redskins at the moment does not appear to be who they will draft at the end of the month, but whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option of Robert Griffin III. While there is still time for the Redskins to determine their commitment to the quarterback, the decision could dictate the route the team takes in the draft. With Marcus Mariota a potential pick for Washington, what will the team do about Griffin's future?
More and more, NFL experts are coming out with reasons why Washington should avoid the expensive fifth-year option of Griffin. According to ESPN's Jason Reid, the Redskins should steer clear of the $16.155 million deal and focus on finding a potential replacement instead. This opinion follows the report from NBC Washington that the Redskins are content with letting Griffin play out the final year of his contract and see where he stands after that. This way Washington is fully protected if Griffin suffers another major injury, something that has happened the past two seasons.
Assuming Washington does not pick up the option and is content with letting Griffin audition for another contract, how will they build up the position behind the quarterback? Head coach Jay Gruden has already named Griffin the starter heading into offseason workouts, but there is no guarantee that remains in Week 1. Drafting at No. 5, Washington is in prime position to grab a quarterback in the first round. However, NFL.com reports the team will not trade up to get one. After wagering an entire draft on Griffin, moving up for Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota is not ideal. That could leave the Redskins to draft someone like Bryce Petty or Garrett Grayson in a later round.
According to ESPN's latest mock draft, the Redskins are favoring a top wide receiver or secondary star in the draft. They have been linked to both Amari Cooper and Kevin White while also taking a look at players like Landon Collins. The Alabama safety made it clear that he would love to play for the Redskins while be projected as a top 10 pick.
"I grew up a Redskins fan," Collins said on NFL Network. "I was a big Sean Taylor and Clinton Portis fan. Those were my two favorite players, so I grew up seeing them play for the Redskins, so that would be my dream, to play there."
The Redskins have a lot of routes they can take in the NFL Draft. However, the biggest factor in deciding the best move to make will be the contract to Griffin.
